An independent study course is one in which the student studies a topic in sociology that is not taught in a regularly scheduled course. Students arrange independent study courses personally with individual faculty members. Most independent study courses consist of one student and one faculty member, but more that one student or instructor may participate in an independent study course.

You should begin by selecting a topic that (1) you wish to study in detail and (2) is not offered in a regularly scheduled course. You should then meet faculty members who are interested in that topic. Please consult the faculty section below to know about their interests.

You may not register for an independent study course until a faculty member agrees to be your instructor. Many faculty members teach independent study courses only to students known to them or have other requirements. You and the faculty member should agree on the number of credits you will receive for the course. The faculty member will then authorize you to enroll in the course.

No student may count more than 6 credits of independent study course towards the major or minor. No student may take more than 6 credits of independent study courses with the same faculty member.

Independent study course are SOCY 299, SOCY 399 and SOCY 499 in Sociology and ANTH 399 and ANTH 499 in Anthropology. Higher level courses are more demanding.

An internship can be taken in two ways in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. One is SOCY 396, Community Service and Learning Internship, which is a pass-fail course (1-3 credits) and does not count towards the minor or major. This course is offered through the Shriver Center and permits students to participate in the delivery of social services to the elderly, disadvantaged youth, the mentally and physically challenged, the homeless, the environment, or illiterate adults. In order to sign up for this course, you should go to Shriver Center and they will make the necessary arrangements.

The second course is either SOCY 399 or ANTH 399, Independent Study, which is taken for credit (1-3) and does count towards the major or minor. First, you should find a faculty advisor who will agree to work with you on an internship. Next, you must find an internship site. You and your advisor can select a site together, or you can go to the Shriver Center and they will help you find a site. In this course you will complete additional work, such as a term paper, beyond the SOCY 396 internship requirements. The additional work involved will be specified by the advisor. You can count only two independent study courses towards the Sociology major or minor.