Principles
Independent Study (Courses numbered 198 or 298) is intended to provide students with an opportunity to explore a topic of interest that relates to a subject area offered by PCC that is different from established curricular offerings, but within the scope of practice of PCC faculty. The student is expected to exercise significant agency in the proposal, development, and completion of the Independent Study project. The instructor supervising an Independent Study is responsible for identifying appropriate credit, student learning outcomes, and modes and expectations of assessment for the course. The primary vehicle for documenting the faculty and student responsibilities is the Independent Study Contract.
Independent Study credit suggests not only individualized content but also a high degree of agency on the part of the student. For this reason it is important the contract to be the result active collaboration between the student and the instructor.
Process
CRN-Specific Requirements: Instructor/Student Contract
- The instructor and student will propose course content, outcomes, credits, outline of student and instructor engagement, assessment, and grading criteria by completing the Independent Study Learning Contract fillable. Note that this contract can be created only for an existing independent study course numbered 198 or 298 within a particular discipline. If no such course exists in the current PCC catalog in that discipline, an independent study in that discipline cannot be proposed for an individual student.
- This contract must be approved by the Program Dean and the Pathway Dean.
- The approved form is returned to the Division Office and cc the Dean of Teaching, Learning, and Curricular Innovation, Anne Haberkern (anne.haberkern@pcc.edu).
- Division Office creates the CRN, and the student may now register.
Instructor Engagement
- Instructors define the specific degree of engagement with each instructor/student contract. This will include time spent in developing, supporting, and/or assessing student progress through the course.
- A reasonable expectation of instructor engagement, including assessment of student learning outcomes, is 5 hours per term.
- Providing Independent Study opportunities for studies is entirely voluntary; no instructor will be required to offer Independent Study.
- Any one faculty member may direct Independent Study for no more than 3 students in a given term.
Administrative Oversight
- Courses numbered 198 and 298 can be configured to NOT roll on the schedule.
- Administrative assistants should not build the course until they have an approved form signed by the Dean of Instruction.
Other Considerations
- Independent Study may not be used to offer a course of instruction to multiple students.
- Independent Study is not intended to replace a specific course that is required for a student’s degree or certificate – exceptions to this must be approved by the SAC Chair and the Registrar.
- Independent Study may be conducted abroad, but the student will need to register their travel with the college according to and following the College Policy on International Travel, and Requirements for Credit Bearing Study Outside of the United States, regardless of whether the student is traveling in a normal Ed Abroad program, or on their own.
- Independent Study may not be used to award credit for prior learning.
Questions?
Contact the Dean of Teaching, Learning, and Curricular Innovation, Anne Haberkern, at anne.haberkern@pcc.edu