Directed Independent Study
Directed Independent Study (DIS) is an opportunity for superior students to conduct research under faculty supervision into subjects either not covered or insufficiently covered in existing courses.
To enroll in a DIS, students must meet the following restrictions/requirements:
In addition, departmental criteria include:
Students should recognize that DIS, designated by the university as 491, is upper-level (400-level) work and, as such, represents a rigorous, in-depth academic challenge. DIS is not a substitute for existing courses.
Students who meet the restrictions/requirements, and who wish to pursue a DIS, should do the following:
- Junior or senior standing;
- Nine hours of Film Studies courses, at least six of which are at the 300-400 level;
- Overall GPA of at least 2.50;
- Consent of instructor, department chair, and dean.
In addition, departmental criteria include:
- The availability of the instructor;
- The appropriateness of, and need for, the proposed study in the student's program;
- The availability of appropriate resources;
- The feasibility of completion of the proposed study in the allotted time.
Students should recognize that DIS, designated by the university as 491, is upper-level (400-level) work and, as such, represents a rigorous, in-depth academic challenge. DIS is not a substitute for existing courses.
Students who meet the restrictions/requirements, and who wish to pursue a DIS, should do the following:
- Meet with their advisor to confirm that they meet the requirements and discuss the viability of doing a DIS;
- If the advisor agrees that a DIS seems viable, submit a written proposal to a potential faculty sponsor;
- If a faculty member agrees to host the project, work with the faculty member to refine the proposal;
- Submit the proposal for review and approval by the department chair and dean.