In order to complete an Independent study project, you must first decide on a topic. Consider something that you feel passionate about.  Click here to see the titles of Independent Study projects done by other students.

Next, you need to find an advisor to mentor your Independent Project project.  Any Edgewood College faculty member is eligible if they have prior experience mentoring Human Issues independent study projects, or have met with the Human Issues Director to discuss this role.  You should be sure to select someone who is familiar with the area you are choosing to explore. That way you will be able to get assistance and direction, as needed, through each step of your project.

Then, you write a proposal for your project called a Statement of Intent (SOI).  Your SOI outlines the nature of your independent study and the steps you will take to accomplish your project.  The SOI also includes an interdisciplinary bibliography of at least 15 scholarly sources that you plan to read to gain multiple perspectives on your human issue.

The following documents will be helpful as you plan your project.

Independent Study Brochure
Project Ideas
Guidelines for SOI
Guidelines for Final Written Report
Sample Exit Interview Questions

After you draft your Statement of Intent It must be approved by both your Human Issues faculty advisor and the Human Issues Director.  Students should expect to make revisions to their Statements of Intent. 

Before you officially begin your project, the following documents must be completed and submitted to the Human Issues Office in Predolin 109.

Statement of Intent Cover Sheet (SOI)
Liability Form (For off-campus projects)
Edgewood College Add/Drop Form
Independent Study Contract
Final Copy of your Statement of Intent

After you bring these completed documents to the Human Issues office, we will enroll you in HI 479 for the number of credits you wish to complete during the current semester.  Remember you need a minimum of three credits to satisfy your Human Issues requirement.  Students choose to enroll in these credits in different ways.  Sometimes students complete all three credits during one semester; other times they spread the credits out over multiple semesters. It all depends on the nature of your project and your needs.  If you choose to spread the project out over time, you will need to submit a new Add Form and Independent Study Contract each semester in which you wish to enroll for HI 479 credit. 

After all forms are submitted and approved, you are free to start your project!