Independent Studies

 An Asian Studies student who wishes to do research in a field for which the department does not offer a regular field course may be able to take an independent study course with a faculty member who does research in that field. One way independent study courses differ from regular classes is that the topics covered can be tailored to the interests of the student and professor. Independent studies can consequently help students learn fields not otherwise offered in the department.

Initiating and Completing An Independent Study

1. Student should submit a one-page statement of interest to their independent study advisor two weeks BEFORE the beginning of the semester they wish to pursue an independent study. The statement should include: [1] a tentative/working title; [2] a description of the research problem; [3] a proposed methodology or research design (e.g., guided reading, participant-observation, survey analysis, ethnographic interviews, library research project, etc.)
2. Prepare a timeline for delivering progress reports and/or drafts to the advisor.
3. A completed and signed Independent Study Agreement Form.

After the permission number is granted:

1. The student must meet with the advisor by the first week of the semester to approve the timeline and make an agreement about regular meetings to discuss the work. Exact details are left to the students and faculty members involved. However, it is the student's responsibility to maintain regular contact with the advisory with updates on the research. Failure to follow through with this may jeopardize completion of the project and affect the grade for the course.
2. Submit a copy of the final draft of the independent study to advisor the first Monday of the final examination period.

Note: Incompletes are not given. Email submissions are not acceptable at any point during the semester of the independent study, unless otherwise indicated by the advisor.

Manuscript Preparation For Independent Study Papers

The final version of the independent study should be a substantial research paper produced on white paper, standard size 8-1/2 x 11 inches, one-sided, double-spaced, Times New Roman, font 12, margins: top: 1 inch, bottom: 1 inch, left: 1.25 inches, right 1.25 inches, organized in three main parts: the preliminary pages, the text, and the reference section. Pages numbers must always be centered. The student, in consultation with the advisor, determines the internal arrangement within the text and reference sections. Footnotes, references and quotations of five or more lines should be single-spaced.

FAILURE TO MEET ANY OF THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL REPRESENT AN "F" IN THE CLASS