704 Independent Study

In rare cases where there are no suitable electives available, it is possible to request an Independent Study course for credit. To request an Independent Study, you should:

• Have an idea for what topic you would like to study, and start to develop a preliminary reading list.
• Approach one of the GSJ faculty members to ask if they have the capacity to supervise an Independent Study
• If they’re open to supervising you, work collaboratively with them to create an outline for your course. The outline should include:
  • a list of texts (books, articles, films, audio, artworks ,etc.),
  • a plan for what work you’ll do and what the due dates are,
  • a plan for how often you and the faculty supervisor will meet,
  • a sketch of how your final grade will be calculated.
• Once you and the faculty member have reached agreement, send an email to gsj_dir@mcmaster.ca, copying the faculty member, to share the proposed outline and request permission to register in 704.

The topic of your Independent Study may be related to your MRP, but it should consist of work that is distinct from the MRP itself.