Overview

A directed study is a reading or research course for students who wish to investigate a particular topic of interest within Interdisciplinary Studies. This typically involves reading and learning material in a particular area, as well as completing multiple assignments and projects throughout the term under the guidance of an IIS Faculty member/Instructor. The student is responsible for contacting and selecting a Faculty supervisor for their directed study. Profiles of IIS Faculty can be found on our website: /iis/faculty-and-staff/.

All arrangements must be made with the Department and Faculty supervisor at least two weeks before the term starts.

Students may not take more than one credit of Directed Study in their total program.

Getting Started

Once you have found a faculty member to supervise your directed study, you must work with them to prepare a detailed plan. It must be structured like a course and include:

• all topics that will be covered (including assigned reading materials)
• all deliverables (e.g., assignments, projects, reports, etc.) that must be completed
• evaluation criteria showing the breakdown of percentages assigned to each deliverable
• frequency and duration of meetings

There are no scheduled classes, however regular meeting times are agreed upon between the supervisor and the student.

When you and your supervisor have agreed on a plan, you both must complete, sign, and return the Directed Study Approval Form to iis@carleton.ca as soon as possible. The proposal will then pass to the Undergrad/Grad Coordinator for final approval and override privileges.

Evaluation/Grading

University grading regulations in terms of letter grades apply to Directed studies as any other course. They must be completed – and final papers submitted – by no later than the last day of classes for a given term. Grading follows the plan laid out in your proposal. It may be based entirely on a final paper or may be based on a paper and other requirement (i.e., a preliminary literature review, written tests, smaller papers).

Download Application Form

The course code for the Independent Study is usually available on the public schedule. If approved, student needs to submit in override request using the provided course code.

Complete and return the application form here to department.

Theory and Practice: A Month of Collaborative Learning
Webinar Series

We are inviting you to a Webinar Series scheduled throughout four sessions in May 2024 that will promote collaboration across divisions, departments, and schools within our institutions for the purposes of policies, procedures, programs, initiatives, and research!

In 2022, CSSHE and the Canadian Association of Colleges and University Student Services (CACUSS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. We are looking to continue initial conversations and will convene students, faculty members, researchers, and student affairs and services practitioners in collaborative discussions and deliberations on the following topics with featured speakers:

Friday, 3 May 2024 – 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Eastern
Student Retention and Success

Friday, 10 May 2024 – 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Eastern
International Education

Friday, 24 May 2024 – 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Eastern
Mental Health and Well-Being

Friday, 31 May 2024 – 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Eastern
Student Recruitment and Mobility