Types of Courses
Lecture
Characterized by a formal presentation of material by the professor, lecture courses may include student discussion. (In language and science areas, it may also include recitation and laboratory work.)
Tutorial
The tutorial format is intended for a small group of students and consists of individual instruction, intensive discussion and problem-solving, rather than lectures.
Seminar
The seminar is characterized by the active role expected of students in the preparation and discussion of class material, and assumes some prior familiarity of the student with the discipline. Most seminars require students to produce a term paper requiring the ability to do independent research.
Internships
Internships for academic credit enable qualified juniors and seniors to integrate their academic studies with supervised work experiences related to their curriculum and/or career goals. An internship is usually done on a part-time basis during the academic year. Students usually register for internships under their major departments and must secure a faculty sponsor from that department; however, one internship may be done outside the department for interdisciplinary credit. In addition to a successful work experience verified by an employer evaluation, students must work with a faculty member to formulate learning objectives and to complete an academic project. Internship placements are arranged through the Center for Career Development. A maximum of nine internship credits may be applied to the degree.
Independent Study
The independent study offers selected students an opportunity to work with considerable autonomy in areas not covered in the regular curriculum, under the guidance of an appropriate faculty member.
In order to ensure sufficient planning, students usually obtain a faculty supervisor and register for the Independent Study in the semester preceding the one in which it will be taken: i.e., during pre-registration. The proposal for Independent Study work must be approved by the faculty evaluator, and should focus on at least one of these options:
SPECIAL READINGS: The student sets up and works through a reading list approved by the faculty evaluator. A substantial piece of written research is often produced.
RESEARCH PROJECT AND FIELD WORK: In consultation with a faculty member qualified in the chosen area, the student prepares a proposal for a research project, which is carried out under faculty supervision either in an academic setting or in the field and culminates in a formal paper. After completing the project, the student submits a written report to the faculty evaluator, along with an appraisal by the field work supervisor. Normally the equivalent of only one semester of field work can be applied toward the degree.
Audit
Auditors are permitted to register after the add/drop period. Please refer to the on-line Academic Calendar or posted notices to obtain exact dates per semester. All payments are due at time of registration. The auditing fee is $320 per course. Auditors may register for lecture style courses (ie. History, English, Philosophy). Auditors may not register for courses that require lab or class participation (ie. Art, Dance, Foreign Languages).