Independent Concentration
Students with academic interests that cannot be pursued adequately within an existing departmental concentration or interdisciplinary certificate program may apply to the Independent Concentration Program. An applicant must have a strong overall academic record and is expected to develop a rigorous and coherent program of studies with the support of at least two faculty members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whom should I see in the
Dean of the College Office if I am interested in applying to the Independent
Concentration Program?
Make an appointment to speak with Dean Frank Ordiway at
8-1998.
Should I first speak to faculty members about my idea
for an independent concentration?
It may be a good idea, before coming to see Dean Ordiway,
to speak with faculty members in one or more departments to sound out
your ideas. Typically, independent concentrations are interdisciplinary in
nature, and finding supportive faculty members to help develop your ideas and
your program is an important step. Eventually, you will ask two faculty members
to serve as your advisers and to write in support of your application. However,
you do not need to have spoken with potential advisers prior to seeing Dean Ordiway,
who will be happy to listen and brainstorm with you in the early stages of your
thinking.
Will my two faculty advisers be my senior thesis
advisers?
The two faculty members who sponsor your application
typically serve as the advisers for your two semesters of independent work in
your junior year. They may or may not be your senior thesis advisers. You have
the flexibility, in consultation with Dean Ordiway, to identify other faculty
mentors as your program evolves.
What are the course requirements of the Independent
Concentration Program?
You must design a coherent program of studies, including
at least eight upper-level courses and plans for junior and senior year
independent work. In lieu of a departmental comprehensive examination,
independent concentrators have an oral defense of their senior thesis—a
discussion of the conclusions, methods, and implications of the thesis research—with
their two advisers. In addition, you must fulfill the University writing,
foreign language, and distribution requirements.
Who will serve as my departmental representative?
Dean Ordiway acts as the departmental representative for
independent concentrators. You will meet with him regularly to discuss your
program and to have your course cards signed.
Can I earn departmental honors as an independent
concentrator?
Yes. You are eligible to earn honors as an independent
concentrator, based on your departmental courses, your junior independent work,
your senior thesis, and your oral defense. Dean Ordiway will work with your
senior thesis advisers and their departments to establish fair criteria for
awarding honors.
What is the deadline for applications?
Applications for the independent concentration program
are due by April 1 of your sophomore year.
What are some examples of recent independent
concentrations?
Some of the recently completed independent
concentrations include The Ancient World, Information Technology and
Society, Islamic Civilization, and Reasoning and Decision Making.