<p>I have long had an interest in a very obscure subject that, to my amazement, a professor here actually specializes in. So, after discovering him by way of recommendation from somebody else's advisor (who emailed me after reading my newspaper column...shows how awesome WashU is that somebody does that), I emailed him to discuss the possibility of an independent study next semester. He agreed, and sent me a syllabus earlier today. It and the associated paper work is not due until the third week of next semester, so there is still time to make changes. Looking it over, I feel I may need to. Some of the highlights:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>"Two hours of rigorous, Socratic dialogue that culminates not only in a critique of assigned reading material, but also in analysis of media reportage every week."</p></li>
<li><p>A fifteen-page research paper and two exams. The exams will have oral and written
components to them.</p></li>
<li><p>Discuss weekly my progress on the research paper so hecan evaluate work ethic and observe evolution in critical thinking.</p></li>
<li><p>One-hour oral defense of the research paper.</p></li>
<li><p>Complete reading of 5 assigned books.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Moreover, this is being done through a graduate division of the school, and I am just a sophomore. Naturally then, I'm concerned. Is there really a good way to ask that relax the load a bit without appearing unmotivated? And is this really a reasonable outline for an undergraduate independent study?</p>
<p>Are you really so interested in the subject that you have to do an independent study? Are you really going to learn anything from this that you could just learn by yourself without working with this professor? Did you think that this would just be an easy "class" because it was something you were interested in and it was an IS?</p>
<p>1) I suppose I don't have to, but I'd love to, since it is one of my greatest areas of interest, and a subject area not normally given any serious coverage in other political science, history, or international studies courses. So it seemed like a good idea.</p>
<p>2) I think that I might because much of the relevant material is in a fairly obscure language that I do not read or speak, and which has not been translated to English. Though all of my readings will be in English, he can provide insight on the sort of materials I would otherwise be entirely unable to approach.</p>
<p>3) I didn't assume it would be easy. But in my mind, I associated IS with papers instead of exams. And I never much expected to give an oral defense of an original research project at the undergraduate level. </p>
<p>Jackbauer, your point is well taken, but I am unclear on whether or not I get an actual letter grade. If I do, then he has broad discretion, and could penalize me or being unmotivated. Moreover, since the paperwork hasn't yet been submitted and authorized (it was awaiting a syllabus and some paperwork from him), he could decide that he no longer cares to work with me, and rescind his offer.</p>
<p>The only thing that seems a bit much is the one hour oral defense of the final research paper, especially since the paper is only 15 pages long. I would schedule a meeting with him if there's enough time, email him if you have to, and just express concern that the extensive oral defense is beyond your capabilities right now as a sophomore undergrad.</p>
<p>If this is a syllabus for a graduate course, ask him if he can modify it with an undergraduate's abilities in mind. You are NO way prepared to do an hour long oral defense for a 15 page research paper (it's more common for 40-60 page honors theses in senior year). Otherwise, everything looks doable, if not a little challenging for a sophomore. If the professor refuses to accomodate, then iit's not worth trying to work with him. I've done independent studies before and let me tell you, it's plain torture for both of you if you don't like the way the class goes. Truly, the success of independent studies really depends up on the student, not the professor AT ALL.</p>
<p>So that's why I'm telling you to approach that prof IN person, remind him that you're only a sophomore, and are still learning how to handle undergrad coursework, but not yet graduate level demands.</p>
<p>Since he's an adjunct, and thus not always on campus, and the semester is over, in person seems unlikely if I want to resolve anything before the start of the course. I do however have his cell phone number, so perhaps that might be the appropriate solution. </p>
<p>As to the other comments, I would agree to the extent that the oral defense is my chief concerns. Papers seem more natural than exams, and the reading list seems heavier than other 400 (senior/grad courses) level courses, but both are still reasonable enough that they don't present concern as much as they do displeasure about the time commitment. The defense however is highly unusual, especially given the length of the paper, which though longer than what I usually have to write (10 pages per paper), is not enough so that I can envision an hour long oral defense. Perhaps then if I emphasized just this point I may get a reasonable response.</p>
<p>I agree with the others that the hour-long oral defense does sound like a bit much. Otherwise, it sounds like a normal independent study. At my school, students in independent studies and doing senior theses have to write 10 pages for every hour of credit they are receiving and do an oral defense, though it's definitely more like 20-30 minutes (I've gone to see some of them, and they're very interesting). The reading list doesn't seem unmanageable unless they're horrible, tedious, long books. I've done much more reading in my upper level history courses. The exams are a little unusual, but I don't think they'd be unmanageable either, as long as you were working hard to keep up with the material. Follow the others' suggestions and hopefully he'll reduce the workload a bit. I don't see it being a huge deal if the class starts and you haven't completely worked out the specifics either. Unless you don't have an add/drop period at your school, just approach him at the beginning of the semester to discuss your concerns and take things from there.</p>
<p>You could have your advisor or a different professor in a similar area look over it and see if they think it is reasonable and in-line with other independent study syllabi they are aware of.</p>
<p>tli83, that is a sound suggestion. I just sent an email to my advisor to get her thoughts about an oral defense and what would be normal for these circumstances. I wonder if, and I mentioned this to her, the oral defense is a requirement because it is being done through a graduate division of the university, of which there is no undergrad equivalent.</p>
<p>Well, by default it is to be 3 credits, though with special dispensation the number can be adjusted. The 3 credit model seems perfectly fine, though this does need revision. My advisor agreed that this was highly atypical and required adjusting to be reasonable for an undergraduate independent study. So once I get back home tomorrow I'll send him an email.</p>