<p>I’m sure it’d be easy to set up independent studies for those topics, especially if you broaden them a bit. It’s very possible to form your own classes on specific topics with the assistance of a professor, and it’s also possible to design your own concentration (read, “major”), though they don’t necessarily go together. You can take independent study classes and not file an independent concentration. It’s fairly flexible. </p>
<p>That said, what most people have happen to them once they get here is a total change of mindset. Students come in expecting to spend four years studying French Literature but leave with a degree in Religious Studies with an emphasis in Asian traditions. It’s best to be open to this degree of personal growth as well.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response. I think that’s cool that you can take independent study courses without filing for an independent concentration.</p>
<p>Since my post I have looked into the established concentrations and found the American Studies concentration to be quite intriguing. I have also found that a certain history professor at Brown (who also teaches classes in the American Studies program) actually has written books on prizefighting and on iconic crime figures. I contacted him and he showed support for my academic interests. So, I’m thinking that I could concentrate in American Studies and supplement this concentration with a couple independent study classes of my own choosing.</p>
<p>You won’t be asked to choose a concentration right away, anyway. What you <em>will</em> be asked to choose is classes. Your first semester here, you will probably take only pre-existing classes, but after that you can work to design the classes you want, though because independent studies are really tough (you have to make the syllabus as you go!), I don’t think people generally attempt more than one in a semester. </p>
<p>The people to talk to about independent studies (individual or within a group) and independent concentrations are at the Curricular Resource Center.</p>
<p>But because you seem so proactive and intellectually curious, definitely start working on that application! The more you show you value and want to take advantage of Brown’s resources (professors, curriculum, clubs, etc.), the more they are able to understand why you’re a good candidate.</p>
<p>I might be mistaken, but I do already have some college work and I’m under the impression that if I do get accepted as a RUE applicant that my courses would transfer. In my case I have already earned an Associates Degree. So, the reason I’m thinking long and hard about my concentration at Brown is because they might expect me to declare my concentration either in my first or second semester. Just my thinking.</p>
<p>If I could work on the application now I would, I’ve been told it won’t be posted for download on Brown.edu until late November, around Thanksgiving time. This hasn’t stopped me from thinking about the application process and I’ve been researching things of particular interest to me at Brown. I plan on producing a very strong RUE app. I hear that this application process is extremely competitive…crossing my fingers!</p>
<p>Since applications were just due, I thought I would bump this post. There are aspects of this I wish I wrote better or would rewrite now, but I still think my description and feelings from the time may help out some folks.</p>