Completing an Independent Study project is an excellent way to explore a topic in depth, discover a passion that can become a career, and develop skills that can set you apart when you apply for jobs or graduate study.
The project may focus on any substantive or topical area in Sociology and should utilize one or more of the following methodological approaches: (a) modeling/theoretical synthesis; and (b) designing and executing an original research project based on survey research, experimental research, observational research, secondary analysis of existing surveys or data, historical/comparative research, or content analysis combined with a literature review and theoretical formulation.
If you are interested in completing an Independent Study, please refer to the requirements and application steps below.
Classified as a Junior or Senior at time of study; has a minimum overall GPA of 3.0; and achieved a C or higher in SOCI 350, 351, and/or SOCI 352.
Either a single semester independent study project (SOCI 406, 1 unit), or a two-semester independent study project (SOCI 405 and 407, 0.5 unit each).
The student must discuss the project idea with a Sociology faculty member and reach an agreement about the scope of the proposed research project and a schedule of meetings and deadlines throughout the term. On average, students completing SOCI 406 will spend eight to ten hours a week on the project (SOCI 405 and 407 about four to five hours a week per semester). The final paper is typically 20 pages or longer, not including a list of references.
Students complete the application for Independent Study, which includes a three-to-five-page proposal and a preliminary list of sources to be consulted.