Honors Independent Studies Proposals
Types of Honors Independent Studies
Honors independent studies come in two forms:
- A one or two credit “add-on” component to enrich a non-honors course (HI) of three or more credits
- Three to six credits of “stand-alone” research (ISH)
Why complete an Honors Independent Study?
Honors Independent Studies are a way to customize your learning and make a non-Honors course count for Honors. They can also be used to turn research or creative experiences into Honors credit.
An “add-on” can provide an opportunity to dive deeper into topics within a standard course, while a “stand-alone” may offer a chance to get credit for research or creative endeavors on a topic of your choice or within a faculty member’s lab or research team. All Honors independent studies must be contracted with a UMass faculty member.
When can an Honors Independent Study be completed?
A maximum of three Honors Independent Studies may be applied to Honors course requirements.
Each "add-on" used to enrich a non-honors course must be affiliated with a different course each time to qualify as an Honors requirement. The “add-on” can be completed either concurrently (in the same semester as the standard course) or retroactively (in a different semester than the standard course).
It is important to note that an “add-on” Honors Independent Study must be sponsored by the affiliated non-honors course instructor and involve at least eight hours of student/faculty contact over the course of the semester. Please also note that “add-on” Honors Independent Studies are not permitted with any kind of stand-alone independent study, practicum, or internship. Similarly, a "stand-alone" Honors Independent Study requires at least thirty minutes of contact with the sponsor per credit, per week.
How do I register for an Honors Independent Study?
To register for either version of an Honors Independent Study, you will need to submit a proposal online via CHC PATHS . You are encouraged to draft your responses in a document in coordination with your faculty sponsor prior to initiating the online proposal.
Honors Independent Study Proposal Outline
The Honors Independent Study proposal will serve as the official UMass course description of the Honors work you complete. Your proposal should address the following questions:
1. What will you study?
- Clearly define your topic and the nature of your study. Do you wish to investigate the “big picture” (e.g., the effects of excessive TV viewing on the general public) or a specific aspect of something (e.g., violence on TV and the rising crime rate among teenage males)?
- What do you hope to discover/accomplish from your study?
2. How will you conduct your research?
Surveys, observations, lab experiments, library searches, readings, archival explorations, discussions with community organizations, interviews, and consultations are examples of research methods or approaches. Please provide details for each method you list, including bibliographies as applicable. Note: If you are proposing to collect data from human subjects, you should discuss the need to complete a Determination Form with your faculty sponsor.
3. What is your timeline and proposed method for benchmark evaluations of your Honors Independent Study progress/achievements throughout the semester?
- Create a timeline of assignments and a regular meeting schedule to help keep you on track and to provide opportunities for evaluation and feedback from your Honors Independent Study sponsor
4. How will you present your Honors Independent Study for grading?
- A written document (formal paper with a bibliography, journal, or composition) is the standard method for demonstrating your work in an Honors independent study. Discuss the proposed length with your sponsor and note it in your proposal
- An oral presentation of your findings to either a committee or class may occasionally be scheduled as well
- Other options might include a project with documentation: a collection of original poetry, an exhibit of original artwork, a performance, or contribution of a product to a community or for a client