Policies for Independent Studies with Don Morton
Revised 26 January 2008
- Students should prepare an outline, in consultation with me, on
what and when they plan to cover during the term. This outline should
include a timeline on specific deliverables they intend to present to me,
with deadlines, throughout the semester. This outline serves as a contract
between us. It is important that you don't get over-ambitious when you
write up this outline, as you'll be expected to deliver.
- Students should present a written report (email is fine) at a minimum
of every two weeks (bi-weekly), describing their progress, any problems
encountered, etc. For standardization, let's say your report will be
due by 17:00 Mountain Time every other Friday.
- A significant portion of your grade will be determined by your ability
to keep me posted at least every two weeks (without reminders from me!) and
to stick with your timeline.
I recognize that problems occur, and timelines sometimes can't be met, but
your bi-weekly reports should help us identify any problems early on, allowing
us to adjust accordingly. This strict requirement is meant to help you keep
this Independent Study a high priority and to insure you make reasonable
progress throughout the semester, not procrastinating until the end.
- In addition to deliverables described in your project outline, you
should plan on providing me with a final report of your work. If you are
taking an Independent Study at a level of 300- or higher, you should plan
on delivering a seminar to interested students and faculty, describing
your project.
- It is expected that you will complete all work for the Independent
Study by the end of the last week of classes. Incompletes are not a normal
option.