Public Policy Independent Study Policy 2008-2009

Purpose

During your time at DU, you may develop an interest in a policy field not fully addressed in the classroom; therefore, we encourage you to explore your ideas further by proposing independent study projects with IPPS instructors. Independent study projects are a great way to work closely with an instructor on a very specific policy issue of your choice. For example, you may take a general education policy course, but then wish to delve deeper into the subject by pursuing an independent study project about school choice. Independent study projects give you the flexibility to study topics that aren't offered as regular courses.

Approval Process

Prior to registering for public policy independent study credit, you must obtain approval from the public policy instructor who will supervise your independent study.  Please follow the steps below to obtain approval:

A) Schedule an appointment to discuss your proposed independent study with the public policy instructor  of your choice.

B) Prior to your meeting, develop an outline of your proposed independent study that includes (at a minimum):

1. topic
2. how your topic is relevant to policy analysis
3. proposed “product” and length of product (i.e., usually a “policy analysis paper” or two)
4. at least 5 sources you plan to consult (e.g., books, articles, and interviews); your final source list will be much longer
5. number of hours you plan to work each week on the project
6. proposed timeline for completion of project (that will be modified to adapt to your instructor’s schedule), which includes at least 3 meetings with your instructor prior to final submission of product
7. proposed number of public policy internship credits
8. attach an “Independent Study / Research” registration form that can be obtained from  the Registrar’s Office

C) If instructor agrees to serve as your independent study advisor, register for the independent study credits!

Credits

The number of credits you may receive is dependent on the total number of hours you plan to work on the project and the length of the product(s):

100 hours and 28+ total pages, 4 credits
75 hours and 21+ total pages, 3 credits
50 hours and 14+ total pages, 2 credits
25 hours and 7+ total pages, 1 credit

Undergraduate Course Number: PPOL 3991
Graduate Course Number: PPOL 4991

Grading

Your instructor will assign a grade (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, or F) at the end of the quarter.