SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

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MEMORANDUM

.

To................................................................................................................

From ...

............. GREG

BAS HAM

STUDENT SENATOR

Subject..

INDEPENDENTTUP''....PROPOSALS

Date...... ...... ...OCTOBER 22

.7•O

Independent Study Proposals

Motion 1. "That Senate approve, in principle, the offering

of a 400 level course of independent semester

study by the departments of the Faculty of Arts

and the Faculty of Science and that credit be

granted as follows:

Majors Program 15 hours

Honours Program 18 hours

The implementation of such proposals be subject

to ratification by Senate in the normal manner

and that only one such course be permitted for

credit towards the degree."

Motion 2. "That Senate approve, in principle, departments

in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science

offering of a 300 level course of independent

study and that credit granted be ten hours. A

minimum of 45 hours is required for entry to the

course.

The implementation of such proposals be subject

to ratification by Senate in the normal manner

and that only one such course be permitted for

credit towards the degree."

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The purpose of these proposals is to provide undergrad-

uate students with a means to formulate, research and ascer-

tain solutions to problems of their own selection by intensive

study. The present course structure entails both incremental

learning and some forms of independent study and directed

research.

The proposals are to extend and further evolve the present

undergraduate program as offered. Their classification is not,

however, entirely innovative, experimental and/or interdiscip-

linary. The existence of similarly structured courses pre-

cludes these classifications. For example:

.

B.S.F. 498-18 (Honours)

B.S.F. 499-15

C.C.A. 499-15

History 499-18 (Honours Program only)

There are several other proposals concerning interdiscip-

linary studies, experimental programs, and innovative educa-

tional techniques including a general studies degree, currently

being discussed at various stages. These are complementary.

and, hopefully, soon to be instituted.

The implementation of these does not necessarily strengthen

or enhance the present linear and organized programs in a way

which allows for the most adequate demonstration of learned

skills and abilities. In other words, it is time to create

an institutional framework in which a student has the greatest

opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from the core pro-

grams.

The semester operation is designed to maximize course

selection in line with student preferences and needs. The

semester system further enables a portion, or the full semester,

to be devoted to independent study and research to complement

the concept of a wide selection of course. The two are not

necessarily mutually exclusive as future departmental recom-

mendations will take this into account. This is mentioned

again later.

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The inclusion of a 300 level course (10 hours) is based

on several academic arguments. It initially presents itself

as an intermediate level of independent study while permitting

work to continue towards fulfilling majors, honours or group

requirements. It has the further feature of an option to the

400 level course.

The maximum amount of independent study will remain as

initially stated: One 300 level course and one 400 level

course in a different department or subject area. This would

be determined by the departments.

An alternative to this could be a maximum of two 300

level courses in different areas or departments. Once again,

it is a consideration the department and Senate can give at a

later date.

Further implications involve changes in upper and lower

level hour requirements in the department. In cases where

departments require 30 semester hours at the 300 and 400

level in the department, it will be necessary to determine the

amount of independent study credit which may be applied towards

.

that requirement.

Also to be considered is the basic philosophy of a wide

selection of courses. These are best developed by normal

departmental reviews of the curricula.

These proposals serve as guidelines with which departments

may work to facilitate program changes as well as to provide

stimulation and leadership by Senate in improving the academic

program. Thus, approval will enable the greater development

and extension of a good undergraduate education.

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