An independent study provides an opportunity for advanced students to pursue specific academic interests that are not served by the existing curriculum. It also allows students to work under the mentorship of an AAAS faculty member through weekly tutorials.  

Students should begin consultations with the faculty member who will advise the Independent Study during the term prior to the proposed project. Proposals will be developed in close consultation with your advisor, who must sign the proposal before it can be submitted to the Vice Chair for approval. To help ensure the success of the independent study, proposals require a detailed structure of reading and assignments, clear expectations regarding assessment, and specific learning objectives (see the proposal form for more details). Completed proposals and signed forms for Independent Studies must be emailed to the Vice Chair by the first day of the term.

As a credit-bearing course, an Independent Study carries a workload equivalent to, or greater than, a typical Dartmouth course. As such, students are expected to meet with the advisor of the Independent Study no less than once a week and to invest no less than twelve hours per week in the Independent Study. 

AAAS 89 Proposal