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Independent Study

Consistent with its commitment to student-directed learning, Brown offers a variety of independent study opportunities. Many academic departments offer independent research or reading courses. Students may also initiate, design, and execute independent study projects with the help of faculty advisors. Group Independent Study Projects allow students and faculty to develop credit-bearing courses that are not a regular part of the Brown curriculum. Finally, students may choose to design their own independent concentration if standard concentration offerings do not suit their interests. First-year students interested in independent academic work are advised to build strong relationships with faculty in their areas of interest. Students who demonstrate serious commitment to a subject and an ability to take the initiative with professors are much more likely to succeed in finding a faculty sponsor for an independent study project.