Independent Study Projects

Independent Study Projects (ISPs) allow individual students to initiate, design, and execute a credit-bearing course with the help of a faculty advisor. The topic of an ISP is generally not offered in the established Brown Curriculum and oftentimes presents a new and exciting field of study. The student is responsible for designing, implementing, and carrying out the coursework, while the faculty member advises the project and evaluates the student's work.

How do I get started?

First, you need an idea, a topic, an orientation, or a subject that you are truly interested in. To jumpstart this process, visit the CRC to look at our collection of previously approved ISPs and talk to the independent studies student coordinators. Once you have an idea, start talking about it with other people. Visit faculty in their office hours to discuss how you might develop the topic. Run your ideas past other students. Ask one of the academic deans to give you feedback on your idea.

Before deciding to do an ISP, check to see if the appropriate academic department offers an independent research or reading course. Departments that offer such courses structure them in various ways. Some allow as much flexibility as a student-initiated ISP, while others are reserved for concentrators or thesis projects. And remember that ISPs on the same or on very similar topics may not be repeated for credit, except with approval of the College Curriculum Council.

Past Independent Studies topics included...

• "Psychogeography"

• "Modern Conservatism in America"

• "Supernatural Fiction"

• "History of the Mayans"

• "Robotics: Principles and Practice"

• "Children's Literature"

• "Permaculture"

• "Dances of Latin America"

• "Contemplative Science"

• "Neuroethics"

• "Modern Hebrew and Israeli Literature"

• "Building Challenge: Green Design for Sustainable Farms"

• "Health Care Planning with the Women and Infants Hospital"

• "Marketing Research with Dean Witter"

• "Teaching English as a Second Language at the MLK Elementary School"

• "Interning for the Rhode Island Supreme Court"