X. Degree Programs

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Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

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Individual Studies (IS)

Interdisciplinary Program.

B.A. Counselling Office, Room 130, MacKinnon Building, Ext. 52140.

Honours B.A. students have the option of doing an Individual Studies Major. Students in the Individual Studies Major have the opportunity to determine the goals and methods of their studies. Areas of study can include courses in any of the colleges and where the University of Guelph has faculty expertise to assist students. Students are encouraged to develop an interdisciplinary perspective, and to explore the methods of inquiry which provide depth of knowledge in a specific subject.

A student submitting a proposal for the Individual Studies Major must submit the complete proposal to the B.A. Program Counsellor before the third week of classes of semester four. The B.A. Program Committee will consider proposals once, and will approve, approve with revisions, or deny the proposal. Proposals cannot be resubmitted.

Proposals will not be considered unless they articulate a detailed rationale for a coherent program of studies that is significantly different from any existing major and minor combination at the University of Guelph, and unless the proposal meets the following criteria:

1. minimum of 9.00 credits

2. minimum of 4.00 credits at the 3000 level and above, including at least 1.00 credit at the 4000 level

3. minimum of 1.00 credit in methods and/or theory

4. maximum of 1.50 credits at the 1000 level

5. a senior level Directed Readings or Special Project course must be completed. When appropriate, the Committee will identify a faculty member as the supervisor for a student's course of study.

A student wishing to submit a proposed program of studies for the Individual Studies Major must prepare a proposal that will include the following:

1. a clear statement of theme or areas of study

2. a clear statement of the contribution of the major to a post-graduation field of work or study

3. a clearly set out rationale for inclusion of the specific courses and how they relate to or develop the theme or areas of study

4. a list of required "core" courses and "restricted electives" following the above criteria. When proposing core and restricted elective credits, students should keep in mind the prerequisites for their desired 3000 and 4000 level courses

Note: Students undertaking the Individual Studies Major must fulfill the requirements of the B.A. Honours Program as set out in Section X. The B.A. Program Counsellor is the academic counsellor. The Individual Studies designation will appear on the student's transcript upon graduation, but the title or subject of the major will not.