Honors Independent Study
The independent study research project is truly a unique feature of the Honors Program at Bloomsburg University. There are a few majors on campus that have a built-in research component. However academic departments usually do not support more than one semester of research for their majors. The Honors Program offers the opportunity to conduct original research under the direction of a faculty mentor over two semesters.
Honors Independent Study (HIS) is a two semester Program requirement and differs from traditional BU Independent Study courses. Students prepare for HIS by taking Introduction to Research, a one credit course in which students select a mentor, a project, and develop a research proposal. At the conclusion of HIS 2, students submit a written product and present a public lecture about their project.
Following successful completion of Introduction to Research, students enroll in two semester of HIS. Each HIS course is 3 credits and semesters may include summer sessions. HIS 1 and 2 do not have to be taken in successive semesters. HIS offers Honors students the opportunity to research and complete a substantial scholarly, creative project. HIS projects should reflect extensive effort to gain in-depth knowledge of a particular subject, area, or problem, and should contribute original insight and discovery within that field of study. Research projects should artistic depth, academic maturity, and substantial, independent work.
Project topics vary widely. Past projects have included (but are not limited to) authoring books, engaging in scientific studies, creating interactive CDs, and composing musical pieces. There is a complete collection of HIS written projects in the Honors Center. Students are encouraged to examine previous works for ideas, form, and extent.
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. | When should I start the HIS sequence? |
| We encourage students to take Introduction to Research as soon as possible, but only after they are prepared to do independent work. The earliest students usually start is the second semester of the sophomore year, and the latest is the second semester of the junior year. Starting early allows students the option to present results at regional and national conferences. Students in majors with off-campus components, for example, internships and student teaching, are specifically encourage to begin HIS early in their academic career. | |
| 2. | How do I find a mentor for my project? |
| As part of Introduction to Research, students work to secure a faculty mentor. You should identify a faculty member who you respect and is actively involved in research. A faculty mentor need not be in your major. Ask tough questions and consult with the Honors Director, members of HAC, and other Honors students. | |
| 3. | Does the HIS project have to be in my major field of study? |
| No. Students may choose an Honors project is any academic discipline of interest. However, you should consult with your academic advisor regarding your choice. If you elect to conduct research in an area outside of your major, you may be required to take additional courses prior to HIS. Some of the best HIS projects have involved areas outside of a student's major. | |
| 4. | I'm an art major. Can I create an artistic project? |
| Yes. Students in art, theater, music, and other creative disciplines are encouraged to pursue creative HIS projects. For example, a recent HIS project involved an original short play. The oral presentation was a staged reading of the play. | |
| 5. | I'm in Education. Can I do a classroom project? |
| Absolutely. A common project for education majors involves the study of an educational idea in HIS 1, the development of a teaching unit for HIS 2, and actual practical use during student teaching. | |
| 6. | Can I pursue different topics in each HIS course? |
| It is possible to modify your topic after work in HIS 1. However, these changes should be minor and are suggested by the initial research conducted in HIS 1. It is not advisable for students to completely change topics in HIS 2. The purpose of Honors Independent Study is to pursue a single topic in depth, over two semesters. | |
| 7. | What if I can't complete my project in two semesters? |
| The university allows the assignment of the grade R for students who have "Research in Progress." The grade R remains on the student's transcript until he/she completes the project. | |
| 8. | Can I apply Honors Independent Study to the requirements in my major? |
| The two semesters of HIS may fulfill several different upper-level requirements within your major. Utilizing the proper university waiver forms, a student may be able to apply either or both semesters of HIS to upper-level free electives, department independent study requirements, or other, more specific requirements within the various majors. You should discuss any substitution options with your academic advisor, Honors mentor, and department chair. | |
| 9. | Will I have to present my project at a conference or professional meeting? |
| The Honors Program encourages students and faculty to present their research results at appropriate professional meetings. This is not required but does enhance the value of the Honors project and an undergraduate resume. The Honors Program may support a portion of the cost to attending regional and national meetings. The student is still obligated to present his/her project to the Honors Program community. |