Overview
This experience allows students to engage in independent, in-depth study of a psychology topic under psychology faculty supervision. Students develop an independent study syllabus, discuss assigned readings with their psychology professor, and may complete an APA-style paper (e.g., a literature review, or an undergraduate thesis), develop a research proposal in their area of interest, or design an independent project.
To learn more about the Psych 496-499 experiences, please watch this video.
Goals
Through this independent learning experience, students will:
- Reflect on their learning across the Psychology program
- Demonstrate the ability to engage in self-directed learning
- Document learning with tangible academic work
- Engage in scholarly disscussion
- Connect academic knowledge and skills to future scholarly or professional goals
- Complete a final project such as:
- Write an APA-style literature review or
- Develop a feasible and practical research plan, including research questions and appropriate methods, within the constraints of time and resources or
- Design a personalized independent project
Depending on the scope and rigor of the project, students may also consider publishing their work in undergraduate journals with the support of their faculty mentor.
Getting Started with PSYCH 498
Step 1: Determine Your Topic
Before reaching out to a psychology professor, take time to identify the area or topic of psychology you would like to explore through independent reading or research. Having a clear topic will help guide your work and identify a psychology professor whose expertise aligns with your interests.
Step 2: Find a Psychology Professor
Students should contact a psychology professor well in advance of the quarter they plan to register for PSYCH 498. This ensures the professor has the capacity to supervise your work and allows time to discuss your topic, goals, expectations, and timeline.
Below are faculty members who are available in supporting students with their PSYCH 498 experience.
Step 3: Create your independent study syllabus
Although this course does not meet like a traditional class, a formal syllabus is required. Your syllabus may include:
- Course topic and learning goals
- Reading list (books, journal articles, or other scholarly materials)
- Structure and timeline for completing readings and assignments
- Assignments (e.g., reflections, response papers, literature review, or final project)
- Evaluation criteria
- Meeting plan (e.g., weekly or biweekly meetings with your professor)
Step 4: Register for Psych 498
Once you and the psychology professor have finalized your plan and syllabus, you may register for PSYCH 498 by submitting an add code request. Once you receive the add code, you can add the course to your schedule. You may do so on or after your designated registration date. Please review this link for credit information and other information.
Note: PSYCH 498 may be taken for a graded or CR/NCR option. Please discuss with your psychology faculty which option is most appropriate for your goals.
Ways to Structure Your PSYCH 498 Work
Ultimately, you and the psychology professor you’re working with will determine the direction of your final PSYCH 498 project. Below are two options you may consider; however, you are not limited to them. They are intended to serve as a starting point for discussion and may help you identify an approach that best fits your interests and goals.
For students seeking a more rigorous academic experience, these two options may be combined to develop a project that could serve as the foundation for a future master’s thesis, Ph.D. research proposal, or related graduate-level work.