content figure
"Eastern Roots, Deep Roots" by William Morrison

Independent modules allow students to either complete a Trek credit alone or to combine academics and Trek credit into one unique project that fits the student's particular interests.

Independent Module students select a subject to study; create a syllabus in conjunction with a faculty supervisor, including a personal itinerary to interact and learn; register for an Independent Study; and submit an Independent Proposal Form (links below) to the Trek Committee.

 

 

 

 

Guidelines

To include…

You must ensure...

COMMUNITY (CO) credit

…that the syllabus clearly outlines a minimum of 30 contact hours.

CULTURE (CU) credit

…that the immersion period is either at least 14 days within the target culture, including travel time; or involves at least 45 hours of academic work, 25 hours minimum of which must be in direct contact with the target culture.

Previously, students have chosen to study a variety of topics around the globe ranging from the 20th Anniversary of Unified Germany to the Evolution of Azerbaijani Education.

Independent Module Stipulations

  • Students will register for an Independent Study course during the period they wish to complete coursework, or in the August term if planned over a summer period (to avoid additional tuition costs).
  • Proposals intending to fulfill a Trek requirement must be submitted to the Trek Committee by either the 1 November or 1 April deadlines in order to be considered.
  • For CULTURE studies: The culture must be different from the student's home or native culture.

Independent Modules may be completed at any time, including school breaks. 

 

Steps to Participate

STEP 1: Develop your syllabus and register for Independent Study course

See Trek Handbook for guidance on developing a syllabus. 

STEP 2: Request your Independent Study receive Trek credit (s)

  1. Submit your draft syllabus to the Office of Global Engagement for an initial review.
  2. Request a letter of support from an academic faculty member -- this may be your supervisor for a credit-bearing Independent Study portion of your project, or it may be from a faculty member in support for a zero-credit Trek 351 project.
  3. Once your syllabus is deemed ready, submit the Trek Culture independent project proposal form.
  4. The Trek Committee will review only complete project proposals and notify you of approval or edits that need to be made.
  5. The Office of Global Engagement will liaise with the Registrar to enroll you in the appropriate course sections. 

 

Deadlines

1 April -- for May Term or Summer projects

1 November -- for Winter Break or Spring projects

After Trek approval, you may be required to submit additional documents to  the Office of Intercultural Engagement and/or the Department of Public Safety.

 

STEP 3: Complete your Program Assessment

After completion of the Independent Study, students must complete the relevant Trek Program Assessment(s) in order to be assessed for Trek credit(s).

Students not achieving an appropriate level of knowledge, skills, or competence in the relevant Trek area may be allowed to resubmit work and self-evaluation within a reasonable time frame, at the discretion of the Committee. 

Contact Info

Office of Global Engagement (in transition, please email for assistance at this time)

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy The institution does not discriminate in its educational and employment policies against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or on any other basis proscribed by federal, state, or local law.