Overview

The Directed Study allows Honors students to work individually with an OBU professor on a topic of the student's choosing.  Students select a topic for study that is not covered by a regular class.  The student then asks a member of the OBU faculty to serve as director of the study.  Generally, students should select a faculty member with an interest or expertise in the chosen topic.  Together they design a study plan appropriate for one hour of college credit.

Some students become so intrigued and interested in the topic of their directed study that they choose to follow up with more research and inquiry on the same subject  for their senior thesis. 

Steps for Doing a Directed Study

1. Select a topic and consult with an OBU faculty member about directing the study.

2. Download a Directed Study Proposal Form or request the form from the Honors Program Director, Dr. Amy Sonheim in Lile 208.

3. In consultation with the faculty director, complete the proposal and return to Dr.  Amy Sonheim, Lile 208 by October 29, 2008. The Honors Council will notify you ASAP of acceptance in time to preregister.  

When you pre-register for the Spring Semester of 2009, plan on including the one hour of college credit in your degree plan.

4. The Honors Council will consider the proposal and either approve or disapprove. Students will receive written notification of the decision.  Approval notification will often include recommendations from the Honors Council.  Disapproval notification will include information about  reasons for disapproval and instructions about resubmitting the proposal.

5. Students complete the Directed Study with their sponsoring faculty over the course of the semester.

6. The faculty director of the study assigns a midterm and final grade (S or U), informing Dr. Amy Sonheim at mid-term and end of term, who reports the grades to the registrar.  The standard determining an S is work at the level of a B or better.