Trinity College Independent Studies Programme
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Trinity College Independent Studies Program is open to students of all colleges. Only full-time students are eligible to apply. It allows you to undertake extensive research into a topic that interests you, and it is an especially suitable way of doing interdisciplinary work or work on subjects outside those normally offered by the University.
(a) Course numbers are as follows: Students enrolling for the first time register for one or more of TRN 300H1, 301Y1, 302Y1, or for one or more of TRN 400H1, 404Y1, 405Y1. Those enrolling for a second time register in one or more of TRN 400H1, 404Y1 and 405Y1, as appropriate. Enrolment in third year courses is not a prerequisite for choosing fourth year courses but students who initially enrol in fourth year courses may not enrol in third year courses in subsequent years.
Enrolment dates in the courses are the same as University of Toronto Arts and Science courses.
(b) Participation in the programme is restricted to students who have completed at least 10 courses. The maximum number of independent studies half courses for which a student may receive credit is one, and the maximum number of independent studies full course equivalents for which a student may receive credit is two. Normally the work done is to be the equivalent of two full courses. Permission to register in an independent studies half course, or in an independent studies full course, will normally be granted only to students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50. Permission to undertake an independent studies project for the equivalent of two full courses will normally be granted only to students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.70. Your proposal must also be approved by your supervisor and accepted by the co-ordinator of the programme.
(c) All work must be submitted on or before the last day of classes. The supervisor and second reader will then arrive at a grade.
(d) Grades will have to be submitted by the deadline as listed in the University of Toronto Faculty of Arts and Science Calendar. Late submissions will have to be petitioned.
(e) Students are asked to file brief progress reports with the co-ordinator of the programme at the beginning of December and before reading week. A copy of the final essay or report must be handed in to the co-ordinator, Prof. Kanaganayakam.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS
(a) You might wish to contact the co-ordinator about your eligibility for the programme, and for more information.
(b) You will need to find a supervisor and a second reader. Either the supervisor or the second reader must be a tenured University of Toronto faculty member. A supervisor who is not a tenured University of Toronto faculty member will normally be required to be a full-time faculty member of the University. A second reader who is not a tenured University of Toronto faculty member must hold an academic appointment with the University.
(c) When choosing a second reader, you must consult with your supervisor. You must arrange for a second reader before you submit the registration forms. The programme will not be approved until a second reader has been named. The second reader is not responsible for guidance or consultation. The role of the second reader is to grade your work. (Your supervisor will also grade your work.)
(d) Whether the credits you receive would count towards your major or specialist program would depend on your primary Department. Trinity College does not get involved in that process. Please check with your Department and your College Registrar before enrolling in the programme. Deadlines for enrolment are the same as for all courses listed in the calendar. Since the task of finding a supervisor and second reader can be time-consuming, you should start the process early.
(e) In order to be considered for enrolment, you should submit to the co-ordinator of the programme:
1. your academic transcript
2. a prospectus (several pages) of your proposed study, signed by the supervisor
3. a bibliography
4. the registration form.
Once your project has been approved, the co-ordinator will give you a note to be taken to Ms. Herma Joel (Rm 300, Larkin Building) who will then enrol you in the programme. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are officially enrolled in the programme.
(f) If you move during the academic year, please inform the programme co-ordinator of your new address/phone.
(g) Feel free to contact the co-ordinator or Herma Joel (416-978-8454) for information and help.
Please download the registration form here and return completed to Room 300, Gerald Larkin Building, 15 Devonshire Place.
See also the University of Toronto Calendar.
