TYPES OF COURSES / INSTRUCTION

Topics Courses

Topics courses are offered to enable faculty and students to explore specialized topics in the field that are distinct from standard departmental offerings. The “Topics” specification may be used to try out a new course before it is put into the catalog or to offer a course that is infrequently in demand.

Tutorials

A tutorial is a guided individual study of an existing course, usually taught by the faculty member traditionally teaching the course. Permission for a tutorial must be secured from the Academic Standards and Policies Committee. Tutorial request forms and policy guidelines are found under the “Forms” tab at catawba.edu/registrar.

Independent Study

Independent study is an approach to learning that serves as an alternative to regular classroom instruction. In certain situations, independent study may be an appropriate form of graduate-level study. Courses published in the Catawba College Catalog may not be taught as an independent study. The purpose of the independent study is to allow students to explore topics outside of the currently established Catawba curriculum. Permission to register for an independent study must be secured from the directing instructor and the Director of the Graduate Program. A member of the graduate faculty must agree to supervise this study. Prior to the granting of approval, a written plan must be submitted outlining the scope of the study and the desired outcomes. Upon approval, this proposal shall become a contract for the independent study.