Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

entails considerable student-faculty interaction during the pursuit of the work. Thefaculty member may assist the student in the preparation of the bibliography or theformulation of the project, and the student is expected to consult the faculty memberperiodically and report on progress being made. Such conferences usually occurabout once every two weeks.Independent Study courses (numbered 490) provide opportunity for a student touse initiative, imagination, and persistence to produce a higher quality body ofwork such as a research paper, formal report, or art project. Independent study isopen only to juniors and seniors who have performed exceptionally well academicallywith a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 and who are judged bythe faculty supervisor and department chair to be capable of substantial independentinquiry into a special phase of the subject within their major.After initial planning in consultation with the faculty supervisor, the student basicallyworks independently. The student is free to consult with the faculty member fromtime to time but is generally under no obligation to do so. The course may involvelibrary research or special problems. Each study should enhance the understandingof the subject as well as develop the methodology of inquiry. Ordinarily, just onecourse credit for such study may be earned in any one term.Teaching/Learning ParticipationCertain departments and programs offer highly qualified students opportunities tolearn by sharing in the instructional responsibilities for particular courses.The student is given a sphere of responsibility so that learning and teaching canbe experienced as two aspects of the process. The student’s role differs from thatof teaching assistants utilized by many colleges and universities. Here the facultymember is as much involved as ever in all aspects of the course. Involvement ofa student in teaching/learning participation (numbered 464) in a particular coursehappens only if the faculty member feels that definite benefit to both the studentand the course will result.Each instructional program unit determines which of its courses, if any, are appropriatefor such individual studies in teaching/learning. (The role of laboratory assistantis not appropriate for this type of individual study.) The type of responsibilitiesand extent of involvement of the student will vary depending on the course andfaculty member. This course may be taken only at the undergraduate level. It maynot be counted as a substitute for any of the undergraduate teacher educationrequirements.Posey Leadership InstituteThe Austin College Posey Leadership Institute gives aspiring student leaders extraordinaryopportunities to train for lives of leadership and service. Every year 15 enteringfreshmen and up to five sophomores are invited to participate in the Posey LeadershipInstitute. Selection to the institute is based on a demonstrated record of servantleadershipand the potential for success in the institute’s programs. Members mustcomplete a series of special courses, which include an introductory course on leadershiptaken in the fall of the freshman year, an internship on leadership in action,a Jan Term course, a second-year course on national and international leadership,and a senior conference on advanced leadership studies.56 | ACADEMIC PROGRAM