Special Topic
A Special Topic course (195, 295, 395, 495) is a limited time offering, by an Academic Department, of a course not listed in the undergraduate catalog. Special Topic courses are designed and offered by full-time faculty members and provide an opportunity to (a) offer a course that addresses a recently emerging issue, (b) pilot a course before submission for approval as a regular offering in the undergraduate programs course catalog, and/or (c) provide a limited offering of a topical course to enrich and expand offerings based on current student and faculty interest. Special Topic courses must be approved by (a) the department chair and (b) the school Dean. The Course Approval Form documenting departmental and school approval, as well as the course syllabus, will be archived in the Dean’s Office. Special Topic courses cannot be used as course equivalent substitutions for satisfying LMU’s General Education Core Curriculum requirements. The Department Chair can approve a Special Topic course as an elective toward a major. A Special Topic course can be taught as many as three times before it must be submitted to Academic Council for consideration as a regular course offering to be published in the Undergraduate Programs Catalog.
Independent Study
Independent Study courses (196, 296, 396, 496) enable students to engage in focused research under the guidance of full-time faculty members, exploring topics not listed in the undergraduate catalog. To initiate an Independent Study course, students and faculty must complete an Independent Study Request Form detailing the objectives, resources, and evaluation criteria. This form requires approval from (a) the supervising faculty member, (b) the department chair, and (c) the Dean of the respective school before course registration. These courses are designed to supplement the university's standard offerings, allowing students to delve into areas of special interest with tailored academic guidance. Independent Study courses provide an avenue for academic exploration and innovation. The Department Chair may approve these courses as electives toward a major to offer flexibility in fulfilling degree requirements. The combination of Independent Study and Directed Study courses are limited to a total of 15 semester credit hours across a student’s academic career.
Directed Study
A Directed Study is a regular LMU course offering that is taught to a student on an individual faculty/student basis. A Directed Study course requires a Directed Study Contract that outlines the objectives, resources, and assessment methods. The course syllabus detailing meeting times, examinations, and readings must be included. This form requires approval from (a) the supervising faculty member, (b) the department chair, and (c) the Dean of the respective school before course registration. Directed Studies are offered contingent upon faculty availability and are typically not approved if the course is available in the same semester. The combination of Independent Study and Directed Study courses are limited to a total of 15 semester credit hours across a student’s academic career.