Independent Project

The ICIC 452 Independent Project is conducted by a student working independently with supervision by an agreed faculty advisor. Subject to approval of their proposal, the student should conduct research in the field, carry out thoughtful analysis, prepare a report, and make a final presentation to the supervisor of the project and one additional faculty member.

As part of Capstone Option 1 – Research, ICIC 452 is to be taken concurrently with the ICIC 451 Senior Writing Seminar, which is designed to support both students and supervisors through the development of the Independent Project.

Aims and Scope

The Independent Project builds on a student’s course work and experience, and allows them to demonstrate deeper and broader understanding of their topic.

Students are expected to develop and articulate analytical and reflective skills while evaluating theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.

Collective and individual viewpoints are presented in an academic style following standard research conventions.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Capacity to undertake independent research
Capacity to organize and structure research findings
Ability to make independent judgments

Guidelines

Supervisors are free to negotiate adapted expectations with their student(s) including chapter content and format, but for consistency and standardization purposes, the basic parameters of the project are as follows:

6,000-8,000 words

Introduction
Literature Review
Data Collection, Secondary Research OR another form of discourse/theoretical analysis for Humanities-themed projects
Analysis & Discussion
Conclusion (which is a reflective section for the student)

Assessment Criteria

Your independent project will be assessed on three main areas. First of all, Planning and Implementation: this is the process of how you plan your work, your ability to set deadlines and keep to them, while overcoming obstacles. While your supervisor will be available for consultation, you are expected to work independently. Your Final Report is the finished product of your research and demonstrates the extent in which you have successfully explored, evaluated and synthesized information from your research and produced work of publishable quality. For your Presentation, you will deliver a summary of key findings to your supervisor and another professor. This will determine how you are able to clarify the issues and results of your report to a neutral audience.

How to Create a Successful Project

Reflect on what most interests you from your courses and what you feel would be meaningful in terms of your career development. Do some background work and come up with some concrete ideas for your project. Identify your prospective project supervisor (see the HLD Faculty’s Research Interests in their respective faculty profile) and submit your research proposal to them in the term preceding registration for ICIC451 and ICIC452. Upon acceptance of your proposal, meet with your supervisor to agree on a schedule for project advisory sessions.

The Supervisor’s Role

The supervisor will give you guidance on the suitability of your research topic, provide you assistance in developing your idea, give you feedback on your progress and help you to develop your skills in conducting research.

Independent Project

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Independent Project