Independent Scholars Program

Dr. Scott Paulson, Academic Unit Head
Dr. Matthew Chamberlin, Director
Dr. Phil Frana, Associate Director
Dr. Fletcher Linder, Professor
Phone: (540) 568-5218
Email: chambema@jmu.edu
Location: Maury Hall, Room 118

Mission

The mission of the Independent Scholars (IS) major is to provide students with a learning environment in which they develop and pursue self-designed curricular pathways and research goals, identifying unique domains of inquiry and interweaving multiple modes of thinking. Students are empowered to cultivate their own academic and professional interests in ways that foster the ability to comprehend and contribute uniquely and innovatively to a wide array of topics, questions and problems.

Objectives

IS majors will:

develop topic-based interests and inquiry strategies to pursue those interests.
enhance creativity, self-directedness and perseverance required for inquiry.
learn research, technical and communication skills relevant to their inquiry.
situate their inquiry in relation to contemporary notions of disciplinary thinking.
enhance aptitude and confidence in working independently and collectively.
apply knowledge and skills in experiential-learning settings.

Admission to the Major

Acceptance into the IS major is based on successful completion of the IND 200 introductory course.
Interested students will meet with IS faculty to discuss enrolling in the IS introductory course (IND 200 ), which is taught each semester.
Decisions about acceptance into IS will be made by the IS faculty. Successful applicants will develop a convincing inquiry proposal and feasible curriculum, that clearly outlines a topic of inquiry, and demonstrates exceptional intellectual curiosity, communication ability, and independent research potential.
Students not accepted into IS at the end of IND 200 will be carefully advised into other majors and can use the three IND credits as electives.

Programs

Major