Independent Study
In an independent study, students work with a faculty mentor to design a course that allows them to pursue an academic interest beyond the electives offered in the curriculum. Independent study courses may be designed for one term or for the entire year. Students, primarily juniors and seniors, present written proposals to a panel of faculty members for approval, meet with mentors weekly, and are assessed through written materials, critiques, projects, or compositions. Each independent study culminates in a final presentation before the school.
RECENT INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECTS
French Art and Revolution
Jazz and African-American History
American Sign Language
Economic Manias: Bitcoin
Kinesiology: Optimizing Workouts
Biodiesel Fuel Engineering
Design Thinking: Youth Mentorship
Filmmaking
Language Development and a Child's Brain
Epidemiology: The Zika Virus
Jen Gaenzle-Smith
Indepedent Study Coordinator
Email: jgaenzlesmith@berkshireschool.org