inquiry and the procedures and evaluation methods which will be employed. An independent study may involve innovative learning projects and activities and require independent learning of the student. Permission to register for the course is determined by the department. Selected Topics—Courses offered in which topics change but the “course outcomes” do not. The basic course format must be approved by the Curriculum Study Committee; however, the various topics selected need be approved only by the respective chairpersons. Special Projects—An opportunity for all students to undertake a course involving individualized study in those departments that offer special projects. Compared to independent study, special projects are more closely supervised by the instructor, use a more traditional format and involve more frequent assessment by the instructor. Permission and prerequisites to register for the course are determined by the department. Seminar—A formal course involving research and discussion. The course topic need not be original or unique in conception, but does involve individual research and group interaction. Admission is granted upon the approval of the instructor.
The form describing the proposed individualized program should be completed by the student and the faculty mentor. A comprehensive statement by the student justifying the minor must accompany the individualized minor form. The form must list the specific courses to be taken and suggested alternatives and be signed by the student and the faculty mentor before it is presented to the Curriculum Study Committee and the Dean of the College for approval. The proposed individualized minor must be approved by both Curriculum Study Committee and Dean of the College. The proposed minor must be submitted for approval preferably by the beginning of the junior year, but no later than one year prior to the date of expected graduation. Following approval of the plan, any revisions must be approved by the mentor and Dean of the College. A copy of the program will remain on file in the Office of Academic Affairs as a model for review and future potential use. A copy should also be placed in the student’s advising file and in the Academic Records Office. Transcript title will be reflected on transcript entry as “Individualized: name of minor.”
Individualized Minor
The mission of the Global Institute is to foster consideration of issues related to global economic development, sustainability and the environment. The Global Institute seeks to provide regional, national and international resources for reflecting on the identified theme of the year, such as “Being Creative for the Earth: In Economically Challenging Times” (2011-2012), “Justice, Just Us and the Earth” (2010-2011), “Taking Care of the Earth” (2009-2010), “Regenerating the Earth” (2008-2009), “Honoring Earth’s Hospitality” (2007-2008), “Exploring New Possibilities for the Earth” (2006-2007), etc. The Global Institute sponsors a Celebration of the Earth during each spring semester. Dr. Curt Thompson and Dr. Anna Reinsel are the co-directors of the Global Institute and various faculty and staff members serve as Global Institute Associates.
An approved individualized minor of at least 15 credit hours and no more than 22 credit hours may be presented in lieu of a departmental minor. At least 9 credit hours must be taken beyond the introductory level. An individualized minor will provide flexibility for a student to design a program that is on the academic “cutting edge” and closer to the student’s area of interdisciplinary interest. Such an option provides a personalized, educationally sound and interdisciplinary approach to academic program planning at Thiel for an academically eligible student. A student with a minimum GPA of 2.5 wishing to enroll in an individualized minor should first select a faculty mentor. Forms for the individualized minor are available in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Global Institute
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