Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies

Independent Study Proposal

Application Deadlines:
For Fall Semester: June 15/For Spring Semester: November 1

DESCRIPTION: Independent study allows you to explore a specific research topic in-depth, and acquire
the methodological and analytical skills necessary for academic research. It normally involves directed
reading and research, regular weekly meetings with a faculty advisor, and completion of a research
paper or comparable final project that will be graded by the advisor. Independent study is particularly
useful for formulating and gathering materials for a senior or honors thesis. Typically you would
undertake this project in lieu of one of the two regular disciplinary courses.
Many students who plan to write a senior honors thesis at their home institutions have taken advantageof these independent studies as opportunities to collect materials or data that they might otherwise nothave access to in the United States. Moreover, you may be able to establish an invaluable network ofscholars and experts in your field of interest through an appropriate advisor for your independent study(either the Resident Director or a local faculty member from a university in the Kansai area).
Proposals will be reviewed by the KCJS Resident Director for approval. Students must also obtainapproval from their home university study abroad office regarding credit transfer.
Complete the sections below, obtain the relevant signatures as noted below and electronically submit
the completed form in your UGE account.
This signed form must accompany your final written proposal, which should include the following
information:1) Title: give a clear descriptive title of the project;

2) Advisor(s): If you have someone who could serve as an advisor in Kyoto, please list their name,institution, and email address here. If not, KCJS will work to match you with an appropriate adviser;3) Description: provide a statement (approximately 400-500 words) describing the study you propose toundertake, and its major research themes and goals;

4) Preparation: indicate your level of skill in the Japanese language and list any courses you have taken(with grades) that provide background for the proposed research.

5) Methodology: explain the disciplinary framework within which you are working (for example, history,economics, anthropology, religion, literature, sociology), and how you plan to use that framework.
Indicate whether this research is in preparation for a senior or honors thesis, or if the credits are arequired part of your degree.

6) Bibliography: list proposed readings and research sources. About 10-15 entries, including books andpeer-reviewed articles (or book chapters), would be appropriate.

7) Schedule: provide a proposed schedule of study for the 13-week semester. A completed draft of yourpaper will be due at least two weeks before the end of classes.

APPLICANT’S NAME (print): ________________________________________________HOME INSTITUTION: ______________________________________________________
SIGNATURES:
Home School Study Abroad Adviser:
Print Name: __________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Independent Study Advisor:
Print Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Co-Advisor (if any):
Print Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________