Overview
ADMN 499 is an independent study course. This means that:
- the pattern of assessment for this course is broadly outlined in this document, but it can also be negotiated between the appropriate faculty member and the student.
- there are no tutorial arrangements automatically made for you. You are required to negotiate support arrangements with faculty on an “as needed” basis.
You will notice that the emphasis is placed on your responsibilities. An independent study course requires you to take responsibility for designing your own learning and to ensure that your own learning objectives are met. You will also notice the emphasis on collaboration between you and the faculty.
Outline
Your first assignment (worth 15% of the available marks) will be to outline in detail your study plan. This plan needs to cover these topics:
- the aim of the study program
- specific objectives for the study program
- assignments for the study program
- support required from the faculty member
- support required from the Athabasca University Library
- other sources of support for your study program
This is a very important assignment. It sets out your learning agenda and builds a contract for learning between you and the professor.
Once you have completed this assignment and have discussed it with the appropriate faculty member, you can continue with your studies in accordance with the agenda and contract you have agreed upon.
Evaluation
There are no formal examinations for this course. You complete the course by submitting all the agreed assignments and obtaining a grade of a C- (60 percent) or higher overall.
Normally there will be four assignments. This assessment structure can be varied by the professor with the agreement of the course coordinator and the student.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 15% |
| Assignment 2 | 25% |
| Assignment 3 | 25% |
| Assignment 4 | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
There are no formal course materials for this course. The student is responsible for negotiating with an appropriate faculty member a program of study valued at three credits.