Experiential and Independent Study Course Guidelines (IDEV*3200 and IDEV*4200)

IDS Undergraduate students have the option of registering in an Experiential Learning or Independent Study Course (IDEV*3200 or IDEV*4200). These courses can be used for work, study, research, volunteer, internship and other experiential learning opportunities. Read through the Course Guidelines and registration information outlined below and contact the IDS Academic Advisor if you have questions.

Course Descriptions

IDEV*3200 Experiential Learning in International Development Studies S, F, W (3‐0) [0.50]

This course is intended for International Development Studies students who seek to combine experiential learning (study abroad, internship, volunteer, work or research opportunities) with their academic course work. Any faculty member at the University of Guelph with appropriate expertise may supervise the project. A participation agreement must be completed prior to registering for this course. Students are advised to contact the IDS Academic Advisor for further information.

Prerequisite(s): 10.00 credits

Restriction(s): Registration in BAH.IDS, BAH.IDS:C, MIN.IDS, and BAG.IDS. Written approval of the academic advisor for international development

IDEV*4200 Independent Study in International Development Studies S, F, W (3‐0) [0.50]

This course is intended for upper-year international development studies students to complete an independent study or research project. Any faculty member at the University of Guelph with appropriate expertise may supervise the project. A participation agreement must be completed prior to registering for this courses. Students are advised to contact the IDS Academic Advisor for further information.

Prerequisite(s): 14.00 credits

Restriction(s):  Registration in BAH.IDS, BAH.IDS:C. Instructor consent and written approval of the IDS Academic Advisor required.  

Use of these courses:

1. These courses may be used to combine work, research or volunteer experience with academic course work OR as regular reading or special topics courses.
2. The project and assignments should reflect the credit weighting assigned to each course. See Suggestions below for possible course assignments on following page. All experiential and independent study courses will involve a writing component.
3. With the permission of the Academic Advisor for International Development Studies, IDS students may substitute 0.50 credits from their Area of Emphasis with IDEV*3200 or  IDEV*4200.

Suggestions for Possible Course Assignments

NOTE: All experiential learning and independent study courses must include a writing component.

Course Guidelines and Registration Process for Students

1. Find a faculty supervisor: Your supervisor must be a faculty member at the University of Guelph. Begin discussions about the course project at least one semester before you are registered. Before contacting potential supervisors, you should think carefully about what it is you want learn and research as part of this course. You are responsible for finding a supervisor, although the IDS academic advisor can provide some guidance. 
2. Research Topic: Together with the supervisor, decide on a specific research topic for the coursework, deadlines and method of evaluation.
3. Participation Agreement: To register in the course, you and your supervisor must first complete and sign the Participation Agreement form, and then submit the completed form to the IDS Advisor. The IDS advisor will not give approval to register for the course without having a completed Participation Agreement form in hand. The Participation Agreement is available below in both Word and PDF format.
4. Course Registration: After approving the agreement, the IDS advisor will provide you with a signed Course Waiver Request form so that you are able to register in the course. You will need to submit the completed course waiver request form to Enrolment Services to register.
5. Ethics approval process: Ethics clearance must be obtained before conducting any research involving human participants. For the purposes of ethics application and clearance, undergraduate students must list their supervisor as the principal investigator. For more information, visit the Research Ethics Board website and discuss with your supervisor.
6. You may register for the course in the semester during which the research or work experience is undertaken or in a subsequent semester.
7. DepartSmart (if you are planning to travel as part of this course): Given the inherent risks to international travel, all U of G students travelling for academic reasons are required to register for and complete DepartSmart, an online pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Centre for International Programs.  DepartSmart is mandatory for any student travelling internationally as part of a University of Guelph activity, even if the student has lived, travelled or worked in this same country in the past. This is a University policy put in place to minimize the risk to the student and the institution. DepartSmart modules cover information on topics which are particularly relevant for those pursuing academic travel.
   Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately prepared for your trip.
8. All regulations and procedures applying to regular courses also apply to these courses. You should be familiar with the policies on academic misconduct and other University policies.