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Architecture Independent Study

Objective: The purpose of this Independent Study is to allow students to pursue an independent study or research project outside their regular coursework, in order to delve more deeply into a specific topic of interest. An Independent study may be taken under the supervision of a member of the resident faculty (defined as full-time or proportional-time faculty members) or adjunct faculty members who have taught at the School of Architecture for at least 6 semesters. The faculty member—who becomes the advisor for the independent course—must approve the proposed study and agree to provide continuing supervision of the work.

Eligibility: Only students in fourth and fifth years in good academic standing (defined as having earned a minimum 3.25 G.P.A. overall for the previous semester) are eligible for independent study. Independent study may be taken only once during a semester in an advanced subject for two (2) credits. One (1) credit of independent study represents a minimum of three (3) hours of work during each week of a 15-week semester.

Application procedure: The major consideration in approving proposals for independent study is the educational value of the study project within the structure of the degree requirements as well as the student having successfully completed any relevant introductory coursework in the topic proposed. Before applying for an independent study, eligible students should contact the faculty they wish to consider as an advisor to discuss their proposal.

1. The selected faculty advisor must be teaching in the School of Architecture during the semester in which you wish to enroll (a professor on leave may not supervise an independent study).

2. The student writes a one-page proposal for the course including a concise description, deliverables, workplan, schedule and preliminary bibliography and describe previous coursework in the proposed topic as well as the educational value of the selected topic of interest.

3. The student selects a faculty adviser who must sign off on the proposal 

4. The student submits the signed proposal to the Dean for review in consultation with the faculty member.

5. Approval of the Independent Study based on merits of proposal and availability of funds to compensate faculty member in compliance with CUFCT/CUOP contract.

6. Once approved, student will receive permission to register for ARCH 199.

2 credits.

Course Code: Arch 199

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.