Directed Independent Study
A Directed Independent Study (DIS) can be either a major or a minor course. Most students find that a DIS minor, requiring a meeting once each 8-day cycle and two to three hours of work, is the best option. DIS minors are ungraded but they do appear on the student’s transcript.
In the past, students have created DIS minors in such subjects as Arabic, Russian, German, philosophy, poetry, investment, and watercolor painting.
Students in grades 11 and 12 may develop a DIS major, which requires the time commitment of a full-credit academic course. Students who want to pursue a subject that is not offered in the course catalog, or who have completed all course offerings in a particular discipline, are able to propose a DIS major to the Academic Standards Committee. In the past, students have created successful DIS majors in creative writing, sports medicine, Turkish, Arabic, computer programming, advanced music composition and Japanese.
Students planning to apply for either a DIS Minor or Major must first consult with the Director of Independent Study.
contact information
Anne Gerbner,
Director of Independent Study
215-951-2394
agerbner@germantownfriends.org