iS! | IC Proposal Form
(Type Concentration Title Here)
By (Student's Name)
Proposed (Semester), (Year)
This is a protected Word form. Please type in the gray boxes. The boxes only display on computer.
Banner ID: B
Graduation Year: 20
Email:
Degree: (Select AB/ScB)
Semester Level:
Box #:
Is this a revision of a proposal submitted earlier? (Yes/No)
Will this concentration replace one previously declared? (Yes/No)
If yes, which?
Will it be in addition to one previously declared? (Yes/No)
If yes, which?
Faculty Sponsor:
Sponsor’s Department:
Sponsor’s Title: (Must be above the rank of Instructor or Lecturer)
Cocktail Party (Provide a 1-2 sentence description of the concentration's focus in simple, jargon-free language)
Description of
the IC:
Student Signature: (Type or Insert Student's Name)
Date:
iS! | IC Proposal Form
(Type Concentration Title Here)
An Independent Concentration by (Student's Name), Class of (Grad. Year)
Contents:
1. Overview ........................................................................................... 2
2. What ................................................................................................. 2
3. How .................................................................................................. 2
4. Why .................................................................................................. 2
5. Courses ............................................................................................. 3
6. Courses (Annotated) .......................................................................... 3
7. Thesis/Capstone ................................................................................ 3
8. Bibliography ...................................................................................... 3
9. Faculty Sponsor Letter ....................................................................... 3
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iS! | IC Proposal Form
Independent Concentration | Proposal Outline
Before completing this proposal, please consult the Independent Concentration Information Packet, schedule
an appointment with the Independent Concentration Coordinators at the Curricular Resource Center (email
independent_concentrations@brown.edu), and look through the archive of approved IC proposals at the CRC.
1. Overview – Provide a clear description of the proposed concentration’s academic goals
 Outline the purpose and trajectory of the concentration, focusing in particular on how the various elements
coalesce around a central theme or question.
(Please Type Here)
2. What – Describe the context of the concentration outside of Brown
 If the proposed concentration exists at other undergraduate liberal arts institutions comparable to Brown,
describe the similarities and differences between the IC and those programs. Consider reaching out to
members of those programs.
 If the concentration does not exist as an undergraduate program elsewhere but is a clearly established field
of study, describe the state of the field, bring in resources from active scholars, and discuss how this
concentration will connect with the field. Consider consulting leading journals or contacting some of the
relevant scholars for guidance.
 If the concentration does not (yet) exist as a field of study, provide a very compelling description of its
necessity, relevance, and academic merit.
(Please Type Here)
3. How – Discuss the scholarly methods to be used and the connections with any related disciplines
 Outline the analytic research methods or forms of inquiry of the concentration, highlighting the role of the
methods course (see Courses Section).
 Describe the connections with other academic fields, including how courses and texts from other disciplines
at Brown will be used to complete this concentration.
(Please Type Here)
4. Why – Provide a well thought-out justification for creating a new concentration
 Include a brief statement of personal interest in the topic.
 Include a statement about why this program of study should be pursued as an Independent Concentration,
as opposed to one of the many standard options. If the IC is similar to any other concentration(s), describe
their differences – which should be significant enough to merit the creation of a new concentration.
 Read and consider various educational philosophies, including the Liberal Learning Goals and the philosophy
section in “Draft of a Working Paper for Education at Brown” (the student-authored foundation of the New
Curriculum and the IC program). Describe which educational goals the IC fulfills and how it will do so.
(Please Type Here)
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iS! | IC Proposal Form
5. Courses – List the courses required for the concentration
 The IC should include at least 10 Core Courses, including 1 methods course and a mix of intro, intermediate,
and advanced courses. The methods course should be one that provides the tools or knowledge to complete
the other courses in the concentration. Related Courses may be listed to complement the Core.
 Courses must follow a logical progression, which should be articulated in the next section. The “Categories”
column should be adapted so as to best explain the flow of the particular concentration. Courses should also
follow a relatively chronological progression so that core courses are completed before the Thesis/Capstone.
> Core Courses
Stud.
Sem.
(1-8)
Acad. Sem.,
Yr.
Course
Code
(i.e. Fall 2011)
Course Title
Instructor
(Add rows with Table > Insert > Rows Below in
Microsoft Word – Then delete this text)
Category
(i.e. Intro,
Advanced)
> Related Courses
Stud. Sem. Acad. Sem., Yr. Course Code
Course Title
Instructor
Category
6. Courses (Annotated) – Describe how each of the courses supports the concentration




Divide this section into categories that demonstrate the logical progression of the courses.
Provide 2-3 sentences per course relating the academic material covered to the concentration topic.
Describe how each will contribute to the concentration’s depth as well as breadth.
Consider including a diagram (flow chart, Venn diagram, etc.) of courses to illustrate the coherence of the IC.
(Please Type Here)
7. Thesis/Capstone – Outline the culminating project for the concentration
 ICs must include a final project to tie together the material and pursuits of the concentration. Describe the
format and content of the intended Capstone or Honors Thesis (details on the IC Info Sheet, which can be
found on the CRC’s website).
 For sophomores this should be a rough outline of what the final projects might entail. Juniors should have a
clearer idea of what the Capstone or Thesis will involve.
(Please Type Here)
8. Bibliography – Provide an annotated list of books and/or articles that are relevant to the concentration
 List at least 10 scholarly books or articles that you have already read or plan to read that are central to the
concentration. In 1-2 sentences, describe how each relates to the concentration topic(s).
(Please Type Here)
9. Faculty Sponsor Letter – Attach a letter of support from the Faculty Sponsor
 The Faculty Sponsor Info Sheet, including the instructions for this letter, can be found on the CRC’s website.
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