Independent Study Guide
The Independent Study (IS) Program offers college courses in settings outside of the traditional college classroom.
Courses are available to students year-round and are comparable to those taught on campus. IS Courses offer students an opportunity to gain skills for a new career, to take courses where a course conflict exists, and/or to meet specific goals such as licensure, certification, or degree requirements.
Independent Study Courses
General Information
Before enrolling, students interested in Independent Study courses are encouraged to read this Independent Study Guide to determine whether he/she can comply with the requirements. Any student, 16 years or older, may register for Independent Study courses. IS students are not automatically admitted to DCC.
For courses requiring prerequisites, students must specifically indicate, in writing, how the prerequisites will be fulfilled (see course description).
There is no limit on the number of IS courses that may be applied towards a degree program.
Most IS instructors are full-time DCC faculty teaching on an academic year schedule; therefore, students must be prepared for delays in grading during college vacations and final examination periods.
How to Enroll
Select the IS course(s) you need from the course listing. In selecting courses for degree requirements, consult with an advisor.
Any student needing a grade posted by a specific date must contract the Registrar before registering.
Students wanting to enroll in more than three (3) Independent Study courses, simultaneously, must obtain permission from the Dean of Instructional Services.
Complete the Information and Enrollment Sheet.
Select an eligible exam proctor and complete the Proctor Form (see details in this brochure).
Submit the forms, fees, and books/ materials payments to:
Elaine Schlosser
Independent Study
Dawson Community College
Box 421
Glendive, Montana 59330
Enrollment Costs
- Please see this schedule of cost.
- Estimated Additional Costs
- Textbook per course: $20.00- $60.00
- Course materials: $10.00
Federal and State Financial Aid are not available for IS coursework.
DCC fee waivers do not apply to IS courses.
All requested information and fees must be received by the IS Office before registration is official and the enrollment date is set.
Refunds
Within two weeks of the enrollment date, a student must notify the IS Office in writing and not have submitted any of their lesson assignments to be granted a 90 percent tuition refund. No refunds will be approved after the 14th day of enrollment has passed.
Time Limitations
Independent Study (IS) courses should be completed within nine (9) months of the date of enrollment. An extension may be requested by making written application to the IS Office at least one month in advance of the projected
completion date. Unless the IS Office is directed otherwise by the instructor, a three-month extension will be granted upon receipt of the written application and payment of an additional $25.00 processing fee. After the first extension, no additional extensions will be granted. After the projected date of completion, a grade will be assigned. Students requiring the completion of a specific course for which no additional extensions are possible, must re-enroll and pay the appropriate fees.
Code of Conduct
Students enrolled in Independent Study courses are expected to observe the same strict codes of academic honesty required of any student in the classroom. Failure to do so may result in various penalties such as resubmission of assignments, re-examination, immediate expulsion, and/or failure in a course.
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to: submitting another’s work as one’s own, cheating on examinations, and plagiarizing in any way.
Submitting Assignments
Students must mail all assignments to the DCC IS Office, Attention: Elaine Schlosser.
Students may submit up to two assignments per week. The instructor may grant the student approval for additional assignments to be turned in each week. After a student submits an assignment to the IS Office, the assignment is logged in, forwarded to the instructor for grading. The graded materials are then returned to the IS Office for recording and mailed back to the student. Please allow approximately two weeks for a lesson or exam grade to be returned.
Students are encouraged to make copies of each assignment for their records before submitting them to the IS Office.
Examinations
Each IS course requires at least one proctored exam unless otherwise stated in the course syllabus. Students must have all of the required assignments submitted preceding each examination.
Proctors
Students are responsible for making arrangements for exam proctors. A proctor Application form must be submitted with the student application form. The Dean of Instructional Services must approve the student-selected exam proctor. The Dean of Instructional Services reserves the right to reject any proctor. It is the responsibility of the student to pay for any costs attributed to a proctor.
Eligible Proctors
DCC Librarian or employed assistants; a school superintendent, principal, counselor, librarian, or teacher; faculty member or administrator of an accredited college.
Ineligible Proctors
Relatives, work supervisor, coach or employer.
Grades
Students earn a standard letter grade for IS courses (unless a “S/U” or audit option is noted on the course syllabus). Earned standard letter grades are included in the computation of the Grade Point Average (GPA) for Dawson Community College. A letter grade will be assigned whether or not students have completed any or all assignments by the end of the projected completion date. Students receive written notification of their grades upon completion of each course.
Withdrawal
Any withdrawals from IS coursework must be submitted by the student in writing to the IS Office. Students may withdraw from an IS course without a grade penalty two (2) weeks prior to the projected completion date. If a student notifies the IS office, in writing, before the 14th enrollment day, the course will not appear on the transcript. A non-punitive grade of “W” will be assigned after the 14th enrollment day.
Transcript Requests
A transcript of courses completed at DCC will be sent to the student upon request. Students needing a grade posted to a transcript by a specific date must have all lessons and the final exam completed at least three (3) weeks prior to the date the grade needs to be posted and the transcript sent. Contact the DCC Registrar before registering to confirm a specific posting date.
Textbooks/Materials/Supplies
Textbooks needed for the course(s) are listed on the course syllabus. They can be ordered from the DCC Bookstore using the “Independent Study Order Form.” Textbooks purchased from the DCC Bookstore may be returned for a full refund up to the 14 th day of enrollment Contact the DCC Bookstore or Business Office at 1-406-377-9457 or 377-9400 during regular business hours for book sales or buyback information.
Supportive Services
IS Students having questions or concerns may contact Elaine Schlosser at 406-377-9400 in the Main Office. Messages for instructors or other staff who provide on-campus services may be left at this same telephone number. On-campus services include the following:
Academic advisors are available to assist you in selecting IS courses or a program of study.
Tutors are available to assist you in understanding your IS assignments.
The DCC Academic Support Center program can assist students with learning disabilities and/or those who require special, but reasonable accommodations.
College Library resources are available to assist students in gathering research materials.
Student Evaluation of the Course
Upon enrolling in an IS course, you will receive the “Student
Response Questionnaire.” Upon completion of the course, we ask
that you complete the form and return it to the DCC IS Office. This information
will help your instructor make improvements, when and where needed.
Independent Study Courses & Descriptions 2007-08
Course Rubric Crs Course Title Instructor
BU161 3 Introduction to Business Cunningham
BU165 3 Business Math Cunningham
BU206 3 Business Communications Cunningham
BU216 3 Business Law Cunningham
BU271 3 Principles of Accounting I Holte
BU272 3 Principles of Accounting II Holte
CD/HL231 3 Drugs, Pharmacology, Korpi
Society & Human Behavior
CM110 1 Information Literacy Emerson
ED100 2 Introduction to Education Matteson
EN101 3 Composition I Emerson
HI102 3 American History Mast
HL203 3 Personal Health Ayre
HL219 2 School Health Ayre
LE103 3 Into to Criminal Justice Dershem-Bruce
LE208 3 Criminal Justice, Ethics Dershem-Bruce
& Leadership
LE225 3 Introduction to Security Dershem-Bruce
MA095 3 Beginning Algebra Hunter
MA103 4 College Algebra Hunter
MU101 3 Music Appreciation Shields
MU102 3 Foundation of Music Shields
MU107 3 Music Theory I Shields
MU175 3 History of Pop Music Shields
OT105 3 Medical Terminology I Webster
OT106 3 Medical Terminology II Webster
PE106 1 Conditioning & Fitness Ayre
PE110 2 Foundation of Physical Ed Ayre
PT250 2 Team Sports Mast
PE260 2 Basketball Techniques Mast
PY103 3 General Psychology Korpi
PY203 3 Developmental Psychology Korpi
SC209 3 Environmental Science Hauk
SC209 3 Environmental Science Schmitz
SO209 3 Juvenile Delinquency Dershem-Bruce
BU 161 (3 Credits)
Introduction to Business
This course covers the meaning and the purpose of business in our society.
Pat Cunningham (21 lessons, 4 exams, final)
BU165 (3 Credits)
Business Math
This course is an applied mathematics course including a review of decimals and percentages. Topics covered include payroll calculations, mathematics of buying and selling, simple and compound interest calculations, annuities, business and consumer loan calculations, inventory valuation methods and other problems common in business.
Pat Cunningham (23 chapters, 4 tests, final)
BU 206 (3 Credits)
Business Communications
The course content includes composing effective communications through letters, memos, proposals, and resumes. Correct spelling, usage, punctuation, and English grammar will be stressed. Prerequisite: EN 101
Pat Cunningham (assignments, 3 tests, final)
BU216 (3 Credits)
Business Law
This course examines the legal environment faced by the members of the business community, employers, property owners, customers, lenders, borrowers, buyers, sellers, and so on. After developing a basic outline of the legal system, the course focuses on the topics of contract law and commercial transactions.
Pat Cunningham (4 exams, final)
BU 271 (3 Credits)
Principles of Accounting I
An introduction to financial accounting principles and other specific topics such as: the study of a complete accounting cycle for retail and other businesses, asset, liability and equity accounts, financial statement preparation/analysis, corporation, partnership, and sole proprietorship entities.
Lane Holte (13 chapters, 4 exams)
BU272 (3 Credits)
Principles of Accounting II
A continuation of Principles of Accounting I with an emphasis on those accounting concepts designed to provide information necessary for management use. Specific topics include: interpreting financial statement information, study of cost systems, cost-volume-profit analysis, and organizational concepts-all of which facilitate managerial control, planning,
and decision making processes.
Prerequisite: BU271 (12 chapters, 4 exams)
Lane Holte
CD/HL231 (3 Credits)
Drugs, Pharmacology, Behavior and Society
This course focuses on the impact that Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) have on the individual (body, mind and soul) and how that can impact the individual’s relationship in a negative manner.
Ken Korpi (5 papers, 2 exams)
CM110 (1 Credits)
Information Literacy
This course will help students develop the ability to locate evaluate, and use information effectively. Legal and ethical guidelines will be covered as students learn to use data in essays and reports. Library and computer research skills will be taught as will and appreciation of lifelong learning.
Susan Emerson (5 Essay’s, final assignment)
ED 100 (2 Credits)
Introduction to Education
This course is designed to introduce students to teaching as a profession. It includes the historical, philosophical, social and psychological foundations of education. Emphasis is placed on the American public school and the purpose of education, problems, and trends and issues in education today. Prerequisites: None
Trish Matteson (19 lessons, 5 exams)
EN101 (3 Credits)
Composition I
This course will include instruction all the expository skills necessary to the writing of composition. Students will be taught units of discourse to provide them with ideas and information suitable (a) to purpose, (b) to limitations of time, and (c) to audience. Some emphasis will be given to instruction in critical, persuasive and evaluate skills in English composition. Students will be expected to demonstrate effective
Word choice, effective sentence structure and conventions of Standard English grammar and usage.
Susan Emerson (8 papers)
HI 102 (3 Credits)
American History
This course is a study of United States history from 1855 >til 1993.
Don Mast (1 research paper, 5 exams)
HL 203 (3 Credits)
Personal Health
This course examines the basic elements of personal health with emphasis on lifestyle and behaviors associated with wellness, fitness, and standard first aid requirements, including CPR instruction.
Joyce Ayre (6 exams)
HL 219 (2 Credits)
School Health
This course examines the classroom relationship to student health; a look at the health curriculum, teaching devices, classroom techniques and organization in the school system.
Joyce Ayre (5 exams))
LE103 (3 Credits)
Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides an overview of the complete criminal justice system. Particular areas of focus shall include law enforcement, the judicial system, the correctional system, and the juvenile justice system. In addition to examining the various actors and functions of the criminal justice process, this course will also examine the manner in which criminal behavior is defined and measured. Relevant amendments to the U.S. Constitution and court decisions will be reviewed along with landmark cases influencing the criminal justice system. Attention shall be paid to current issues relevant to criminal justice policy and an awareness of current issues in the field of criminal justice will be encouraged.
Holly Dershem-Bruce (15 lessons, 4 exams)
LE208 (2 Credits)
Criminal Justice Ethics & Leadership
Ethical leadership within criminal justice agencies is critical to the efficient and effective social control of our society. This course will address the subject of ethics and leadership and how these topics are integrated and interrelated for all criminal justice personnel. This class will help the student develop leadership capabilities and problem solving skills as well as understand the importance of making ethical decisions and the consequences of unethical choices. The course will use a combination of lecture, assigned readings, and assignments to assist student in recognizing their own ethical systems and identifying ethical courses of actions and behaviors.
Holly Dershem-Bruce (11 paper, Final Exam)
LE 225 (3 Credits)
Introduction to Security
This course will examine the historical and legal basis for private security and its role in modern
society. In addition, students will survey the administrative, personnel and physical aspects of the security field including a brief introduction into the domain of retail security.
Holly Dershem-Bruce (8 lesson, 4 exams)
MA 095 (3 Credits)
Beginning Algebra
This course is designed for students who need preliminary work prior to taking Intermediate Algebra or as a terminal course in algebra that intended as a prerequisite for math course in various fields of education.
Michael Hunter (36 lessons, 7 exams)
MA 103 (4 Credits)
College Algebra
This course is a continuation of material in Intermediate Algebra. Topics include functions, exponents, graphing, and simple conic sections. Prerequisite: MA 100, math placement test or consent of instructor
Michael Hunter (39 lessons, 7 exams)
MU 101 (3 Credits)
Music Appreciation
This course examines the language and forms of music, plus the styles and genres of Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods.
Lisa Shields (2 lessons, 4 exams)
MU 102 (3 Credits)
Foundations of Music
In this course, students will learn the basics of music theory, basic note reading, pitch, and rhythm.
Lisa Shields (4 exams)
MU 107 (3 Credits)
Music Theory I
This course will include a study of harmony in common practice, musical notation and interaction of the elements of music harmony and counterpoint. Prerequisite: MU 102 or proven knowledge of musical notation
Lisa Shields (5 lessons, 9 exams)
MU175 (3 Credits)
History of Pop Music
This course provides an introductory examination of popular music’s roots, history, and its social and political relationships. The context of the class will increase the awareness of the heritage of pop music and appreciation of its diversity, and develop a perception of the underlying kinship of its many styles. Students should check the catalog for transferability at their transferring institution.
Lisa Shields
OT 105 (3 Credits)
Medical Terminology I
The students will learn the terminology for medical record coding for insurance or medical records purposes
Terry Webster (10 lessons, 4 exams/readings)
OT 106 (3 Credits)
Medical Terminology II
This course is the second course of the terminology sequence (i.e., anatomy, diseases, and pharmacology).
Terry Webster (13 exams, readings)
PE 106 (1 Credit)
Conditioning/Fitness
This course studies the fundamentals of physical fitness and participation with emphasis toward a personal life of fitness.
Joyce Ayre (Workout log)
PE 110 (2 Credits)
Foundation of Physical Education
This course will provide the student with an overview of physical education in contemporary America; which includes development, purpose, scope and concepts of physical education.
Joyce Ayre (32 chapters, 8 worksheets, 5 exams)
PE 250 (2 Credits)
Team Sports
The Understanding of different team oriented sports.
Don Mast (5 lessons, 5 exams)
PE 260 (2 Credits)
Basketball Techniques
Understanding of basketball coaching B both in game and practice coaching.
Don Mast (6 lessons, 6 exams)
PY103 (3 Credits)
General Psychology
This course is an introduction to the methods and observations in the field of Psychology including exploration of Biological Psychology, Thought, Language and Learning, Memory, Social Psychology, Emotion and Motivation. Selected study of other areas related to student interests plus introduction to newer realms of the world of Psychology are also encountered.
Ken Korpi
PY203 (3 Credits)
Developmental Psychology
This course is an introduction to the study of physiological and psychological factors of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Prerequisite: Py103 or consent of Instructor
SC209 (3 Credits)
Environmental Science
This course is a study of the environment and its components. A special effort will be made to show how natural resources may be conserved. Included in the course are studies of energy, human populations, pollution, soils, water, rangeland, forests, wildlife, air, wastes, and general ecological principles.
Matthew Hauk (lessons, papers, 6 exams)
SC209 (3 Credits)
Environmental Science
This course will be an overview of environmental science and will focus on environmental topics that often receive mainstream media attention. Emphasis in the course will be on exposing the student to the principal concepts of environmental science so that the student can understand how the science behind many of the environmental issues facing the population today.
Philip Schmitz 10 Written Assignments
SO 209 (3 Credits)
Juvenile Delinquency
The course will focus on three broad, but related areas of study: 1) the legal, social, demographic and psychological characteristics of delinquent behavior and delinquents, 2) theories of delinquent behavior and their relation to efforts to prevent and control delinquency, and 3) the juvenile system as an institution of control and alternatives to system processing. Prerequisites: SO103
Holly Dershem-Bruce (17 lessons, 4 exams,
1 research paper