Written By: Tia Agarwal

Independent Studies are a special opportunity open to juniors and seniors to study topics beyond the “breadth or depth of the RCDS curriculum” (RCDS 25-26 Curriculum Guide). In practice, this might mean continuing a topic after its offerings in RCDS have ended. For example, Nola Coady ‘26’s independent study “Reading and Analysing Gabriel García Márquez’s Cien Años de Soledad” is a continuation of her Spanish journey after finishing AP Spanish Literature and Culture as a sophomore. While the study is outside the scope of a formal class, students are paired with an advisor who helps them set up and answer questions during the exploration. For Coady, her advisor Mr. Cavanaugh helps her “think about the greater historical context” of the books she reads through his knowledge of Spanish literature and history. 

For others, a study can be an opportunity to explore a topic not touched upon by the RCDS curriculum. Chase Talpins ‘27’s independent study “Studying Food Systems: Ancient to the Future” with Ms. Everett, the Humanities Department Chair, combines his love for food and history. He notes that in every history class he has taken he has always “seen a gap in understanding agriculture,” which he believes is fundamental in understanding societies’ survival. He has designed his study with a historical lens because he wants to “gain a historical foundation after exploring it through science classes.” 

Independent studies are approved by a committee led by Dr. Danziger, Classics Department Chair, and includes faculty from various departments. The committee looks at the study as a whole, reviewing how the student has decided to spend their time. Mr. Leath says the most important part of the application is “putting in the effort to submit a fully developed idea,” saying that the main criteria are that the study must be school appropriate and that the student is spending their time well with a feasible outcome. Students are allowed to change specifics of their time spent once they start, but Mr. Leath notes, “This doesn’t happen too often if the proposal is well developed.” 

Students are free to decide their own resources, assignments and final project. The application asks students to break their work into twelve cycles and decide the frequency of assignments. They can also decide their final project. For Coady, her final project is a commentary on political themes in García Márquez’s book, while last year, her final project on Paula by Isabel Allende was an essay centered around a theme. 

The final independent study presentation usually takes place at the end of the semester, where participants gather in a group or individually to present their work and learnings. Students sometimes present this as an awareness session for topics that might require sign-ups or have potential for application within RCDS. Many also use this to have the larger community engage with their new topic and find interest for their passions.