Independent Study
Have you ever wanted to find something out for yourself? To apply all your energies to the pursuit of one of life's big questions. Independent Study is the second of Corvid's three modalities, alongside the anti-establishment menu of courses, and the Global Great Books curriculum. There are two ways to pursue independent study at Corvid College.
Four-Year Question
The most enjoyable experience of doing something well comes from years of applied study and practice. It is the fruit of diligence and continuity from change to change.
"A long time devoted to small details exalts us and increases our strength." Herman Hesse, Journey to the East
&
Ents are better than men or elves: they “keep their minds on things longer.” JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers
&
"What is the hardest task in the world? To think." Emerson "Intellect", Essays
There are more details.
Freestyle
One of the primary means of learning is following one's bliss. Each person is naturally curious about distinctive collections of topics. No one can determine your interests for you, though interest can be influenced. The college generally encourages self-determined learning (no required courses, no prerequisites), but specifically invites individual courses of study, research, practice, or creation that a student designs for herself. Students may use this page to identify their interests, to invite preparatory input from teachers, and to identify a teacher to assist in the study.
Teachers are ready to serve as supports for independent studies. See their autobiographies for areas in which they work. When they do assist in independent studies, teachers are no longer artists of their own work, but friends of the student's work.
There is a fee for the time commitment, but this is arranged between teacher and student.
Fees for independent studies (freestyle).
(There is a variation of freestyle independent study to think of: call it Customized Teaching, in which, as a service, a teacher builds up a program of study for a student after a series of interviews. More challenging, greater risks, but greater rewards.)
