Click here for the Application For a Reading Course (PDF)
The designation of "Reading Course" is given to courses that allow students to design their own course of study for a particular subject. They are especially beneficial when the student has a particular area of interest that is not addressed by the regularly scheduled course offerings, but where the student would benefit from the expertise of one of the faculty. Reading courses are an important supplementary learning experience in all degree programs. Students are also encouraged to consider master's level courses in their area of interest that are offered in the Religious Studies Department of the University, or at other institutions with which McMaster Divinity College has co-operative agreements, such as Toronto School of Theology.
Students interested in applying for a reading course should begin the process by discussing their ideas with an appropriate faculty member or with the Dean or designate at least 30 days prior to the registration deadline for the semester.
With the guidance of the appropriate faculty member, the student is responsible for drawing up a written Reading Course Proposal following the guidelines set out in the Application for A Reading Course, available in the Student Records Office or using the link at the top of this page.
The application must be signed by the faculty supervisor and submitted to the Dean or designate for approval. Students may not register for a reading course without the signed approval of the Dean or designate.
Reading Course Objectives
- To offer qualified students the opportunity to explore a specific area of knowledge or experience not covered in required or elective courses.
- To build upon faculty expertise and interests.
- To broaden the bibliographic understanding of a topic.
- To gain experience in focusing on a problem and its attendant scholarly methodology.
- To develop research skills in an area of knowledge or experience.
- To prepare an acceptable research essay.
Reading Course Expectations
- Students will have completed the basic required courses in the given curricular area, with at least a B average in those courses.
- With the guidance of the appropriate faculty member, students will prepare and submit to the Dean or designate, at least 30 days prior to the registration deadline, an Application for a Reading Course.
- No student may register for a reading course without the signed approval of the Dean or designate.
- The reading course proposal must include a clear topic, the name of the proposed course instructor, an explanation of the reason the student wishes to undertake the reading course, an outline of the stages the reading course will follow, specific information regarding three to four planned meetings with the instructor, course requirements, an explanation of how grades will be determined, and a comprehensive, up-to-date bibliography assembled by the student.
- The outcome of the reading course should be:
- 3000 pages of reading
- 6000-7000 words of written work that reflects a scholarly treatment of the topic at the master's level.
Expectations of Faculty Supervisors
- Faculty will consult with students regarding reading course proposals.
- Faculty will consider requests to supervise a reading course on the basis of their expertise in the field such as teaching, writing, research and reading interests.
- Faculty should not propose to work outside of their fields of competence.
- Final approval of the designated faculty supervisor rests with the Dean or designate who takes into consideration faculty workload.
- Reading course instructors will normally be limited to full-time faculty members. In special circumstances, other persons may supervise reading courses.
The Dean or designate will notify the student and instructor regarding the status of the application. The Student Records Office will advise the student of the appropriate course code to be used on the registration form. Note: Courses with an F code are reading courses. Under unique circumstances, the Dean or designate may approve the conversion of an approved Professional Degree thesis application to a reading course if the thesis is incomplete after one year.
Click here for the Application For a Reading Course (PDF)
