Class by Design: The Impact of Directed Readings at OWU

DELAWARE, Ohio — Ohio Wesleyan students who want to study something the course catalog doesn't offer can build their own class through a directed reading. It is open to students in any major and allows for a wide variety of topics. 

A directed reading is an independent study. A student picks a topic, puts together a reading list and meets with a faculty member during the semester to talk through the material. The professor has to approve the reading list before the semester starts, and students are expected to meet weekly and show their reading comprehension each time. 

Not everyone can jump into one. Students need at least a 3.0 GPA and should have finished most of their major. Grading is set ahead of time with the faculty director and is based on things like discussion and written summaries. 

When asked why sales strategy isn't offered as a course, Cliff Hurst, a business professor, pointed to a few possible reasons. 

"I'm not sure, and the curriculum may be full," Hurst said. "Some argue it's vocational and not academic, which I don't agree with." 

The topic is up to the student, which means it can be as specific as a career path.

Brianna Montgomery, a senior business administration and psychology major, is one of two students doing a directed reading on sales strategy and buyer psychology this fall. The reading list includes "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini and "SPIN Selling" by Neil Rackham. They meet Tuesdays with Hurst to discuss each book. 

"I decided to do it because I wanted experience in a niche business area," Montgomery said. She also wanted professional and educational advice from Hurst. 

This doesn't only work for business. A science major could dig into a research niche. A history major could spend a semester on one time period. It also gives students something real to talk about in internship and job interviews, since they can show they studied their field beyond what a class required. 

"I feel more confident walking into the office preparing through the directed reading because there are areas I know I can work on and advice is everywhere," Montgomery said. 

Students who are interested should start by talking to a professor in their department. The application needs a proposed topic, a preliminary reading list, and faculty approval.