The purpose of this site is to provide resources for Liberal Studies majors as they progress through their degree work. Included are materials pertaining to degree development, planning, and independent studies. There are also numerous contacts and links to web-based material.

Please note: Some of the material has been taken directly from Liberal Studies core classes such as LIS 301 and LIS 451. It is important to remember that the information you receive directly from your instructor and/or advisor takes precedence over materials found on this site. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their instructor and/or advisor when making changes to their degree plans.

General Student Resources and Forms

  • To view past courses, select a semester and then Liberal Studies on the Course Catalog.
  • The LIS Student/Faculty Handbook for Liberal Studies.
    You may want to also purchase (at the UIS Bookstore) a copy of this handbook which will be utilized throughout your degree process.
  • LIS Copyright Form (doc)
    By filling out this form, you give the UIS LIS Program permission to use your materials as an example of student work.
  • Honor’s Thesis Proposal Packet (doc) 
    This packet must be completed prior to enrolling in LIS 471 Honor’s Thesis.

Liberal Studies Educational Guides

  • “A Liberal Studies Discussion” by Dr. Ed Cell (pdf)
    An essay by Dr. Ed Cell. The article discusses the philosophical ideas found within the LIS program, particularly the categories for education designed by Ernest Boyer. This article may help you to decide which of Boyer’s categories best suits your needs and provide some guidance as you develop your own degree plan.
  • Knowles Chart 1 (pdf) A comparison chart showing the assumptions and processes of teacher-directed (Pedagogical) and Self-Directed (Andragogical) learning.
  • Knowles Chart 2 (pdf)
    A self-rating chart used to determine competencies of self-directed Learning.
  • “Rediscovering Basic Values” by Eugene Raudsepp (pdf)
    In this article, Eugene Raudsepp discusses how to understand your needs and beliefs.
  • “Seven Principles” by Arthur W. Chickering and Zelda F. Gamson (pdf)
    This article discusses seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education.

LIS Independent Study Proposal Form

This proposal form should be used for all independent, tutorial, internship, and experiential work designed for academic credit in the Liberal Studies Program. Specific guidelines for conducting independent studies are available from the LIS office.

For use with the following courses:

  • LIS 380 Exploration of Learning Resources
  • LIS 499 Independent Study: Tutorial

After negotiating the content and process with a faculty sponsor, this form should be completed and sent in to the LIS Secretary. The form will be signed by the faculty sponsor and LIS Director prior to registration. If you are using an external resource, it is your responsibility to get that signature. You may attach additional pages to this form as needed.

Independent Study Form

Submitting the Form

When you have completed the form, send your completed form to:

Liberal Studies Program
University Hall Building 3038
University of Illinois Springfield
One University Plaza
Springfield, Illinois 62703
Fax: 217-206-6217
Email: lis@uis.edu