The department offers special problems (independent study) courses for only very extenuating
circumstances. If a student requires a specific course in order to graduate, and that
course is not being offered that semester, with department consent, students may sometimes
be enrolled in a special problems course. This is a section created especially for
one student, and requires the instructor to work one-on-one with the student to make
sure that they get the same materials and information that a student enrolled in a
"regular" section would get. Therefore, this option is used only for emergencies and
on very rare occassions. All courses that are required for majors and minors are offered
on a regular rotation, so students should visit with an advisor regularly to plan
their courses accordingly to avoid needing to pursue a special problems option.
Students may also have a keen interest in a particular topic relevant to the study
of world languages that is not offered as a formal course. If a student can find an
instructor who is willing to work with them and whose interests and expertise are
also in that area, the department may be able to set up a special problems course
to serve as an independent study of a focused topic.
Special Problems Request
Before pursuing a special problems request, students will need to meet with the undergraduate
language advisor to discuss possible course options. If the language advisor recommends
a special problems request, the student can the form below and submit it for the next
steps. The final approval rests with the instructor and the department chair even
after the undergraduate language advisor reviews your request, so your request may
not be granted.
University of North Texas 
