School of Information Management

Faculty of Management

Reading Course Guidelines

Description

Reading courses are intended to supplement, not duplicate, the existing MI curriculum. They can add flexibility to your MI program by providing you with an opportunity to further develop a specific interest in the information management field. With approval, students who opt to complete a reading course can delve into a topic in greater detail than might be possible within an existing course, or they may choose to study an area not covered by the MI curriculum. Research studies, or special projects may also be conducted as part of a reading course.

Students enrolled in the MI or combined degree program, who have completed at least four three-credit graduate-level courses, and have a GPA of 3.3 (B+) or higher, may apply to complete a reading course.

MI students may take a maximum of two reading courses during their program.

Note: SIM administration tries very hard to accommodate Reading Course requests. Priority will be given to topics that fit well with Faculty’s research interests (see Research Clusters).

Deadlines

Term	Meet with SIM Director	Submit Proposal to Supervisor	Submit Proposal to SIM Director	Obtain final approval (SIM Director/MI Program Coordinator)	Recommended Registration
Fall	By Jul 1	By Jul 15	By Aug 1	By Aug 15	Fall term
Winter	By Nov1	By Nov 15	By Dec 15	By Dec 22	Winter term
Summer	By Mar 1	By Mar 15	By Apr 15	By Apr 22	Summer term

Roles and Responsibilities

Students and supervisors must review the pages below for a complete overview of the reading course process.

Completing a MI Reading Course

Whom should I speak to if I’m interested in doing a reading course?

Before embarking of a reading course, you must arrange to meet with the SIM Director to discuss a potential topic and reading course logistics. The Director will evaluate and coordinate supervision. Come to the meeting prepared to discuss your proposed topic, and plan.

Who can do a reading course?

How do I formally propose a reading course topic?

After meeting with the Director and your supervisor, you must submit a complete reading course proposal. This must be submitted to your supervisor for approval by the agreed upon deadline.

Once I get permission to do a reading course, are there timeline guidelines?

Note: These deadlines are guidelines. Please confirm deadlines with your supervisor.

Term	SIM Director meeting	Proposal Submission to Supervisor	SIM Administration approval
Fall	By July 1st	By August 1st	By August 15th
Winter	By November 1st	By December 1st	By December 15th
Summer	By March 1st	By April 1st	By April 15th

What should my reading course proposal include?

Your proposal must include:

Reading course proposal form (signed)
Title
Introduction
Purpose/objectives
Relevance to the Information Management field
Relevance to the MI Competencies
Selected reading list
Methodology (including requirement for ethics approval)
Timeline for activities in the course
Method of evaluation
Abstract
Research cluster to which your reading course belongs

How do I choose a research cluster for my reading course?

Refer to the research clusters found on the Research page. If you require assistance, contact your supervisor.

Do I need ethics approval before I begin my reading course?

If a reading course involves research with human subjects, ethics approval must be obtained. Ethics approval is granted at the Faculty level; your supervisor can help you liaise with the Faculty of Management’s Associate Dean (Research) for the appropriate forms.

Do I need to register for a reading course?

Yes. You must register for either INFO 6700 or INFO 6710 during the term in which the reading course will be completed.

Who can be my supervisor?

The SIM Director will evaluate and coordinate supervision. Potential supervisors could include: a full-time SIM faculty member, members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In special circumstances, an adjunct or external supervisor could co-supervise.

Are there opportunities to present my reading course work?

Your supervisor can advise you about opportunities for presenting your research. All students completing a reading course are encouraged to present in the SIM Research Day held in the Winter term.

How many reading courses can I do?