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DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
PSYC 4503 (SPECIAL PROBLEMS) OR 4504 (DIRECTED RESEARCH) LEARNING CONTRACT
This course is intended for students who wish to advance their knowledge and/or research skills in an area of
psychology not covered in other courses. In this course, students may (a) read intensively in a specialized area,
(b) conduct psychological research, and/or (c) obtain field experience in community institutions where
psychological principles are applied.
PSYC 4503 is available for one, two, and three hour sections, for a total of six hours per semester. PSYC 4504 is
available for three hour sections only. PSYC 4503 and 4504 may be repeated for a combined total of nine hours
to be used toward graduation. PSYC 4503 is generally used for students to participate in a research lab, while
PSYC 4504 is generally used for independent research.
Students may enroll in any number of hours from one to six hours each semester. Fifty (50) hours of work is
required for each hour of credit earned. For example, 150 hours is needed to complete a three-hour course.
PSYC 4503 and 4504 may be designated as honor sections. Please note if an honors section is requested.
Psychology Honors Program students MUST defend the thesis proposal by the end of their PSYC 4504 course.
Students Name:_______________________________________ ID#:____________________________
Mailing Address:______________________________________ City:____________________________
State: _____ Zip: _______ Email: _______________@memphis.edu Phone #: ____________________
Course Number: _________________ Credit Hours: ________ Semester: _________ Year: _________
Instructor of Record: _______________________Instructor’s UID # ____________________________
Field Supervisor: ___________________________
Date work will begin: ___________& end ___________ Project Title: ____________________________
In the space below, briefly specify the activities required for completion of the course. The courses listed above
are graded with a regular letter grade or IP (In Progress). See the paragraph on Grading on the reverse for more
information.
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Student Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: __________________
This form must be returned to the Instructor of Record (faculty member) for a grade to be posted.
Faculty Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________
For Office Use: Call Number: __________ Section Number: ______ Permit Entered: _____________