Course Materials
Lessons
When you enroll in an independent study course, the lessons take the place of a lecturer or classroom instructor and are designed to be studied closely. The commentary in each lesson elaborates on ideas presented in the textbook, provides additional examples, and occasionally includes exercises and activities to help you learn important skills and concepts. Many, though not necessarily all, lessons are followed by progress evaluations that are sent to the Center for grading.
Print Copy: To request print copy of your course materials you should contact the Center.
Textbooks
You may purchase your course textbooks directly from the Center for Distance and Independent Study. Textbook information is included in course bulletins and on the Center's Web site. If you plan to purchase your textbooks from the Center, you should order them when you enroll because texts may be unavailable at a later date. To order textbooks from the Center, complete the order form located in the back of the course bulletin or print a textbook order form from the Center's Web site. In accordance with university policy, the Center can sell textbooks only to persons enrolled in independent study courses. Textbooks mailed to Missouri addresses are subject to a sales tax of 3.125%.
If you prefer used textbooks, which are priced lower than new texts, check the appropriate box when completing the textbook order form. If the Center has the used texts you requested, we will send them and refund the difference between the used textbook price and the amount you paid.
If you wish to purchase your texts elsewhere, carefully check the textbook information on the Center's Web site. Make sure you get the correct textbook because books with different copyright dates will usually cause difficulties in completing course assignments.
Textbook Price Changes: Textbook prices may change without notice. Courses may also be revised to include updated editions of textbooks, which can also result in price changes. Textbook information in printed course bulletins may become out-of-date, but the Center's Web site has the most up-to-date information. When you enroll in a course and order your books from the Center, you will receive the textbooks that match your course. If a textbook price has changed and the amount you sent is no longer correct, the Center will issue a refund (for amounts greater than $1) or send a bill, as circumstances require.
Repurchase of Textbooks: Under certain conditions, the Center will repurchase textbooks when you no longer need them. The Center will repurchase books used in Center for Distance and Independent Study courses only if the books were purchased from us and are still being used by our department. If you would like us to repurchase your textbooks, and you send them back in good condition, we will repurchase them at one-half the price you paid for them. We will also repurchase any work book you wish to return if it has not been marked in or it has all pages intact. CDIS will not repurchase course materials or kits.
Supplementary Course Materials
Some courses require additional materials, such as specialized supplies, science kits, audiocassettes, videotapes, or CDs. Course listings on the Center's Web site and in the course bulletin provide details about any supplementary materials required by a course.