BA.ITDS - Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.

Introduction

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies provides a diversity of educational experiences for students. From its self-designed major, which allows students— with the assistance of a group of faculty members— to create their own educational program, to its courses in interdisciplinary studies, literature, urban studies, and sciences, the department bridges the distance between, and creates unique perspectives on, the applied arts, the fine arts, the humanities, and the natural and social sciences. Through innovative and collaborative educational experiences, programs, and courses, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies can also enrich discipline- specific majors as courses offered by the department involve in-depth coverage of two or more knowledge- specific areas. They are designed to provide knowledge, skills, and experiences not normally encountered in other courses, and frequently employ team-teaching, experiential strategies, and cutting edge course design to enhance their interdisciplinary perspectives.

The Interdisciplinary Studies major is intended for students seeking a unique, customized university education. In consultation with the department chair and a team of faculty members chosen from across the University, students co-create self-designed programs combining two or more disciplines, culminating in senior thesis presentations that demonstrate their learning. Built around a core of courses in interdisciplinary theory and research, the major offers opportunities for students to bring together such diverse disciplines as business, marketing, management, film and architecture, communication and politics, art history and interior design, leadership and education, etc. The major suits students who have interests that lie between or outside the scope of our other academic majors, but have strong relationships with those majors. These interests also may be related to a curriculum that supports the majors, such as art history, literature, or writing, but for which we do not currently offer a major program. In the Interdisciplinary Studies Self-Designed Major, students work with four faculty members serving in the role of faculty advisors or mentors to design an in depth study that requires knowledge of or skills in multiple disciplines. Then, students participate in an educational experience that translates their passions into analyses via a research studio experience across the major. Students then work to convert their analyses into scalable and actionable theses.

Additionally, the department offers a variety of courses and programs in support of both the liberal and integrative learning goals of the University. Such learning experiences are rooted in a strong group of interdisciplinary courses that approach history, literature, philosophy, and politics from social, cultural, as well as thematic perspectives: Journeys, Natures, Conflicts, and Knowledges. From innovative topics courses that combine scuba certification and ocean based interdisciplinary research, to experiential learning that blends traditional in-class and kinetic exploration of horses at a local horse ranch, to initial foreign language study and the examination of the urban environment, the department’s courses prepare students for the globalized world. Similarly, in the study of literary and philosophical works, students are grounded in the humanistic values and questions important to understanding the diverse perspectives and cultures in which they live. In all courses in the department, students practice interpretative, critical, and analytical skills while challenging traditional boundaries and structures.

Mission

Connecting students and faculty in the exploration and analysis of issues and topics that both integrate and transcend differing disciplinary perspectives and methods.