what is an interdiciplinary course

by Tevin Johnson 9 min read

I. Definition Interdisciplinary courses question and offer an alternative to traditional knowledge production processes in that they seek to be integrative and holistic, rather than fragmented and compartmentalized. They use an inquiry rather than a disciplinary or multi-disciplinary approach.

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What can I do with major in Interdisciplinary Studies?

Jul 26, 2012 · The word "interdisciplinary" is defined in Merriam-Webster as simply "involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines." An Interdisciplinary Studies degree does just that: it involves covering a broad range of practical and relevant subjects necessary for developing a breadth of understanding of learning and society.

Is Interdisciplinary Studies degree worth it?

Defining Interdisciplinary Course Structures. The term “interdisciplinary” is quite often misunderstood or is taken as some very large and very vague idea. Courses that are often thought of as interdisciplinary are sometimes multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary or adisciplinary. Below is an effort to distinguish between these structures.

What is the difference between interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary education?

An interdisciplinary curriculum is a teaching method or course plan that combines the contributions of multiple disciplinary subjects on a single topic. The goal of most interdisciplinary curriculum programs is to give students a thorough understanding of not only the central topic, but also the relationships and context in which it exists.

What does it mean to be interdisciplinary?

Nov 28, 2021 · Although an Interdisciplinary Studies program can help you design your own education, most colleges will still require you to complete basic general education courses. Typical general education courses include: English Composition Math Natural Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.

What is an example of an interdisciplinary course?

Here are some examples of interdisciplinary studies majors: International business: combines business fundamentals with a deep understanding of economic, political, social, and cultural issues around the world. You may also learn a second language, take geography classes, and improve communication skills.

What is the meaning of interdisciplinary course?

The word "interdisciplinary" is defined in Merriam-Webster as simply "involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines." An Interdisciplinary Studies degree does just that: it involves covering a broad range of practical and relevant subjects necessary for developing a breadth of understanding of ...Jul 26, 2012

What is interdisciplinary education studies?

An interdisciplinary studies program combines two or more fields of study or academic disciplines. A standard degree in this field combines core education courses like math and science, electives and concentration area classes.

Are interdisciplinary courses good?

Yes, interdisciplinary studies is a good major for many undergraduate students. Most interdisciplinary studies degree programs are versatile and customizable. If you want to study more than one field, such as psychology and art, an interdisciplinary studies program may allow you to do that.Jan 19, 2022

Is interdisciplinary studies a BA or BS?

The BS in interdisciplinary studies is a rigorous science-based degree intended for students who wish to combine science with other interests such as business, psychology, humanities or social sciences.

What is the difference between disciplinary and interdisciplinary?

Crossdisciplinary: viewing one discipline from the perspective of another. Multidisciplinary: people from different disciplines working together, each drawing on their disciplinary knowledge. Interdisciplinary: integrating knowledge and methods from different disciplines, using a real synthesis of approaches.Mar 12, 2012

Is interdisciplinary studies a hard major?

Getting an interdisciplinary studies degree can be difficult, but so are most things worth doing. Also, for some, the nature of interdisciplinary studies programs lends itself to success.

What can you do with an interdisciplinary studies degree?

11 jobs for graduates with interdisciplinary studies degreesTeacher.Counselor.Journalist.Admissions counselor.Entrepreneur.Accountant.Public relations specialist.Professor.More items...•Mar 25, 2021

Is an interdisciplinary studies degree worth it?

The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree is a great choice for any student looking to tailor their education to a future career. Not only will it build your resume with job-specific skills, it will boost your ability to get a job and leave you with a great chance for earning a higher salary.Mar 19, 2021

Do employers like interdisciplinary studies?

Employers are interested in hiring interdisciplinary studies majors because of their conceptual thinking skills and problem solving skills, according to Ausburg.

What are the pros and cons of interdisciplinary studies?

Though it has many advantages such as, expanding student understanding and achievement between all disciplines or enhancing communication skills, it also has disadvantages, such as integration confusion and time-consuming curriculum preparation.Jan 4, 2010

Are BIS degrees worth it?

Graduates from BIS programs can go on to launch new careers in everything from teaching to technology, or advance their career in their current profession. Some even continue their education in graduate and law school. Perhaps the biggest perk of earning a BIS degree is how relevant the skills are to any industry.Mar 24, 2017

What is the goal of interdisciplinary courses?

The goal of most interdisciplinary courses and programs is to integrate the contributions of different academic disciplines or fields of study so that topics, problems, and phenomena under study are better understood . ( Disciplines have traditionally have been defined as specializations within the arts and sciences;

What is interdisciplinary study?

Interdisciplinary studies, broadly defined, is the process of answering a question, solving a problem, or addressing a problem that is so broad or complex that it cannot be addressed through a single discipline or field. In higher education in the United States, interdisciplinary studies are conducted through individual courses, ...

What is the difference between interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses?

A distinction is often made between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, although the difference is more likely one of degree . In multidisciplinary courses, instructors present disciplinary perspectives, often one at a time, without special attention to integrating those perspectives or examining their assumptions. In contrast, instructors in interdisciplinary courses not only examine the underlying assumptions of the disciplines that contribute to the course, but also assist students in integrating the separate disciplinary contributions that have been brought to bear on a topic into an inclusive understanding.

How did the war influence interdisciplinary curricula?

During the 1930s and 1940s, war again influenced interdisciplinary curricula as institutions developed area studies programs designed to provide knowledge about foreign cultures and peoples involved in World War II.

Why is interdisciplinary study important?

As a result, advocates argue, interdisciplinary study is excellent preparation for the role of citizen and worker in a pluralistic, technological, and democratic society. Proponents such as James R. Davis, William H. Newell, and William J. Green also claim that interdisciplinary curricula are more engaging, capturing students' intellectual ...

What is collaboration in teaching?

Collaboration among faculty teaching interdisciplinary courses can involve course planning, content integration, teaching, and assessment. All members of the faculty team may be involved in planning a course or a single individual can take primary responsibility for this role. Responsibility for instruction can also vary.

What are the skills of interdisciplinary education?

These include skills in problem solving, critical thinking, evaluation, synthesis, and integration. In addition, interdisciplinary courses are believed to develop the ability to see ...

What is a bachelors in interdisciplinary studies?

Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (General Studies) Interdisciplinary Studies and General Studies are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are slightly different. Interdisciplinary Studies (or Integrated Studies) programs tend to be career-focused. This option can give you the chance to combine multiple disciplines, ...

Why do I need an interdisciplinary studies degree?

An Interdisciplinary Studies degree will require you to design your own academic program, communicate with faculty and advocate for yourself.

How much does a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with Bachelor of Science degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies earn annual median salaries ranging from $49,300 to $121,220 . But again, these graduates might work in virtually any field, so there will be a tremendously wide range of salaries.

What is the most popular career choice for interdisciplinary studies graduates?

The most popular career choice for Interdisciplinary Studies graduates is education, with most choosing to teach at the elementary or secondary level. But depending on the field of study you choose, you might become an Executive Director, a Social Worker or a Journalist – nearly anything!

What is a liberal arts degree?

A Liberal Arts degree is also interdisciplinary and can give you opportunities to explore multiple subjects. Rather than having a single area of expertise, it can help you develop a more varied perspective. You may learn to apply critical thinking skills and bring together concepts from a wide array of subjects.

Why is interdisciplinary studies important?

Your studies as an Interdisciplinary Studies student can help you learn how to communicate effectively, think critically and work well within a team. These are valuable skills that can be applied in a number of fields!

Is an interdisciplinary degree useless?

No, an Interdisciplinary Degree is not useless! Many find it to be a great way to get what they want out of their education. Perhaps you want to explore Legal Administration, but there is no major for that. Under Interdisciplinary Studies, you may combine courses from Paralegal Studies, Political Science and Business.

What is an interdisciplinary course?

Interdisciplinary courses question and offer an alternative to traditional knowledge production processes in that they seek to be integrative and holistic rather than fragmented and compartmentalized. They use an inquiry rather than a disciplinary or multi-disciplinary approach. In sum, the interdisciplinary course emphasizes connections ...

Why are interdisciplinary courses not used in general education?

Because Interdisciplinary courses are, by design, treatment of a subject from different disciplines, Interdisciplinary courses may not be used to fulfill a General Education requirement in the distributive areas (science, behavioral and social science, humanities, and the arts). However, a course may simultaneously satisfy ...

What is a literary course?

A course treating the study of literary works, film, and selected readings from other areas (history, science, fiction, and nonfiction) to generate an understanding of the relationship of human values to medicine, illness, and issues of related importance to physicians.

What is interdisciplinary liberal arts?

All baccalaureate students are required to complete one interdisciplinary liberal arts and sciences course. Interdisciplinary study focuses on questions, problems, and topics too complex or too broad for a single discipline or field to encompass adequately; such studies thrive on drawing connections between seemingly exclusive domains.

Is City Tech an interdisciplinary college?

To be considered an interdisciplinary course at City Tech, the course must be team-taught by more than one faculty member from two or more departments in the College (exceptions are made for departments that provide a home for multiple disciplines, such as Humanities and Social Science).

What is interdisciplinary curriculum?

Interdisciplinary curriculum attempts to educate students with a deep understanding of a certain topic and its relation to a larger context. Interdisciplinary curricula often allow students to combine the things they've learn in social studies with their current topic in English or literature classes.

What is Jessica's degree?

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a writer.

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Rationale For Interdisciplinary Courses and Programs

  • Arguments favoring interdisciplinary teaching emphasize the need to bring multiple disciplinary perspectives to bear on real-world issues. Proponents of interdisciplinarity argue that the disciplines arbitrarily fragment the world and allow their adherents to select only those dimensions of a problem that their discipline can adequately address, thus leaving important di…
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Interdisciplinary Study in U.S. Higher Education

  • The first interdisciplinary courses in U.S. colleges and universities were part of the general education, or core, requirements of the undergraduate curriculum. (General education is that component of the undergraduate curriculum intended to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values required for life as a contributing member of society.) Although general educat…
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Interdisciplinary Courses

  • A distinction is often made between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, although the difference is more likely one of degree. In multidisciplinary courses, instructors present disciplinary perspectives, often one at a time, without special attention to integrating those perspectives or examining their assumptions. In contrast, instruct...
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Interdisciplinary Programs

  • Interdisciplinary major and minor programs take a number of organizational forms, but three forms are prominent: (1) established programs with permanent staffs and program budgets; (2) interdepartmental committees, programs, or colleges with defined curricula but no faculty members appointed solely to the unit; and (3) individually designed majors or other programs th…
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Interdisciplinary Colleges and Universities

  • Most institutions that adopt an interdisciplinary approach value team teaching, student and faculty involvement in curriculum development and in governance, and active participation by the students both in the classroom and in external research or work internships. Academic departments based on disciplinary affiliations are either nonexistent or more fluid than in other i…
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Bibliography

  • American Association of Colleges. 1991. "Interdisciplinary Studies." In Liberal Learning and the Arts and Sciences Major, Vol.2: Reports from the Fields.Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges. Benson, Thomas C. 1982. "Five Arguments Against Interdisciplinary Studies." Issues in Integrative Studies 1:38–48. Chamberlin, Mariam, ed. 1988. Women in Academe: Progress and …
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