what is an interdisciplinary course

by Liam Pfeffer 10 min read

Interdisciplinary studies is a program that allows students to study two or more academic disciplines under one degree. In this article, we shall discuss what exactly are interdisciplinary courses, what are the colleges that offer interdisciplinary courses, the career options among others. What is Interdisciplinary Studies

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is a public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1908, UBC is British Columbia's oldest university. The university is ranked among the top 20 public Universities worldwide and among the top three i…

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What can you do with an interdisciplinary degree?

Jul 26, 2012 · What does Interdisciplinary Studies mean? 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 …

Is Interdisciplinary Studies degree worth it?

Mar 04, 2022 · Interdisciplinary studies degree programs combine two or more traditional academic courses of study into a more personalized major. Unlike a liberal arts degree where you will study a wide variety of subjects, an interdisciplinary degree allows students to explore a more focused topic that crosses into multiple fields.

Why is an interdisciplinary approach valuable?

A simple definition of interdisciplinary studies as a degree program is that it covers a wide range of subjects from different academic fields including social sciences, arts and literature, business, and natural sciences. Students can choose their own concentration areas and design a program of study that suits their interests and career goals. Some schools offer interdisciplinary …

What jobs can I get with Interdisciplinary Studies degree?

Aug 14, 2019 · Interdisciplinary studies is unique among degree programs. Most traditional programs are focused on a specific field of study, such as mathematics, literature, or computer science. Interdisciplinary studies can include all of the above and more—it depends on what you hope to get out of these programs.

What does interdisciplinary courses mean?

It's defined in Merriam-Webster as simply “involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines.” Basically, it means that when you choose an academic program that is defined (or partially defined) as interdisciplinary, you'll be learning from two or more areas of study.Feb 21, 2020

What is a example of interdisciplinary?

The definition of interdisciplinary is something that involves two areas of learning. An example of interdisciplinary is a class studying the New Testament from both the literary and historical points of view. Of or pertaining to multiple distinct academic disciplines or fields of study.

What is an interdisciplinary studies degree?

An interdisciplinary studies major is designed to offer students the opportunity to form a course of study across several disciplines. ... Instead, students can choose a concentration in one or two of three different areas of courses offerings in: Humanities, Math and Science, and Business.

What are interdisciplinary courses in high school?

Interdisciplinary CurriculumStudents explore multiple disciplines through the use of project-based learning or other student-centered learning approaches.Students examine multiple disciplines for common skills, concepts, and ideas.More items...

What are the 3 key qualities of interdisciplinary learning?

A curriculum that is interdisciplinary presents content, skills and thinking processes, and assessments through exploring connections among the disciplines.

Why education is called interdisciplinary field of study?

Today, we have so many social problems that their solution is not possible in one discipline; therefore, the interaction between different disciplines is needed to solve this problem. This interaction between two or more disciplines is called an interdisciplinary approach.

Is interdisciplinary studies a BA or BS?

Interdisciplinary Studies is a B.A. or B.S. in which students co-create programs combining two or more disciplines, culminating in a senior thesis portfolio that demonstrates their learning and sets them on course for a unique career.

Is an interdisciplinary 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

Is an interdisciplinary degree 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

What are examples of interdisciplinary learning?

Interdisciplinary Unit ExamplesRead and evaluate relevant poetry.Write and submit profiles about wildlife they spotted.Watch and discuss documentaries about animals, such as Planet Earth.Research and deliver presentations about how certain environments sustain wildlife.Jun 1, 2017

Is interdisciplinary the same as cross curricular?

Interdisciplinary teaching is different from multi- or cross-disciplinary teaching in that it requires the integration and synthesis of different perspectives rather than a simple consideration of multiple viewpoints.

What is another word for interdisciplinary?

In this page you can discover 12 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for interdisciplinary, like: , , multidisciplinary, , transdisciplinary, integrative, collaborative, social-science, trans-disciplinary, academic and anthropological.

What is an interdisciplinary degree?

Interdisciplinary studies degree programs combine two or more traditional academic courses of study into a more personalized major. Unlike a liberal arts degree where you will study a wide variety of subjects, an interdisciplinary degree allows students to explore a more focused topic that crosses into multiple fields.

What are some examples of interdisciplinary studies?

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 a capstone project?

Capstone project: a final project that also may be required in order to graduate, that demonstrates your knowledge of all your fields of study.

What is gender studies?

Gender studies: explores how gender roles have evolved, how they influence people across cultures, and how roles differ from place to place. A gender studies major or focus may combine: Literature: queer literature, literature by women, authors of the developing world.

What is the major of human biology?

A human biology major or focus combines: Biology: genetics, evolutionary biology, bioethics. Sociology: gender roles, mass media, global health and disease.

Is a BFA a double major?

However, it is not the same thing as a double major. With a double major, you study two different subjects on their own and graduate with one degree.

Do I need to complete a core curriculum to graduate?

This allows you to tailor your coursework even if your school does not offer an interdisciplinary studies degree path that matches your goals and interests. Most programs still have a core curriculum that you must complete in order to graduate, in addition to major-specific electives.

What is interdisciplinary studies?

A simple definition of interdisciplinary studies as a degree program is that it covers a wide range of subjects from different academic fields including social sciences, arts and literature, business, and natural sciences. Students can choose their own concentration areas and design a program of study that suits their interests and career goals.

What is an undergraduate program in interdisciplinary studies?

An undergraduate program in interdisciplinary studies provides a broad overview of various academic disciplines, with courses that include literature, history, art, psychology, mathematics, and natural sciences. In some programs, students can choose between a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree.

What is a doctoral degree in interdisciplinary studies?

Doctoral Degree. A doctoral program in interdisciplinary studies involves the integration of coursework and research of two or more disciplines that are not covered by existing graduate programs. Students have the flexibility to design their own curriculum and assessment plan based on their chosen concentration areas.

What is a master's project?

A master's project can be a scholarly paper or it can also take on a more creative and innovative form such as a film, novel or collection of short stories, photography portfolio, art exhibit, website, or community-based action plan.

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 interdisciplinarity in education?

Interdisciplinary studies requires that you adhere to a different set of standards than traditional degrees. That means you’ll be guiding yourself, a lot of the time—though you’ll likely work out a plan with your advisers and instructors, you’ll be the one in charge of properly executing it.

Why do I want to do interdisciplinary studies?

That trait will serve you well as you’re connecting different fields and planning out your course schedules, because part of an interdisciplinary studies program is forging new connections between disciplines.

What is critical thinking in college?

Critical thinking is a valuable skill for interdisciplinary studies students for that reason. You’ll be considering all of your courses in conversation with one another, ...

How many fields are required for interdisciplinary studies at Berkeley?

Berkeley also requires a minimum of three fields in your interdisciplinary studies program. The program should be designed to answer a specific research question, but the question can be approached in a multitude of ways, including regional, comparative, and historical approaches.

Why is interdisciplinary studies important?

Interdisciplinary studies is great for students who have specific interests that won’t necessarily be met through a traditional degree. For example, maybe you have a deep interest in linguistics and biology and the ways that the two intersect.

What should a major proposal include?

Major proposals must include a title, a description of why it needs to be interdisciplinary, what problems will be addressed through the program, and what methodology will be used to address them, as well as letters of support, a bibliography, and list of courses they plan to take.

What degree do I need to be a financial analyst?

Work well with numbers, have an eye for detail, and who enjoy analysis. Counselors. Bachelor’s degree minimum, but a master’s degree is preferred.

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.

Why does an interdisciplinary topic take more than one person's interest?

An interdisciplinary topic takes more than one personS Interest, even exper- use, because an Interdisciplinary course requires multiple perspectives. How- ever broad a faculty members training may be, It IS still a human trait to seek cognitive order, to create a sing e coherent perspective on how the world works.

What are some alternatives to moral philosophy?

Other options include casebooks and guest lectures In addition to providing an ethical dimension, the humanities can make distinctive contributions to courses focused on the social sciences.

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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, instructors in interdisciplinary course…
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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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