Interdisciplinary Studies

This course introduces students to the important role of general education as a means of expanding knowledge areas, enhancing personal growth, and promoting civic engagement. Students investigate their own values and consider the extent to which values shape behavior and ethical decisions. The student examines the historical and contemporary societal factors that shape the development of individual and group identities and analyze the role that complex networks of social structures and systems play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and opportunity. Through a collection of readings, discussion, personal reflection, writing, and research, students will learn skills to think critically about their social world, broaden their awareness and understanding of cultural and social diversity, and apply the principles of rights, access, equity, and autonomous participation to past, current, or future social justice action. As a result, students will develop a greater awareness of, and sensitivity about, social and cultural issues on both a local and global level.

In this semester students investigate the nature of interdisciplinary studies, complete personal assessments and reflect on their strengths and goals. A course-taking plan, based on extensive research and written justification, will be created. A portfolio will be designed to include a projection of their chosen concentration(s) along with a 4-semester registration plan, with justification and a collection of supporting documentation. Students will design an individual project demonstrating a plan for integrating their individual lower level core coursework with their upper level area(s) of concentration choices for completion in IDST 7001. Students will present these designs to the student's project supervisor/advisor.

This capstone course includes both proof of purpose and goals of a student's chosen coursework and an individual project demonstrating the integration of their core area with their areas of concentration. Projects may take a range of forms appropriate to the student's concentration and future goals, e.g. a research essay, demonstration, marketing study, computer program or curriculum design. Projects must be approved by the student's advisor and project supervisors. Students will present their projects to their faculty supervisors and peers at the end of the course.