Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Faculty

Christina M. Rupsch, Interim Chair and Integrative Studies and General Studies Coordinator
David E. Ballew, Humanities Studies Coordinator
Steven E. Harders, Fine Arts Studies Coordinator
Danny B. Moore, Social Sciences Coordinator
Michelle L. Surerus, University Fellows Experience Coordinator

Mission Statement

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies seeks to provide the student with the skills and knowledge that will foster intelligent responses to the issues confronting citizens of our rapidly changing and culturally diverse global society. Interdisciplinary Studies majors are encouraged to acquire a broad experience of world cultures; engage with the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences; and develop the objectivity of mind that will allow a critical analysis of and ethical response to the needs of our world.

Fine Arts Studies Educational Outcomes

Graduates in Fine Arts Studies will demonstrate critical and innovative thinking and display competence in oral, written, and visual communication.
Graduates in Fine Arts Studies will develop knowledge of the history and specificity of diverse disciplinary methods, media practices, and multicultural dimensions.
Graduates in Fine Arts Studies will create a body of work in a one or more of the fine arts that advances practices and demonstrates reflective analysis.
Graduates in Fine Arts Studies will successfully represent themselves to arts organizations and/or graduate programs for the purpose of advancing professional and artistic goals.

General Studies Educational Outcomes

Students will be able to communicate effectively in many different modes.
Students will be able to show mastery of several disciplines within an academic area of concentration.
Students will be able to comprehend, analyze, and interpret texts in a variety of disciplines.
Students will be able to communicate effectively so that one may advance professionally and apply to graduate programs.

Humanities Studies Educational Outcomes

Students will improve their ability to think critically and to communicate effectively using written, oral, and/or visual media.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of different humanities disciplines’ concepts, methods, primary sources, and knowledge.
Students will demonstrate strong research skills and well-organized and competent writing using relevant information in humanities subjects.
Students will demonstrate the academic skills required for success in graduate school or in a career.

Integrative Studies Educational Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills at levels required for effective performance.
Graduates will be able to integrate knowledge and modes of thinking drawn from two or more disciplines.
Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the questions a discipline or an interdisciplinary area asks, the methods it uses to engage those questions, and some of the key explanatory concepts arising from these types of inquiry.
Graduates will demonstrate discipline competencies required for success in graduate school or in a career.

Social Sciences Educational Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze, evaluate, and support an argument both orally and in writing in the social sciences.
Students will integrate learned skills and knowledge derived from the study of the social sciences, acquiring the necessary depth and breadth required for an interdisciplinary perspective.
Students will implement disciplinary appropriate research methods in the social sciences. Students will implement disciplinary appropriate research methods in
the social sciences. well-prepared to pursue careers or graduate school in a social science-related field.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Individualized Integrative Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies

University Fellows Experience