Program Contact: Lauren Sardi 203-582-8215
The Interdisciplinary Studies major exposes students to a number of disciplines and academic areas, and emphasizes critique, analysis, evaluation, and the development and iterative application of skills in critical thinking, writing, public speaking, data gathering, evaluation and presentation. This type of academic foundation prepares students for virtually any academic path or career of their choosing.
Students majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies/Concentration in Education Studies must meet the following requirements for graduation:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Curriculum 1 | 46 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 3-6 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Core Courses | ||
| IDS 200 | Rise of Disciplinarity | 3 |
| IDS 400 | Transdisciplinary Project | 3 |
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| ED 220 | Introduction to Education Studies | 3 |
| ED 380 | Research Methods in Education Studies | 3 |
| Cross-Disciplinary Study | 12 | |
| One course (3 cr.) each in English, history, math and science | ||
| Interdisciplinary Study | 12 | |
| One upper-level course (3 cr.) in each of the following disciplines: English, history, math and science 2 | ||
| Free Electives | 29-32 | |
| Total Credits | 114-120 | |
- 1
All students must complete the 46 credits of the University Curriculum.
- 2
Course level 200 and above
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, all Interdisciplinary Studies majors will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Core Competence: Understand the issues relevant to and methodologies appropriate for conducting research and engaging with core issues in their field of concentration.
- Critical Thinking: Critique and apply appropriate methodology or methodologies in research of a given topic.
- Evaluate Information: Identify, evaluate and interpret sources of information.
- Analysis: Analyze data.
- Cognitive Complexity: Construct an interpretive argument.
- Effective Oral/Written Presentation: Present facts, analysis and arguments effectively.
Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student's individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 30 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| EN 101 | Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar | 3 |
| ED 140 | Introduction to Public Education and the Teaching Profession | 1 |
| History course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| EN 102 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 |
| MA 110 | Contemporary Mathematics | 3 |
| PS 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 4 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ED 250 | Diversity, Dispositions and Multiculturalism | 3 |
| PS 236 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 |
| Language at the 101 level | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ED 220 | Introduction to Education Studies | 3 |
| Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement) | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 4 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| IDS 200 | Rise of Disciplinarity | 3 |
| ED 341 & 341L | Learning and Teaching the Developing Child and Learning and Teaching: Pedagogy Field Lab I | 4 |
| Math/History/English or Science (Cross-Disciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Math/History/English or Science (Cross-Disciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Math/History/English or Science (Cross-Disciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ED 342 & 342L | Advanced Learning and Teaching and Advanced Learning and Teaching: Assessment Field Lab II | 4 |
| ED 462 | Facilitating the Arts in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| Math/History/English or Science (Cross-Disciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Math/History/English or Science (Interdisciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Math/History/English or Science (Interdisciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Math/History/English or Science (Interdisciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ED 380 | Research Methods in Education Studies | 3 |
| ED 468 | Teaching Mathematics in the Primary Grades | 3 |
| ED 458 & ED 468L | Teaching Science in the Primary Grades and Primary Math and Science STEM Field Lab III | 4 |
| Math/History/English or Science (Interdisciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| IDS 400 | Transdisciplinary Project | 3 |
| ED 466 & ED 436L | Teaching Social Studies in the Primary Grades and English Language Arts Integration Field Lab IV | 3 |
| ED 436 | Teaching Literacy in the Primary Grades | 3 |
| Math/History/English or Science (Interdisciplinary Study) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |