PROGRAM IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Interdisciplinary Studies Office: 111 Cina Hall
Director: Harold Hellenbrand
hhellenb@d.umn.edu
(218) 726-8981
The IS major is unique on the campus, in that it is an indvidually-designed major, in which students work with faculty advisors to create a field of study involving courses from several departments because the field is not adequately represented by one of the traditional disciplinary measures. It may encompass the sciences, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, technical and professional fields or a combination of these.
THE DIRECTOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
The Director of Interdisciplinary Studies (I.S.) functions primarily
as a liaison between students and the I.S. Committee, advisors and
faculty. Students may request a change in advisors from the Director;
advisors may consult with the Director on program changes, senior project
topics and student progress.
The faculty adviser functions as a preliminary advisor to discuss the
feasibility of proposals and refer students to appropriate faculty
consultants.
THE INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES COMMITTEE
This faculty committee reviews student applications for admission to the I.S. Program that have been submitted to it by the Director. The committee meets at least once every quarter. It can approve an application, approve with amendments, table for further consultation with faculty experts or with the applicant, recommend reapplication, or reject.
THE APPLICATION
The application for admission to the I.S. Program should be thought out carefully with as much expert consultation as possible. It consists of a list of courses which constitute the major and a statement of purpose which supplies the student's rationale for the proposed program. Upon approval, it becomes an individualized Course-of-Study for a major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. A current transcript must be attached to the application.
Note: Unlike many majors at UMD, Interdisciplinary Studies is available only by formal application and committee approval. Students should not apply for a change of advisors until their programs have been approved.
FACULTY ADVISORS
Interdisciplinary Studies Major applicants list two or three faculty advisors on their individualized major Course-of-Study form: one of these persons is the principal advisor whose responsibilities are noted below. Other advisor(s) have counseled the student while the course-of-study is in preparation and ordinarily will be asked to review the student's Senior Project.
THE PRINCIPAL ADVISOR
The principal advisor is empowered to authorize routine changes in course of study (substitutions because of conflicts, cancellations, special topics opportunities, etc.) and to approve the forms that are typically associated with the pursuit and completion of a B.A. degree. However, upper division papers and a copy of final projects must be submitted to the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies for final clearance. The principal advisors assist the students to determine the appropriate credits for the Senior Project, and they assign the Senior Project final grade.
THE SENIOR PROJECT: GENERAL PURPOSE
The Senior Project is the capstone of the I.S. Major's course of study. It should provide evidence of integration of knowledge and skills derived from courses in different disciplines. The I.S. Committee and the I.S. Director do not require that the Course-of-Study proposal specify the nature of the Senior Project at the time of application; the Project ordinarily develops from course work, from discussions with the advisor, and from special interests of, and opportunities for, the student.
THE SENIOR SEMINAR
The required Senior Seminar (IS 3001) has several purposes. One of these is to prepare for the Senior Project by library research, by consulting the advisor, by writing a project proposal. This means a good portion of the Senior Project will have been prepared prior to registration for IS 3050. The best time to take this course is in the senior year. Check at the Department of Interdisciplinary Programs office for specific information on quarter and times it will be offered.
TYPES OF SENIOR PROJECTS AND REQUIREMENTS
The norm for a Senior Project (IS 3050) is 2-4 credits. Ordinarily this will represent an academic paper of 15-30 pages in length, with a full bibliography. However, there can be many variations from the norm. Some Senior Projects have been internships, others have been portfolios or exhibits, others have been field studies. The Senior Project can range up to 15 credits. The higher credits are recommended only for projects that take the student off-campus for a substantial part of an academic term (internship, tour, archival research, etc.).
Regardless of the nature of the Senior Project, it should always include these two components:
A copy of the Senior Project must be filed with the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
I.S. Major students are responsible for keeping advisors informed of their progress toward completion of their Course-of Study. Students are also responsible for procuring and completing collegiate and all-university requirements (upper division papers, credit check, application for graduation etc.). Students may request a change in advisor at any time, although a new advisor must be approved by the Director. Be sure to check the general requirements for a B.A. degree in the College of Liberal Arts.
Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this major are encouraged to inform the Director at the start of the program. Adaptation of methods. materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation.
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