Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies program produces graduates who possess high-level competencies in reading, writing, and speaking. The program develops the ability and the passion of students to become lifelong learners.

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) students develop the critical thinking skills of comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and application in diverse social, cultural, religious, and political environments.

On a pragmatic level, the IDS degree provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be productive employees, conscientious citizens, and fulfilled human beings. The IDS major also allows generous elective credits so that a student may easily complete a minor or concentration in another discipline (sociology, mathematics, business, biology, art), if he or she wants to do so.

A student should begin by enrolling in an IDS 302-320 course, which is an examination of a particular topic with an interdisciplinary approach, to make sure that IDS is what she or he really wants to do. In an optional senior thesis course, IDS 450, the student may apply his or her knowledge and skills by writing a research paper with an interdisciplinary perspective on a topic (selected by the student in consultation with the faculty thesis director – the director’s approval is necessary) from one of the following disciplines: English, History, or Religion.

There is an optional internship available, as well; however, the most exciting aspects of the major are the unique IDS 300-level courses and the ability the student has to select courses of personal interest and design his or her own major. Interdisciplinary Studies majors must maintain a portfolio (see instructions below—

NOTE) of junior-senior level work as a requirement for graduation.

The Interdisciplinary Studies major has three tracks: American Studies, Comprehensive, and Humanities.

To pursue the Comprehensive Track a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a 2.0 GPA (grade point average).
2. Meet with the Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator for a transcript review and change of advisor.
3. With the assistance of the IDS Coordinator, obtain written approval from the Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Interdisciplinary Studies will be able to:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with research methods and approaches appropriate for interdisciplinary study, such as the use of library databases, reference books, bibliographies, and academic journals.
2. Demonstrate a high level of competency in written communication – grammar, structure, and punctuation.
3. Write critically and logically, making correct use of evidence.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of Western and non- Western societies, cultures, religions, ethnicities, and political systems.

Special Features and Activities

• Unique and innovative interdisciplinary courses.
• Extensive and diversely trained faculty.
• Optional internship for practical experience.
• Presentation opportunities: Student Colloquia, Robert L. Driscoll Convocation of Artists and Scholars.
• Museum tours, artistic productions, and visits to historical sites.
• Lectures by respected and well-known scholars and authors.

NOTE: Every student majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies will begin to assemble a portfolio of written work during his or her junior year. The portfolio consists of a notebook containing a copy of the student’s resume (which can be added near the end of the Senior year) and copies of eight graded papers or projects from courses taken for the major. At least two of the eight papers (short: 4-6 pages, or long: 10-15 pages) must come from IDS 300 level courses.

Students must submit a completed portfolio to the Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator for review three to four weeks before the end of their final semester at Reinhardt. After reviewing the portfolio, the Coordinator will send a note to the Registrar authorizing graduation.