capable and self-motivated students wishing to explore major courses of study not offered by the college may petition for an interdisciplinary studies major. the major allows such students the freedom to design and develop a course of study which combines classes taken from several departments or areas. each interdisciplinary studies major must have a coherent thematic principle governing the selection and sequencing of courses in the major and it must be consistent with the goals of a liberal arts education.
students who would like to explore an interdisciplinary studies major are urged to consult with their faculty advisor or dr. david sutherland, associate provost for academic affairs.
recent interdisciplinary studies majors
sample interdisciplinary studies major proposals
pre-designed templates for the following
areas of interdisciplinary studies are available from the faculty members listed.
- american studies
provides an integrative and interdisciplinary approach to the study
of united states history and culture. students gain a variety of
academic perspectives on american culture, place american culture within
some global context, and examine what american studies means. student
may also choose to focus on a specific area of interest, such as african
american studies or southern studies, within the la5rger area of
american studies. contact jane harris, professor of religious studies,
or jay barth, professor of politics, for more information.
- religion, globalization, and culture
is a field of inquiry and expertise now recognized by scholars in
religious studies, anthropology, and sociology. this interdisciplinary
studies major template combines classroom learning with
outside-the-classroom learning. its aim is to acquaint students with
methods and theories pertinent to the three areas of focus; and to
prepare student for working with institutions that are working at
the intersection of religion and globalization. contact dr. jay
mcdaniel, professor of religious studies, for more information.
- music business/arts management
is a way for students interested in music-related professions that
are not performance-based to develop business and accounting skills
useful for careers in music or arts management. contact professor lyle
rupert, professor of economics and business, for more information