IST 185 Introduction to Integrative Studies

Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies is a problem-based course in which large complex problems are explored through the lenses of different disciplines. Students come to understand the nature of a discipline (defining scope, problems, and methods) in the academic environment, the different questions that are asked from different disciplinary perspectives, and the importance of creativity and research in collaborative problem-solving. There is an emphasis on self-discovery, as students explore different academic perspectives and think about their path through college. This is a good course for students who are looking for a major or who want to major in Interdisciplinary Studies. 

This course satisfies a general education requirement in the Self and Society category (SB).

We want to emphasize several aspects especially relevant to freshman. (1) Students engage in self-discovery and use different inventories to help design their own path through college. (2) This is not a disciplinary survey but an interdisciplinary, problem-based course in which students explore different perspectives on solutions that make academic work (particularly choosing a major) personally relevant. (3) Students develop some central academic skills necessary for success in college. Students begin a portfolio that can be used in the AAIS or BAIS program. The course is a prerequisite for IST 397 Interdisciplinary Inquiry.

Students who succeed in IST 185 understand disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity well enough to see connections among ideas across future course work. Successful students are beginning multidisciplinary thinkers who direct their learning to what matters to them.

All of our courses work toward several student learning objectives. We want to graduate students with essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions for integrative thinking and problem-solving, interdisciplinary critical thinking, and effective communication, all underpinned by information literacy. 

Integrative Thinking

• • Students will be able to integrate knowledge from different disciplines to solve problems and answer questions. 

Interdisciplinary Critical Thinking 

• • Students will be able to think critically, creatively, and boldly about complex, real-world problems through multiple perspectives. 

Effective Communication

• • Students will be able to communicate their research interests and results effectively with relevant audiences.

General Education

(A2) Students consider multiple perspectives when addressing an issue/problem. 

(D3) Students understand how empirical methodologies are used to examine human behavior 

(E3) Students explain how personal choices impact the world.

All students will create a portfolio of their work. For Integrative Studies majors, this portfolio will used throughout their time in the program. The portfolio will include at least the following.

• Welcome to My Portfolio

This is the opening page to the portfolio. Introduce the reader briefly to yourself and your interests. A short paragraph is all that is needed since you are also including pages that go into more detail.

• Problem-based Autobiography (IST 185)

In an autobiographical essay identify and articulate a problem of personal interest that ideally could drive your college and professional career. Discuss the problem from different relevant disciplinary perspectives. What expertise is required to design a solution? What would a collaborative team look like were it assembled to solve the problem?

• Discipline Essay: Disciplinarity and Sources of Knowledge (IST 185)

In a short essay explain what it means to be a discipline. Investigate and explain the history, scope, methods, and communal features (associations, journals, conferences, famous scholars) of at least one traditional academic discipline.