Kentucky Wesleyan College
Academic Bulletin

Interdisciplinary Studies

The IDS program provides students opportunity to develop and carry out individual programs of studies related to their particular vocational or professional goals. By combining courses from two or more departments, the IDS student works in a specially tailored area of concentration. Of the many possible areas of study, a few are American studies; environmental studies; public health; public service/political science; music/drama; literature/music/art; and urban studies. In consultation with the director of the IDS program, the student may project an area of concentration, have a committee appointed, and, under the committee's guidance and approval, pursue a bachelor's degree.

Graduates from the IDS program will be well positioned to perform in specialized settings requiring multiple skills. In some cases, graduates can move directly into a career, while in others they can enter graduate schools with similar interdisciplinary programs. Increasingly, universities offer various combined graduate and professional degrees that draw on two or more areas. The IDS program is best suited for the student who possesses a vision for his or her career and the internal motivation to establish a course of study that leads to the fulfillment of that vision.

A student majoring in interdisciplinary studies may receive a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree based on his or her own particular program of study. Interested students should ask the director of the IDS program for program guidelines and for an application form. There is no minor in the IDS program.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR -- 45 HOURS

Nine hours from IDS courses to include six hours practicum and three hours senior paper
30 hours of coursework determined by the student and his or her committee
Six hours of integrated studies courses

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

IDS 1301, 2301, 4301 -- Practicum -- 3 hours.
Field work in the chosen area of study. Credit for job, job-related work or unpaid volunteer work in which the student obtains actual experience in his or her chosen field. The student's committee must approve and will supervise fieldwork.

IDS 4302 -- Senior Paper -- 3 hours.
Research and preparation of a comprehensive paper integrating the disciplines represented in the student's area of concentration. The student and his or her advisory committee will define the paper's subject. A copy of the final paper must remain on permanent file in the College.

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11/10/00
dschmied@kwc.edu