Interdisciplinary Studies What Is It Should You Get a Degree

Interdisciplinary Studies What Is It Should You Get a Degree SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Colleges have a wealth of degrees to choose from that can lead you to all different kinds of career paths. But if you’re looking for something more specialized, something that can combine your love for multiple disciplines into one complete package, interdisciplinary studies might be right for you. If you have questions like what is interdisciplinary studies, what kinds of students will do best in these programs, and how can interdisciplinary studies lead to a great career, read on! What Is Interdisciplinary Studies? Interdisciplinary studies is unique among degree programs. Most traditional programs are focused on a specific field of study, such as mathematics, literature, or computer science. Interdisciplinary studies can include all of the above and more- it depends on what you hope to get out of these programs. The most basic interdisciplinary studies definition is that these programs allow students to choose their concentrations. You can effectively create your own major by choosing two areas of interest and combining them into one degree program that you’ll specialize in. For example, say you love psychology and art. You might combine an art program with a psychology program to create your own art therapy degree. Interdisciplinary studies are distinct from integrative studies, which have one primary focus with others supporting it. For example, if you wanted to study psychology and art in an integrative fashion, you might study how art feeds into psychology but not the other way around. Integrative study doesn’t treat your disparate fields as equal; you have one key discipline, and other programs inform that discipline. Why Choose an Interdisciplinary Studies Major? Interdisciplinary studies is great for students who have specific interests that won’t necessarily be met through a traditional degree. For example, maybe you have a deep interest in linguistics and biology and the ways that the two intersect. You might take linguistics courses and biology courses to get your degree, but the two may not typically cross over in traditional degree programs. If you study those fields as part of an interdisciplinary program, you’ll be designing your major specifically to understand the relationships between the two fields. If you have a specific field you’d like to work in the future, one that requires specialized knowledge, a degree in interdisciplinary studies may be a good approach. If you want to work as a biologist but specifically with the human body has evolved to suit speech, you can design your major to suit those interests. Even better, an interdisciplinary studies program means you’re personally choosing things that are interesting to you. In a traditional degree program, you might end up having to take animal biology or microbiology, neither of which have that much in common with linguistics. In an interdisciplinary program, your classes are more likely to line up directly with the things you want to study because you’re going to be working with advisers to create the ideal major. What Kinds of Students Succeed in Interdisciplinary Studies? Because interdisciplinary studies are a special field, it takes certain kinds of students to succeed. Students who are more likely to succeed in the field include students who are: Creative If you’re interested in interdisciplinary studies, you’re probably at least a little creative. You don’t want to follow the existing paths; you want to create one that’s new and unique to you. That trait will serve you well as you’re connecting different fields and planning out your course schedules, because part of an interdisciplinary studies program is forging new connections between disciplines. Motivated Because interdisciplinary studies doesn’t have a clear path the way many majors do, you’ll need to be a particularly motivated student to make it work for you. You’ll be designing your own course schedule and program with your advisers, which means more work than usual for you as a student. You need to keep your motivation high if you want to succeed as an interdisciplinary studies major. Collaborative You might be the only student at your school with your specific combination of fields in interdisciplinary studies, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be collaborating with others. Forming connections with people with similar interests is a great way to improve your own experience, particularly since you’re going to be forging your own path. You’ll also be working heavily with professors and advisers to create your academic pathway. So though you might be the only person doing exactly your program, it’s still important to work collaboratively with others! Critical Thinkers Many disciplines overlap in college, but for interdisciplinary studies, that overlap is something you’ll largely be figuring out for yourself. Critical thinking is a valuable skill for interdisciplinary studies students for that reason. You’ll be considering all of your courses in conversation with one another, even if the connections aren’t clearly laid out for you. If your program requires a thesis or capstone project, you’ll likely be covering all of the ways your courses and fields intersect. Being able to think critically about those courses will be invaluable to you as you progress through your program. Disciplined Motivation and hard work will get you far, but a sense of discipline will get you even further. Interdisciplinary studies requires that you adhere to a different set of standards than traditional degrees. That means you’ll be guiding yourself, a lot of the time- though you’ll likely work out a plan with your advisers and instructors, you’ll be the one in charge of properly executing it. People who are good at setting goals, hitting deadlines, and planning will have an easier time Pros and Cons of Interdisciplinary Studies There are a lot of considerations to be made in deciding on an interdisciplinary studies program. These programs have lots of unique benefits over other majors, but also some potential drawbacks. Pros: Learning multiple disciplines Understanding how fields overlap Opportunities for new research and development Passion about whatever you’re studying because you design it Cons: Professors may not understand your program Professors may not understand your unique needs as an interdisciplinary studies student Difficult to transition between subjects because work may not necessarily be connected It’s a specialized degree, so some jobs may not know what to make of it May be difficult to get into grad school Jobs may not understand what your degree is What Schools Offer Interdisciplinary Studies Programs? Though the major is an unusual approach, many great schools offer interdisciplinary studies as an option for their students. Some of those schools include: Boise State University Bowling Green State University Brown University College of William and Mary Creighton University Duke University George Washington University Lehigh University Lipscomb University New York University Purdue University Portland State University Stephen F Austin State University SUNY at Fredonia University of California - Berkeley University of California - Los Angeles University of Connecticut University of Denver University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Virginia Valparaiso University What Are Interdisciplinary Programs Like? Many schools throughout the US offer interdisciplinary studies programs. Not every college has an interdisciplinary studies program, and even if they do, it might not be particularly well-supported. The programs covered below all have plenty of information about their interdisciplinary studies programs, including how to apply, what the expectations are, and information on past successes of the department. UC Berkeley At UC Berkeley, interdisciplinary studies is considered part of the bachelor of arts program. You’ll graduate your program, no matter what fields you combine, with a BA. Berkeley also requires a minimum of three fields in your interdisciplinary studies program. The program should be designed to answer a specific research question, but the question can be approached in a multitude of ways, including regional, comparative, and historical approaches. Though interdisciplinary studies allows students to design their own major, Berkeley has a structure in place to ensure that the education students receive is well-rounded and comprehensive. You’ll be choosing from a list of acceptable courses to take to satisfy prerequisites, including introductory courses, world region courses, and methodology courses, with each requirement having an assortment of disciplines to choose from. Tufts Tufts makes it clear that interdisciplinary studies is not just a method of creating a unique major- it’s a dedicated field of study that should be taken seriously. According to their website, â€Å"it is a serious undertaking for the student who is committed to blending disciplines in a way that is demonstrably relevant to an identifiable area of intellectual inquiry.† Tufts has the requirements to match their feelings about interdisciplinary studies being a serious undertaking. Getting your degree requires a thesis and thesis defense in front of an advisory committee, representing the culmination of your work and research. Students create their own advisory committee with three instructors from different disciplines, one of which must be a tenured member of the Arts and Sciences faculty. With their advisory committee, students of interdisciplinary studies will develop their major. Major proposals must include a title, a description of why it needs to be interdisciplinary, what problems will be addressed through the program, and what methodology will be used to address them, as well as letters of support, a bibliography, and list of courses they plan to take. That proposal must be approved by the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty Committee before you can begin your program. University of Florida University of Florida has some interdisciplinary programs already in place, including biological illustration, sustainability studies, and Middle Eastern languages and culture. For students who wish to design their own major, they must apply separately to the IDS program through the Dean’s office. They must also find at least two tenured advisers to help them design their program. As in the Tufts program, students will be required to complete a thesis to graduate. Because interdisciplinary studies can be customized for each student who pursues it, programs can vary pretty widely between colleges. Here’s a look at three of the programs from some top schools: What Should You Look for in an Interdisciplinary Studies Program? Programs can vary from college to college, but there are a few things to look for if you’re interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree: A Track Record A college doesn’t need to have your specific interests clearly outlined, but having a framework for interdisciplinary studies makes it easier for you to get a good, well-supported education. Professor Support A traditional degree program has a pathway for success as well as advisers and professors who are well-trained in helping students make it through. That isn’t necessarily true of interdisciplinary studies, which means you have to be extra diligent about evaluating how well you’ll work with your professors. Unfortunately, since professors may not know what exactly your program is, it may be hard for them to understand exactly how one piece fits into another. Unlike traditional degree programs, there’s no real â€Å"stepping stone† approach- your courses may be in radically different fields with no attempt to bridge them. That’s why it’s so important to connect with your professors and your advisers. You need to be sure that you’re all on the same page as far as what you need to get out of each class, even if you are doing the bulk of the bridging yourself. When you are clear about your intentions and goals, it’s easier for your professors to help you meet them! What Kinds of Interdisciplinary Studies Jobs Exist? One of the benefits of a traditional degree program is that future careers will probably know what they mean, even if they’re highly specialized. Interdisciplinary studies degrees are a bit different- while a future job might recognize â€Å"communications† and â€Å"art history,† they might not understand exactly what it means to have an interdisciplinary degree covering both. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get interdisciplinary studies jobs- only that clarity and dedicated study are the best way to ensure your degree will help you down the line. Here’s a few jobs that benefit from the interdisciplinary approach: Job Degree Required Average Salary Job Description Best For People Who... Teacher Bachelor’s (minimum) $60,477 Teaching children or adults in a specific subject Understand education principles, have a firm grasp on one or more specific subjects, and enjoy working with others Accountant None, but a bachelor’s or higher is greatly preferred $77,920 Analyzes financial information to prepare reports for businesses Work well with numbers, have an eye for detail, and who enjoy analysis Counselors Bachelor’s degree minimum, but a master’s degree is preferred $42,840 Offers advice and guidance to people in a variety of contexts Have great listening skills, are able to remain objective, excel at communicating Journalist None required, but bachelor’s degree greatly preferred $40,077 Writes and researches a variety of topics to create news articles, videos, or other reports Are curious, have writing skills, enjoy research Archaeologist Bachelor’s degree $59,040 Participates in digs and excavations to learn more about history Have an eye for detail, are inquisitive, have flexibility in where they live and for how long Key Tips Taking on an interdisciplinary studies program can be a lot of work. You’ll be looking out for yourself more than you would in a traditional degree program, but the increased freedom and flexibility are worth it for many students. To be sure you’re getting the most out of your program, keep these things in mind: Do Your Research Schools that already have procedures in place for interdisciplinary studies students are likely to better support you. Know ahead of time if these frameworks for success exist, and if not, develop a plan for how you’ll approach your program. Seek out other interdisciplinary studies students and alumni to learn more about their experiences. Did professors support them? How about the school administration? Do they have recommendations about how to make the most of the program? Spending some time learning more about interdisciplinary studies at your school is a great way to ensure that you get the biggest benefit from the program. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions- it’s a skill you’ll need for the field! Pick a Focus and Stick With It Interdisciplinary studies is great for students who have a multitude of interests. But that multitude of interests can also be a problem if you struggle to stick with one project for an extended period of time. When you plan out your program with your advisers, be sure it’s a plan you can stick with throughout your time in college- changing your degree is difficult even for traditional programs, but the lost credit hours can be especially hard for interdisciplinary degree students. What’s Next? Looking for other unique ways of combining your interests in college? Consider a dual degree or double major, two other degree programs that let you explore multiple subjects. Curious how long it'll take to complete your interdisciplinary studies program? If you're doing a bachelor's degree, this article about how many years it takes to complete a bachelor's program can help! Journalism is a great field for interdisciplinary studies students. Want to know what schools have the strongest journalism programs? Check out this list!

Daoism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Daoism - Essay Example This may be because, since all other religious beliefs are exotic, Taoism is the only religion that the China inhabitants believe to be indigenous. Therefore, this document critically analyzes Daoism, its theoretical, practical, and social approach one of the world religions. Daoism (also called Taoism) is a religious belief whose origin comes from the Chinese traditions. Joachim Wach explained that there are three ways in which a belief qualifies to be named a religion (Kirkland 165). A religion must have its theoretical aspect. This means that it ought to have various verbal beliefs, to which the followers strongly adhere. Daoism accentuates veneration of the ancestral spirits and immortality of some beings in their religion. Taoism believes on the freedom of humanity from conformist limitations. Moreover, Taoism obtains its teaching from Lao-tze, an ancient philosopher who the followers deem to have established the first Taoism temple. However, the Taoism followers commonly consid er the history about Lao-tze as legendary; and they still keep up with his teachings from the earlier writings. Scholars believe Taoism to be mythological. In this sense, some critics claim their belief about immortality to be mythical. In addition, it highlights the story of a certain prince, who practiced Taoism in a deserted mountain until he became a supernatural and consequently an immortal being (Kirkland 166). The Taoists believe that a certain man, believed to be the true man, will come to the world in the end, and end chaos, bringing peace to the world. Additionally, the Taoists believe that Tao (the way) is the main guiding rule of their values and mannerisms (Ede 21). Moreover, Taoists believe in a hierarchy of gods and eternals. There is also the practical aspect of Daoism. Taoist believers practice various rituals. Taoists believe in achieving immortality through practicing the Tao values, both within and outside the bodily being. The Taos internal practices entail phys ical Tao exercises, which include breathing, intense meditation, and refinement of the inner elixir. Besides, the central objective of these activities is to improve oneself, spiritually and bodily. Tao also teaches external practices that involve being responsible in exemplary actions such as helping one another. Tao believers must strive to achieve these values by earnestly practicing both the internal and external activities, since they believe that the reward is to acquire the immortal nature. Additionally, the Tao followers practice martial arts, most commonly known as Kung fu (Ede 22). Besides, the Tao followers also have their own scriptures that they read and follow. This manuscript comes in diverse components. They refer these components as the Canon or the Daozang. They are arranged in the order of age, the earliest being the Tang Dynasty. The succeeding ones include versions compiled during the dynasties of Song, Jin, Yuan, and Ming. There are two distinct Tao sects. The two sects are the Zhengyi and the Quanzhen, with the Zhengyi being the most popular within the Chinese communities. However, these sects are similar in their fundamental Tao beliefs. They only have slight disparities in their norms and regulations. The Quanzhens are stricter in their regulations as opposed to their Zhengyi counterparts, since they practice a strict vegetarian diet and are celibate, spending their entire lives in the

Benefits of Developing Solid Government and Contractor Relationships Research Paper - 1

Benefits of Developing Solid Government and Contractor Relationships - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that governments need the help of contractors because governments do not have ample employees to function and also lack the sets of skills required for government operations; the GAO (government accountability office) in the United States of America came up with these findings in a survey in 1991. Now this need to depend on contractors may increase as the government functioning areas are getting wider and so are the skills required in operating those areas, but the number of federal employees possessing such wide range of skills is not increasing; since 1991 to 2004 the OPM (office of personnel management) estimated that the civilian workforce in federal government has decreased by 13 percent. The business relationship that exists between the government and the contractors provides both with a tendency to grow with mutual interests at the core of the business relationship. But it is crucial for Government employees to understand that the na ture of work they do is sensitive and a certain degree of risk is always there when treating the contractual employees as members of their team and should refrain from partiality or preference. Certain rules and guideline must be ensured between the two parties so that a solid and reliable relationship between the two is created; leading to the mutual success of both. The government personnel falls under the law and regulations of the federal government and the employees of the contractor fall under their contractor's contract. A solid working environment between the contractors and government ensures benefit to both. The business relationship between government and contractors allows for a mutual base for achieving shared goals and objectives when subjected to successful planning, and it is necessary for the employees of both the contractor and government to understand these goals and responsibilities. Shared vision and mission are also termed as Partnering.

Death penalty in the US Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Death penalty in the US - Research Paper Example Across the globe, the same practice continues to be observed, dating its inception to hundreds of years ago for countries that undertake the death penalty practice. By the end of the first quarter of the year 2008, up to 37 states in the U.S had embraced the death penalty practice, with 13 states and the District of Columbia remaining without this penalty (Mauer, Ryan & Malcolm 117). This practice was also upheld by the U.S military, and crowned by the fact that the federal government authorized its practice. Amid this pursuit, the ways through which the penalty is implemented remains diverse and dynamic over time. For the states in the U.S that uphold death penalty, the mechanisms used to actualize this penalty range from lethal injections to electric chairs (Campbell 78). Arguments for and against this practice remains evident, with the primary concern being human rights for the prisoners set for the capital punishment (Marquis 95). Around the globe different countries observe this form of punishment while others do not. There are countries that previously observed death penalty, but later revised their legal systems to alleviate the practice (Anckar 152). On the same note, there are countries that initially did not have capital punishment as a form of punishment according to their laws, but went ahead to formulate and implement legal provisions that allowed death penalty (Hodgkinson & Schabas 169-185). This implies that the global population remains divided for and against death penalty. This is the reason why there are countries that execute prisoners under the death provisions, while others fail to do so. In the U.S and the globe at large, decades ago realized exacerbating executions in accordance with death penalty laws. With the rising issues and agencies that promote human rights at all aspects, many countries, U.S included have embarked on a reform trail in relation to

Censorship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Censorship - Essay Example In my personal case, I would consider censorship to be the deliberate suppression of speech, communication, information, ideas and opinions in order to influence another person. Additionally, censorship can also be either good or bad or both, depending on the situation or what the author of an article entitled â€Å"The Ed Sullivan Show and the (Censored) Sounds of the Sixties† had termed as the contexts in which censorship occurs (Inglis 565). This article is an examination of the general and particular contexts in which censorship was imposed on the content of written and performance songs during the 1950s and the 1960s. The music industry at that time had seen the need to exercise censorship on some forms of music which they had found to be offensive to public morals such as glorification of sex, drugs, violence or political views. In particular, music industry executives were concerned with the immense popularity of rock & roll music within the younger generations and its capacity to influence these people with regards to song content such as references to blasphemy, sexual content, violence, drugs and political extremism. The period mentioned in article was one of political conservatism. Censorship is controversial because it conflicts with rights under the First Amendment which is guaranteed by the Constitution. However, censorship can change over time because a societys mores and values also change over time. This is the same case with a persons values which can change over the course of his lifetime. In other words, a person while younger may be liberal in most matters but then gradually becomes a conservative with regards to certain issues such as sex, choice of music, clothing preferences and political views. The issue of censorship is also a matter of personal opinion and this is what makes it an extremely controversial topic to discuss. A person may have different opinions

Business Ethic and Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

Business Ethic and Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example Oil is a major contributor to greenhouse gases which results in climate change. The company is on a drive to become more socially responsible by not only reducing its carbon footprints but by improving the safety of its work environment and is employees. In so doing it seeks to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities as well as the number of oil spills, blowouts and flarings at its operations globally. Shell has faced a lot of criticisms from the communities in which it operates and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that are concerned about the companies safety practices, the environment and human rights. The company is currently working with communities, its partners and NGO’s in order to deal with potential impacts and also to share the benefits that derive from operations and projects. Shell’s Display of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) According to the company’s CEO Vosser (2010, qtd. in Shell 2010), strong principles as well as the development of trust are fundamental to shells approach and the respect for human rights is deeply entrenched in the company’s General Business Principles which it proudly boasts as having being developed since 1976. Vosser (2010, qtd in Shell 2010) also reveals that the company has adopted transparency as a way of dealing with some of its problems at its operations in Nigeria which has been plagued by operational spills, spills arising from sabotage and spills arising from the theft of fuel. This allows it to keep track of spills in order to determine the main cause. With respect to safety, the company has signed up with the UN Global Compact LEAD which seeks to reinforce commitment by businesses to the principles of Global Compact. Shell has been a member of this group since 2000. The company’s safety measures has been heightened as a result of the BP Deepwater Ho rizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico which dominated the news all over the world in 2010 and the oil spill that resulted. Shell believes that it has the necessary skills and technical expertise to avert such a situation in its operations based on its stringent operating standards which it applies globally. This is a demonstration of its ability to operate in a socially responsible manner despite the diversity of challenges the company faces. Shell’s goal is zero fatality and zero accidents (Shell 2010). In terms of safety in its deepwater operations the company ensures that the persons employed in this area of its operations are properly trained and are competent to handle the requirements of the job. Shell’s focus on the environment lies in some key areas, including CO2, flaring, spills, and the company’s use of water. The company has invested in technology that will lead to more energy efficient refineries and chemical plants. To this end the company has devel oped carbon capture and storage technology to effectively reduce carbon emissions. The company is working assiduously to reduce gas flarings in Nigeria; one of its locations in which it seeks to tackle environmental problems head on. In order to assist in the improvement of standards and practices that may lead to environmental sustainability the company is working with some leading environmental organisations in the quest to adhere to proper environmental management of the energy sector. In addition to providing jobs and training for its employees, Shell also shares the benefits of its operations with the communities in which it operates by providing contracts for goods and services and by

Censorship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Censorship - Essay Example In my personal case, I would consider censorship to be the deliberate suppression of speech, communication, information, ideas and opinions in order to influence another person. Additionally, censorship can also be either good or bad or both, depending on the situation or what the author of an article entitled â€Å"The Ed Sullivan Show and the (Censored) Sounds of the Sixties† had termed as the contexts in which censorship occurs (Inglis 565). This article is an examination of the general and particular contexts in which censorship was imposed on the content of written and performance songs during the 1950s and the 1960s. The music industry at that time had seen the need to exercise censorship on some forms of music which they had found to be offensive to public morals such as glorification of sex, drugs, violence or political views. In particular, music industry executives were concerned with the immense popularity of rock & roll music within the younger generations and its capacity to influence these people with regards to song content such as references to blasphemy, sexual content, violence, drugs and political extremism. The period mentioned in article was one of political conservatism. Censorship is controversial because it conflicts with rights under the First Amendment which is guaranteed by the Constitution. However, censorship can change over time because a societys mores and values also change over time. This is the same case with a persons values which can change over the course of his lifetime. In other words, a person while younger may be liberal in most matters but then gradually becomes a conservative with regards to certain issues such as sex, choice of music, clothing preferences and political views. The issue of censorship is also a matter of personal opinion and this is what makes it an extremely controversial topic to discuss. A person may have different opinions