Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)

Students normally pursue one of the regular academic majors offered by the college. However, students also have the option of designing their own major so that they may engage in in-depth study that draws on two or more academic disciplines at the college. These programs, called Interdisciplinary Studies majors, are individualized programs of study developed in consultation with the faculty advisor.

A student wishing to propose an Interdisciplinary Studies major must do so before completing 80 hours of course work. Courses which have already been completed must be indicated on the proposal for the alternative major, and these courses may comprise no more than 75% of the total course credits proposed. The major must consist of at least 48 hours of coursework. To insure sufficient depth in the major, a maximum of 30 credits must be courses numbered 300 or higher; these will be in addition to any internship credits. To insure that the proposed major differs sufficiently from existing majors, there may be no more than a 75% overlap with an existing major. Major courses should be available at Montreat College; limits on transfer credits and independent studies should be within the normal pattern for other majors.

In constructing and seeking approval for an Interdisciplinary Studies major, students must submit a written proposal in collaboration with the faculty advisor to the Vice President and Dean of Academics or designee. The proposal should include (1) a rationale for the program, (2) a description of appropriate professional goals, (3) a list of General Education courses completed, (4) a list of General Education courses that need to be completed, (5) a list of courses totaling at least 48 hours that one has taken or plans to take with a clear statement on how each course will contribute to meeting the stated goals, (6) a statement on whether an internship or thesis will be completed, and (7) a means of assessing whether the goals articulated have been met. The program must satisfy all General Education and Competency requirements, including the language requirement for a BA. The Vice President and Dean of Academics or designee will consult with the department chair(s) in which twelve or more hours are taken for their support of the Interdisciplinary Studies major before granting final approval.

The Interdisciplinary Studies minor at Montreat College is structured to provide students with a broad based exposure to Liberal Arts studies. The intent of the program is to offer a sequence of courses that enable students to satisfy educational objectives which might not otherwise be met by a particular, pre-established degree program. By gaining insight into the humanities, students will be better equipped to ascertain the human condition and the relationship of their own majors to those of other academic disciplines.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
Montreat College offers an Interdisciplinary Studies minor that requires a minimum of 18 semester hours from the following courses:

PH 201 Introduction to Philosophy (3)

PH 301 Ethics (3)

IS 202 Modern Secular-Christian Worldviews (3)

Choose 9 hours from the following courses:

EN 402 Literary Criticism (3)

HS 301 Church History (3)

HS 302 History of Political Philosophy (3)

HS 303 Social & Intellectual History of the United States (3)

HS 309 American Church History (3)

HS 310 History of Science & Technology (3)

The Interdisciplinary Studies minor is designed to complement a student’s major through thorough exposure to a broad range of disciplines, enhancement of critical thinking skills, and engagement of issues from a worldview perspective. It prepares students to discern truth, engage others respectfully, and serve as agents of renewal and reconciliation in the world.