Norfolk State University

College of Liberal Arts

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

INT 308: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies Fall 2013 (A mini-term Course)

3 credit hours

ONLINE

Dr. Khadijah O. Miller, Associate Professor and Department Head, Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: C-110, Brown Memorial Hall

Office: (757) 823-2864

INT Main: (757) 823-8198, C-108, Brown Memorial Hall

Fax: (757) 823-8602

Email: komiller@nsu.edu

Office Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, by appointment ONLY (students can

make appointments via email, or with Erica Bennett (at elbennett@nsu.edu or 757-823-8198).

Online Hours: (via Bb): To be determined by appointment

Students of Interdisciplinary Studies are marked by their willingness not simply to challenge, but also

to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Giles Gunn (1992, p.29)

Course Description:

Survey of major concepts and processes that explain interdisciplinarity; review of

interdisciplinary studies as a theoretical framework, a research method and an academic

curriculum. Introduction and review of major components and characteristics of

interdisciplinarity and interdisciplinarians, including the influences of culture, socialization,

language, critical thinking, globalization and western and non-western ideas.

Course Rationale:

This introductory junior level course in Interdisciplinary Studies introduces students to the

foundational concepts in interdisciplinary thinking. Focus is on defining, evaluating, explaining

and supporting interdisciplinarity and its space in higher education and our ever-evolving global

world. This course serves as the prerequisite for ALL of the Interdisciplinary Studies courses at

Norfolk State University.

Course Goals and Measurable Intended Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Through readings and research, students will begin to develop a working definition and comprehension of Interdisciplinary Studies, and all its parts.

2. Through active readings and reflective writing assignments, students will explain the process of integration.

3. Through research activities, students will understand the disciplines and specifically, the importance of disciplines in interdisciplinary studies.

4. Via conceptual and cognitive maps (personal and intellectual) students will define, explore and explain interdisciplinary studies.

5. Through reading, research and writing students will demonstrate the integrative process in interdisciplinary studies (with a focus on the core areas of interdisciplinary studies

critical thinking, language/communication skills, critical deciphering, social, cultural and

global awareness).

mailto:komiller@nsu.edumailto:elbennett@nsu.edu

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Course Materials/Required Text(s) and Supplementary Readings:

1. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies by Miller and Arroyo (2011) Kendall/Hunt Publishing. REQUIRED.

2. American Psychological Association (APA) Manual, 6th edition, 2nd printing (2010) REQUIRED.

3. Students will read additional handouts, watch films, and peruse other materials provided and/or assigned by Dr. Miller.

4. Students will have (purchase if necessary) and use an unabridged dictionary (including, etymologies and supplementary information) and a thesaurus. (A good source is the

Oxford English Dictionary.)

5. Students will use Internet resources responsibly and critically.

Primary Method of Instruction and Student-Engagement:

The primary method of instruction is active and participatory. The teacher serves as a tool to

direct and assist students in owning knowledge that is useful and purposeful in their academic

pursuits. Instructional methods include online lecturing, discussions, group activities, and

assessments.

Related University-Wide and Course-Specific Requirements:

The following competencies will be required and assessed in this course: (1) writing, (2)

information technology literacy, and (3) critical thinking. As a 300-level course, students should

be able to write clearly, concisely, and analytically. Students writing should include

demonstration of reading completion and comprehension, application of course concepts when

necessary, and critical thinking (independent thinking, analysis, synthesis and argumentation).

Students critical thinking abilities will be assessed on their presentation of ideas (others and

their own), questioning, problem-solving capabilities, synthesis, evaluation, and analysis and

clarity of thought (including language use and comprehension).

Course Expectations:

Students are expected to enter the course site with respect for themselves, for others and for information and knowledge, even if it differs from their own beliefs, knowledge, etc.

Students are expected to purchase and read the required textbooks and readings.

Students are expected to actively participate in all course site activities, assignments and requirementssynchronous and asynchronous. Participation is imperative to class

enlightenment, student development and understanding.

Students are expected to complete all readings and assignments according to the due dates on the course outline.

Students are expected to visit the course site on a daily basis to ensure they are fully participating in the course.

Students are expected to submit all assignments on or before the due date.

Students are expected to prioritize their academic responsibilities along with their other life issuesfamily, work, etc.

Students are expected to proactively OWN their learning experience and share their knowledge development and growth in ideas, in particular interdisciplinarity.

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Course Policies/Requirements:

This course meets the requirements of the following competencies: writing, information

technology literacy, and critical thinking.

Academic Integrity Standards:

Attendance (Participation)/Tardiness Policy: As an online course, students are responsible for

attending the course site for the equivalent of three hours per week, at a minimum. Students are

to review and read their NSU email on a daily basis as well as any other means of

communication established by the professor. As an online course, inclement weather does not

impact course participation. Students are expected to follow the Universitys Student Handbook

on attendance/tardy. Students attendance is recorded according to their entrance into the

course; the professor can track students attendance in the course site.

In regards to assignments, LATE assignments do NOT earn credit. Students are to be aware and

follow the attendance policy stated in the Student Handbook for the University and for the

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Weather Policy: In case of inclement weather, students should listen to major radio and

television stations; visit the NSU website at www.nsu.edu; and/or call the University operator at

757-823-8600. If the University cancels classes, students should check their NSU email and the

Blackboard course site for additional course information.

Integrity/Plagiarism Policy: Students are expected to be truthful and to abide by a standard

code of morals, ethics and integritythis is to be displayed in class conduct and evident in

course assignments, materials and presentations made by students. Plagiarism is defined as using

other peoples work as your own without crediting them, including but not limited to: copying

others notes, exams, essays and information, quoting and paraphrasing others ideas without

giving them credit and proper documentation; using information from the internet without

properly citing source, website (URL), author, date, etc. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will

result in an assignment grade of F and possibly an overall course grade of F. Students should

follow the academic integrity policy of the University (see University Catalog and Student

Handbook) and INT Dept.

Distance Education/ONLINE course Testing POLICY (effective May 2012): (see

attachment)

Overview:

All exams in the online environment are to be proctored. A proctored exam is one that is

administered by an impartial individual (called a proctor) who monitors and supervises a

student while that student is taking an exam. The proctor ensures the security and

integrity of the exam process. Students will be required to submit an Online Course

Proctor Identification Approval Form (attached) to each instructor. Once the proctor has

been approved by the instructor, the students will be required to present their Spartan

Identification Card and photo identification to the proctor prior to students receiving the

exam. Students are responsible for arranging a proctor for their exam(s) and all costs

incurred for this service. Also, see the Instructor and Student FAQ for Proctoring

Exams for an Online Course attachment.

http://www.nsu.edu/

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Departmental Policies

Incomplete Grade Policy (NSU Policy)

To be considered for an Incomplete (I) grade in a course the following must be met: (1) the

student must be passing the course; (2) the student must have completed at least 70% of all

coursework; and (3) the student must have a legitimate reason for the request. Once these three

requirements are met, it is at the discretion of the professor to approve or disapprove the

students request for an Incomplete grade. Additionally, Incomplete grades are not merely given,

but are requested by students considered by professors, and are at the sole discretion of the

professor, depending on each individual students situation/circumstance. The length of time to

complete coursework for the removal of the Incomplete grade is no more than six weeks

(due before the midterm period of the following academic semester). It is the students

responsibility to stay abreast of all requirements, timelines, and due dates. If the student does not

comply with the stipulations set forth to remove the Incomplete grade, the Incomplete grade will

turn into an (F) once the deadline has passed. If an Incomplete grade request is approved by

the professor, the student is to complete the University Incomplete Grade Request Form.

American Psychological Association Writing Manual Requirement

ALL Interdisciplinary Studies courses require students to submit all papers, unless otherwise

noted by the professor, using APA 6th

edition (October 2010). The APA Manual is a required

text for all courses, and students are to abide by that writing style. The APA Manual can be

purchased from the University bookstore.

Microsoft Word

ALL Interdisciplinary Studies papers are to be submitted as Microsoft Word documents

(.doc), unless otherwise noted by the professor. If students submit papers using other writing

programs (i.e., WordPerfect, Microsoft works, MAC programs, etc.), they may lose points and/or

not have their paper accepted/graded. It is imperative that students follow the guidelines and

directions of each professor.

Assignment Submissions: Course file format standards

When submitting assignments/documents for your Interdisciplinary Studies courses, submit them

in Microsoft Word.doc format and make sure that the document saved name does NOT include

any special characters (i.e., ^%$#@!*()}[ or anything else similar. DO NOT PLACE your

RESPONSES, PAPERS, or ANSWERS in the Comment box/area in Blackboard. When

submitting assignments, ALL assignments (unless otherwise directed by that course professor)

are to be submitted as Microsoft Word attachments (doc.files) in Blackboard through the

Assignment manager link.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a disability or think you have a disability, contact

Supporting Students through Disability Services (SSDS) for information regarding programs and

services to enhance student success.

Location: Student Services Building, Suite 110D

Telephone: 757-823-2014

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Let Dr. Miller know immediately of any special requirements, services, etc.within the first

week of the course! It is students responsibilities to notify Dr. Miller at the beginning of the

course.

University Assessment Statement:

As part of NSUs commitment to provide the environment and resources needed for success,

students may be required to participate in a number of university-wide assessment activities. The

activities may include tests, surveys, focus groups and interviews, and portfolio reviews. The

primary purpose of the assessment activities is to determine the extent to which the universitys

programs and services maintain a high level of quality and meet the needs of students. Students

will not be identified in the analysis of results. Unless indicated otherwise by the instructor,

results from University assessment activities will not be computed in student grades.

Success Policy:

The best policy for success in any course is preparation, organization, and active participation,

reading completion and comprehension, time management and constant, consistent

communication with the instructor.

Course Assignments:

Online Discussions: (15)

Activity 1: (15) Quiz

Activity 2: (10) Concept Map

Activity 3: (15) Quiz

Activity 4: (10) Research Map

Activity 5: (15) Quiz

Final Paper: (20)

TOTAL: 100

Please note: The number and/or weights/percentages of graded assignments may change as per

the discretion of the instructor. Students will be notified of such changes by the instructor.

Evaluation (Criteria)/Assessment Methods and Grading Standards:

All students have the potential to earn an A. It is each students responsibility to assertively

and actively participating, and administrating his/her learning experience. By completing all

assignments, participating in all classroom discussions, projects, assignments, presentations, and

reading all assigned material, in an engaging and meaningful educational manner, students work

to earn an A. Although a large content of the material for this course is subjective, an

objective (or as objective as humanly possible) will be utilized for grading students.

Grading criteria includes: (1) engagement with materialthis means that students will read,

comprehend, actively think about, digest, evaluate and analyze the materialasking and

answering questions as well as application; (2) writing, articulation and expressionthis means

that students will be able to clearly convey their thoughts (spelling, vocabulary, grammar and

content); (3) scope/comprehensivenessthis means to what extent is the student able to analyze

and synthesize course material/information, this can include consideration of patterns, biases,

caveats, allusions, assumptions, etc.; (4) submission timeliness---this means that assignments are

submitted before or on time; and (5) correctness/accuracythis means that Dr. Miller will

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subjectively assess whether students responses are on a spectrum of correct analysis in regards

to general course content; of course, this includes bias, but there is a line of distinction between

on the right track and totally off base.

Grading Scale:

100-95 = A

94-90 = A-

89-86 = B+

85-82 = B

81-79 = B-

78-75 = C+

74-71 = C

70-68 = C-

67-65 = D+

64-62 = D

61-59 = D-

58 & below = F

Note: As part of the INT Core/major, students must earn a grade of C or better in order to gain

credit towards graduation and receipt of B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies.

There is NO Extra Credit for this course.

It is the students responsibility to read the syllabus. It is a contract between the Professor and

the Student regarding the responsibilities and expectations of the professor and the student for

this course. Amendments can be made to the syllabus at the discretion of the professor and it is

the responsibility of the student to maintain awareness of any such changes, amendments,

additions, adjustments, etc. By accepting the syllabus, the student agrees to abide by the

information therein.

Course Outline/Calendar:

The course outline can change at the discretion of the professor and/or depending upon the

progress of the class. It is the students responsibility to stay abreast of all changes,

amendments, deletions and additions and respond, act accordingly.

For this course, the week begins on Monday, regardless of HOLIDAYS. IF STUDENTS

miss a Monday meeting, they are STILL RESPONSIBLE for all assignments, discussions,

changes, etc. Students should make ALL efforts to attend class on time and each meeting.

Week One M, August 19th: Introductions; syllabus review, course terms, policies, assignments,

etc., beginning the process of interdisciplinarity, elementary definitions. Purchase textbook, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies. Read Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS) by Miller, Arroyo, preface & introduction. SUBMIT autobiographical statement. Complete discussion boards.

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Week Two M, August 26th: What is Interdisciplinary Studies? How is this course relevant to the

real world? Interdisciplinary Studies: History, definitions (main definitions, commonalities, and components). READ: ONLINE readings and IIS, chapters one & two. Complete and submit part I of Glossary by Friday, August 30th.

Week Three M, Sept. 2nd: Why Interdisciplinarity? Metaphors: building bridges, boundary

crossing, and more. Complete and submit Quiz #1, Wednesday September 04th. READ: IIS chapters 3 & 4, 7 & 8. What is Interdisciplinary Studies? What is NOT Interdisciplinary Studies? Disciplinarity, multi-disciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, and cross-disciplinaritycompare and contrast. What are interdisciplinarity traits? Complete assignments, discussion boards, etc.

Week Four

M, Sept. 9th

: The Disciplines: The foundational bricks of Interdisciplinary Studies READ: IIS, chapters 5 & 6 & ONLINE readings. Complete and submit Activity #2: Concept map by Wednesday, September 11th. Submit completed full Glossary by Friday, September 13th.

Week Five M, Sept. 16th: Basic assumptions of Interdisciplinarity: Research, and Theories that

support. Complete ONLINE readings, assignments, activities, readings and discussions. Complete and submit Quiz #2 by Wednesday, September 18th.

Week Six M, Sept. 23rd: Interdisciplinary Research: Integration and Research road maps.

READ: ONLINE readings. Complete all assignments, activities, and discussions. Complete and submit Activity #4: Research map by Wednesday September 15th.

Week Seven M, Sept. 30th: Wrap up. What did I learn? How did I learn it? I learned it best when?

What I can do with what I learned is? Additional directed learning statements DUE. Complete and submit Quiz #3 by Wednesday, October 02nd. Complete online student course evaluations. Complete and submit final paper by Friday, October 04th.