Interdisciplinary Studies Minor

The Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies

The field of Interdisciplinary Studies recognizes that we live in a complex and interrelated world.  This minor introduces students to the practices of interdisciplinarity:  using critical methods and bodies of knowledge from multiple disciplines to understand real-world issues and problems. A sophisticated comprehension of serious topics – such as sexual violence, mass incarceration, poverty, racial and economic inequality, environmental degradation, technological change, epidemics, or global migration, for example – requires analysis of dimensions that include the cultural, historical, political, psychological, social, gender, and economic. Through a pedagogy centered on active learning, students in the Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies develop critical thinking and analytical skills that prepare them to tackle the difficult topics and advanced work required in law and graduate schools and high-level careers.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Read, write, and communicate orally in response to a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary texts.
• Analyze and synthesize ideas and information from multiple disciplinary sources and perspectives.
• Identify, articulate, and reflect upon theoretical and methodological differences among disciplines across the arts, humanities, and sciences.
• Select and apply appropriate tools from two or more disciplines to significant questions, issues, or problems that would benefit from interdisciplinary analysis.
• Construct knowledge together and collaborate effectively and respectfully.

Credits Required

18

Minor Coordinator

Professor Richard Haw, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (212.237.8076, rhaw@jjay.cuny.edu).

Advisor: Adriana Pérez, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (212.237.8460, aperez@jjay.cuny.edu). 

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Interdisciplinary Studies courses are rooted in experiential learning where students engage in interactive classroom exercises, independent research projects, fieldtrips and service and learning opportunities that transcend the classroom.  Students should anticipate being engaged, enlivened and compelled to be active participants in their learning experiences. In recent years, first year students have taken several field trips around NYC and visited the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.  Students have conducted community-based surveys of food deserts, voting patterns, and have created self-guided tours of major museums, landmarks, and historic neighborhoods.  Students have opportunities to interact with guest speakers and performers and pursue internships integrating academics and action with the Vera Institute of Justice, state and city elected officials, and social justice organizations.

Requirements

The minor in Interdisciplinary Studies requires a total of 18 credits of which 3 credits are required and 15 credits are electives.  A maximum of two courses can overlap with a student’s major, other minor or program.

Part Two. Electives

Select five ISP courses. At least one course must be at the 300-level or above. Only one 100-level course may be applied to the minor electives.

Select zero or only one 100-level course

Select four or five courses. At least one must be at the 300-level or above.

Students can also apply ISP 289, ISP 389, and/or ISP 489 to Part Two of the Minor.  The Vera Fellowship courses or the ISP internship can also apply to Part Two electives.

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 18