Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
Catherine Frank, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator, School of Arts and Humanities
cfrank@une.edu
Michael J. Cripps, Ph.D.
Academic Director, School of Arts and Humanities
mcripps@une.edu
Mission
The major in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities challenges students to understand and evaluate human values, cultures and ideas as they are expressed in the various humanities disciplines. Students think critically about the disciplines themselves (their similarities, differences, characteristic questions and approaches) and the circumstances under which a specific disciplinary approach will best promote understanding of human phenomena. The major thus requires students to cross disciplinary, historical and cultural boundaries; to practice critical and creative thinking; to ask complex questions and resolve interpretive problems, and to develop strong communication skills. Introductory and capstone courses enable students to match disciplinary breadth with longitudinal depth, seeing their intellectual development over time and showcasing their learning through a student-designed independent project. The program also helps students understand and respond to public perception of the humanities as a key step in translating their academic experience into career readiness.
Major Description
The Interdisciplinary Studies Major (ISH) is designed for students who are interested in more than one (1) humanities discipline, recognize the value of looking at complex issues and phenomena from multiple perspectives, and enjoy the reading, thinking, expression and discussion of human experience that the humanities provide. With the freedom to develop thematic clusters or simply enjoy the breadth of knowledge, students pursue coursework in at least three (3) humanities disciplines, while advanced coursework and internship possibilities bring depth and practical application to their studies. A capstone seminar bridges the worlds of school and work by giving students the opportunity to develop an independent project, reflect on their education through a curated ePortfolio, and translate their academic experience into career readiness. The flexible, thirty-six (36)-credit curriculum makes ISH an ideal candidate for double-majoring with social and natural science programs as well. By developing independence of mind, self-direction, critical thinking and analytic skills, and a continuing desire to learn, ISH graduates leave 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵprepared for a broad spectrum of careers or graduate and professional education.
Curricular Requirements
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 42–43 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| LIL 420 – Senior Thesis/Project | 3 |
| Thirty-three (33) credits of Humanities Discipline Electives (below) with at least three (3) courses at the 300-level or above and no more than five (5) courses in a single discipline. | 33 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
A minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the major is required.
Humanities Discipline Eligible Courses
| History Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any HIS course | Variable |
| ARC 235 – The Archaeology of New England | 3 |
| ARH 210 – Art History Survey I | 3 |
| ARH 211 – Art History Survey II | 3 |
| ARH 260 – Renaissance & Baroque Art | 3 |
| ARH 270 – Art in the Modern World | 3 |
| CMM 135 – Evolution of Television | 3 |
| CMM 170 – Evolution of Documentary Film | 3 |
| MUS 216 – History of American Popular Music | 3 |
| MUS 220 – History of Jazz | 3 |
| PSC 110 – Power & Knowledge: Inventing Traditions | 3 |
| English Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any ENG course | Variable |
| ARH 333 – Moroccan Theatre/Social Ch | 3 |
| CMM 340 – Women and Film | 3 |
| ENV 124 – Lit, Nature & the Environment | 3 |
| PSC 300 – Egypt Through the Eye of Mahfouz | 3 |
| PSC 304 – The Middle East and Africa through Films | 3 |
| WRT 111 – Topics in Creative Writing | 3 |
| WRT 211 – Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 |
| WRT 212 – Creative Writing: Short Fiction | 3 |
| WRT 312 – Fiction Writing Workshop | 3 |
| Philosophy Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any PHI course | Variable |
| PSC 200 – Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| PSC 260 – The Politics of Evil | 3 |
| REL 276 – Religion in Human Traditions I | 3 |
| REL 278 – Religion in Human Traditions II | 3 |
| Liberal Learning Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any LIL course | Variable |
| Language Electives – Up to three (3) courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARB 101 – Basic Arabic | 3 |
| FRE 101 – Basic French | 3 |
| FRE 301 – Advanced French | 3 |
| SPA 101 – Basic Spanish | 3 |
| SPA 211 – Intermediate Spanish | 3 |
| SPA 310 – Advanced Spanish I | 3 |
| SPA 497 – Independent Study in Spanish | 1–12 |
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify and define a problem or issue that can be addressed from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
- Students will be able to apply and integrate methods, materials, and/or insights from different disciplines to the solution of a problem, the analysis of an issue or the completion of a project. This will reflect coursework as well as independent reading and research.
- Students will be able to find and evaluate different views from within a discipline.
- Students will be able to conduct primary and secondary research in order to develop well-documented, supported, reasoned, and informed conclusions to problems and issues.
- Students will be able to find, use, and evaluate a variety of sources of information.
- Students will be able to communicate ideas clearly.
- Students will be able to complete an interdisciplinary capstone thesis or project informed by their previous work in different disciplines.
- Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of content from at least two (2) disciplines.
HuMed
If you are an exceptional undergraduate student aspiring to a career in medicine, the 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵ HuMed program provides the opportunity that spans your junior and senior years as an undergraduate and your four (4) years in UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine or College of Dental Medicine. The program makes it possible for you to deepen your learning in English, History, or Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities through a humanities major while you prepare for a career as an osteopathic physician or a dentist. Requirements for this early assurance program are described at the HuMed website.
During your years as an undergraduate in UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences, you complete the requisite coursework in the natural sciences to prepare for your graduate education, while earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English/History/Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities. As a HuMed student, you are not required to take the MCAT for the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Instead, the College of Osteopathic Medicine requires that you take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude test (UKCAT). You have an assurance of acceptance contingent upon fulfilling the HuMed curricular requirements and passing the interview process.
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant scholarly, creative, or experiential activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Transfer Credit
See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Admissions
See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.