Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Director:  Dr. Carol Caronna
Liberal Arts Building 2305
Phone: 410-704-2659
Email: ccaronna@towson.edu

The Program

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program provides students with the opportunity to pursue a course of study unavailable through any single discipline at Towson University. The program offers students a variety of options. The number of units required for a major or minor in Interdisciplinary Studies varies by program. All units must be completed with a grade equivalent of 2.00 or higher.

Interdisciplinary Studies majors may transfer up to 21 units toward completion of the major. Interdisciplinary Studies minors may transfer up to 9 units toward completion of the minor. Transfer credits from a Towson University study abroad and away program do not count toward this transfer credit limit, nor are they included in the student’s GPA.

Majors

  • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Individually Designed Thematic Option
    • Formally Designed Concentrations (see below)
  • International Studies
  • Metropolitan Studies
  • Social Sciences

Formally Designed Concentrations

There are four formally designed major concentrations, each designed by an interdisciplinary faculty committee. Students interested in any of these programs should contact the director of the concentration. Please note that the major that appears on your diploma will be Interdisciplinary Studies. Both the major and concentration will be listed on your official transcript.

  • American Studies
  • Animal Behavior
  • Asian Studies
  • Latin American and Latino/a Studies

Minors

Interdisciplinary minors offer an excellent complement to majors in traditional disciplines. Students in any major may elect to pursue one of these minors.

  • Interdisciplinary Studies (Individually Designed Thematic Option)
  • African and African American Studies
  • American Studies
  • Ancient Mediterranean Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Business, Communication and the Liberal Arts
  • International Studies
  • Jewish Studies
  • Latin American and Latino/a Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Museum Studies

Courses

AFST 201 MAIN THEMES IN AFRICAN AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES (3)

Interdisciplinary introduction to African and African American Studies. Explores a number of themes such as religion/spirituality, family, education, identity, literature, politics, and economics. Core: Diversity & Difference.

AFST 411 TOPICS IN AFRICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES (3)

Extensive study of a specific topic chosen from a variety of disciplines in African and African-American Studies. Content varies. May be repeated for a maximum of six units when identified by a different subtitle. Prerequisites: AFST 201 and a 300 level course fulfilling the African and African-American Studies minor, or consent of the program director and the instructor.

AMST 201 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN STUDIES (3)

Interdisciplinary course interpreting American culture through historical documents, literature, film, music, art, and popular expressions. Topic varies. Core: The United States as a Nation.

AMST 491 DIRECTED READINGS IN AMST (3)

Independent research in American Studies on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: consent of American Studies coordinator.

AMST 497 INTERNSHIP IN AMERICAN STUDIES (3-9)

Experience designed to integrate American Studies and knowledge with hands-on work experience in local museums, libraries, and similar agencies. A daily log, final report, and 90 hours of participation are required. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units provided one internship is a 6-unit single-site internship. Prerequisite: consent of American Studies coordinator. Graded S/U.

ASST 201 INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN STUDIES (3)

Interdisciplinary course examining Asian cultures and societies through the study of histories, languages, literature, religions and philosophies, and politics. Core: Global Perspectives.

ASST 270 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ASIAN STUDIES (1-4)

An examination of topics in Asian Studies at the lower level. The content of the course will vary and depend upon faculty and student interest and program needs. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered each time. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

ASST 470 ADVANCED TOPICS IN ASIAN STUDIES (1-4)

An examination of topics in Asian Studies at the upper level. The content of the course will vary and depend upon faculty and student interest and program needs. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered each time. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

ASST 490 DIRECTED READINGS IN ASIAN STUDIES (1-3)

Directed readings in Asian Studies selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Readings may focus on one topic across several nations, or may focus more intensely on one nation or time period. May be repeated for up to 6 units if a different topic is covered each time. Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor and the Director of Asian Studies, and 9 units of coursework on the Asian Studies program (excluding language study).

ASST 492 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ASIAN STUDIES (1-3)

Supervised independent study in Asian Studies on one topic, culminating in one research paper or project. Topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units if a different topic is covered each time. Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor and the Director of Asian Studies, 9 units of coursework in Asian Studies (excluding language study).

ASST 494 INTERNSHIP IN ASIAN STUDIES (1-3)

Off-campus experience to familiarize students with institutions involved with Asian Studies, including museums, government, think tanks, and business organizations. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units if a different topic is covered each time. Prerequisites: 18 units of Asian Studies courses, a GPA of 2.5 or greater, consent of the instructor and the Director of Asian Studies, junior/senior standing.

IDIS 470 SPECIAL TOPICS (3)

Survey of literature and practical application of interdisciplinary issues. Field work may be required. Topics will vary. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units provided a different topic is covered.

IDIS 491 DIRECTED READINGS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (3)

Directed reading in Interdisciplinary Studies on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: consent of the Director of Interdisciplinary Programs.

IDIS 493 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (1-3)

Individual and supervised study in selected topics related to Interdisciplinary Studies. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: consent of the Director of Interdisciplinary Programs.

IDIS 494 TRAVEL AND STUDY IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (3)

Countries and topics to be selected by the sponsoring Interdisciplinary Studies program and instructor. For complete information, contact director of sponsoring Interdisciplinary Studies program. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

IDIS 495 INTERNSHIP IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (3-6)

Supervised experience in a work setting to facilitate students' understanding of their concentration. May be repeated for up to six units. Can be applied toward major requirements only with approval of concentration's coordinator. Graded S/U.

IDIS 498 HONORS DIRECTED READING IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (3-6)

Directed reading in Interdisciplinary Studies on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: consent of Director of Interdisciplinary Studies Programs.

IDIS 499 HONORS THESIS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (3-6)

Research and the writing of a thesis, to be directed by a faculty member in a chosen area of specialization. Prerequisites: IDIS 498 and consent of Interdisciplinary Studies Programs.

LAST 100 LATIN AMERICA: ISSUES AND APPROACHES (3)

Multi-disciplinary approaches to leading issues in recent Latin America. Access, evaluate, and use information. Core: Global Perspectives.

LAST 385 MODEL ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (3)

Structure and function of OAS, the inter-American system and U.S. Latin American policy. Students represent member states of the OAS in a mock General Assembly in Washington, D.C. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: sophomore standing and written consent in instructor.

LAST 484 SPECIAL TOPICS IN LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINO/A STUDIES (3)

Study through lectures and discussions of interdisciplinary topics selected by the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided different topics are covered. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing or consent of instructor.

LAST 491 DIRECTED READINGS IN LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINO/A STUDIES (3)

Independent reading in Latin American studies on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor(s). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: advanced undergraduate standing, junior/senior standing, and consent of instructor.

LAST 492 DIRECTED READINGS IN LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINO/A STUDIES (3)

Independent reading in Latin American studies on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor(s). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: advanced undergraduate standing and consent of instructor.

LAST 497 INTERNSHIP IN LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINO/A STUDIES (3-6)

Training and experience with public and private organizations. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. S/U grading. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.