Multidisciplinary Studies

The Department of Multidisciplinary Studies enables students to pursue degree programs that go beyond traditional departmental disciplinary boundaries. Students who major or minor in multidisciplinary studies may (in consultation with the department Chair) construct programs of their own that draw on the courses and resources of the various departments of the college (including, of course, multidisciplinary studies itself). Some of the most successful areas of concentration in recent years have been comparative literature, medieval and Renaissance studies, religious studies, social and political thought, 19th century studies, and language and society. In addition to these wholly individualized programs, the department currently offers one formalized program of study: Environmental and Health Studies.

For detailed descriptions and specific program requirements, students must consult the departmental brochure available in the Multidisciplinary Studies Office, 162 York Hall. The Department of Multidisciplinary Studies also houses the four divisions of general education:

• humanities

• modes of reasoning

• natural science

• social science

Humanities courses generally combine the subject matter and/or methodologies of at least two of the "humane" disciplines taught at Glendon: literature, philosophy and history; social science courses do the same for the "social sciences": economics, linguistics, psychology, sociology and also history. Natural science courses draw from the physical and biological sciences; our courses often demonstrate the interrelationship of science and other disciplines, and some of them focus specifically on the history or philosophy or social context of science. Modes of reasoning focuses principally on the forms of reasoning and inquiry, on deductive and inductive logic. It invites reflection on these forms of thought and investigates their interconnections.

The Department of Multidisciplinary Studies offers students the opportunity to engage their intellectual curiosity by drawing upon a variety of academic resources. It is worth noting that one does not create a multidisciplinary approach merely by juxtaposing individual courses from two or more disciplines. Rather, what is sought is a true integration or synthesis of methodologies and knowledge from separate academic areas to create a program which is at once critical and innovative.

Specialized Honours Program

48 credits in an approved Program in Multidisciplinary Studies, of which 24 must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. 24 of the 48 credits must be core courses, as defined in the department's programs of study brochure.

General Honours Program

36 credits in an approved Program in Multidisciplinary Studies, of which 18 must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. 18 of the 36 credits must be core courses, as defined in the department's programs of study brochure.

Honours Double Major Program

Candidates may complete an Honours Double Major Program in Multidisciplinary Studies. Candidates must complete at least 36 credits in an approved program within multidisciplinary studies. 18 of the required 36 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. 18 of the 36 credits must be core courses, see the mini-calendar of the department.

Candidates must check the calendar for the requirements of the other discipline in which they wish to major.

Combined Honours Program

Multidisciplinary studies may form the major, the minor, or both components in a Combined Honours program.

Major component: 36 credits in an approved Program in Multidisciplinary Studies, of which 18 must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. 18 of the 36 credits must be core courses as defined in the department's programs of study brochure.

Minor component: 24 credits in an approved Program in Multidisciplinary Studies, of which 12 must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. 12 of the 24 credits must be core courses as defined in the department's programs of study brochure.

Bachelor Program

30 credits in an approved Program of Multidisciplinary Studies, at least 18 of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. 18 of the 30 credits must be core courses as defined in the department's programs of study brochure.

• Rules and Regulations in Glendon