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.

Core courses are defined in the department's programs of study brochure.

Specialized Honours BA Program

For a Specialized Honours BA in multidisciplinary studies, students must complete 48 credits, including:

• 24 credits of core courses;
• 24 credits at 3000 or 4000 level.

General Honours BA Program

For a General Honours BA in multidisciplinary studies, students must complete a minimum of 36 credits including:

• 18 credits of core courses;
• 18 at 3000 or 4000 level.

Honours Double Major BA Program

For an Honours Double Major BA in multidisciplinary studies, students must complete 36 credits, including:

• 18 of core courses;
• 18 credits at 3000 or 4000 level.

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

Combined Honours BA Program

Major in Multidisciplinary Studies

Students must complete 36 credits in multidisciplinary studies, including:

• 18 credits of core courses;
• 18 at 3000 or 4000 level.

Minor in Multidisciplinary Studies

Students must complete 24 credits in multidisciplinary studies, including:

• 12 credits of core courses;
• 12 at 3000 or 4000 level.

BA Program

For a BA in multidisciplinary studies, students must complete 30 credits including:

• 18 credits of core courses;
• 18 at 3000 or 4000 level.

• Rules and Regulations in Glendon