Norfolk State University College of Liberal Arts Department of Interdisciplinary Studies INT 308: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies 3 credit

hours ONLINE Dr. Khadijah O. Miller, Associate Professor and Department Head, Interdisciplinary Studies Office: C-110, Brown Memorial Hall Office: (757) 823-2864 INT Main: (757) 823-8198, C-108, Brown Memorial Hall Fax: (757) 823-8602 Email: komiller@nsu.edu Office Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, by appointment ONLY (students can make appointments via email, or with Erica Bennett (at elbennett@nsu.edu or 757-823-8198). Online Hours: (via Bb): To be determined by appointment
Students of Interdisciplinary Studies are marked by their willingness not simply to challenge, but also to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. Giles Gunn (1992, p.29)

Course Description: Survey of major concepts and processes that explain interdisciplinarity; review of interdisciplinary studies as a theoretical framework, a research method and an academic curriculum. Introduction and review of major components and characteristics of interdisciplinarity and interdisciplinarians, including the influences of culture, socialization, language, critical thinking, globalization and western and non-western ideas. Course Rationale: This introductory junior level course in Interdisciplinary Studies introduces students to the foundational concepts in interdisciplinary thinking. Focus is on defining, evaluating, explaining and supporting interdisciplinarity and its space in higher education and our ever-evolving global world. This course serves as the prerequisite for ALL of the Interdisciplinary Studies courses at Norfolk State University. Course Goals and Measurable Intended Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Through readings and research, students will begin to develop a working definition and comprehension of Interdisciplinary Studies, and all its parts. 2. Through active readings and reflective writing assignments, students will explain the process of integration. 3. Through research activities, students will understand the disciplines and specifically, the importance of disciplines in interdisciplinary studies. 4. Via conceptual and cognitive maps (personal and intellectual) students will define, explore and explain interdisciplinary studies. 5. Through reading, research and writing students will demonstrate the integrative process in interdisciplinary studies (with a focus on the core areas of interdisciplinary studies critical thinking, language/communication skills, critical deciphering, social, cultural and global awareness).

Course Materials/Required Text(s) and Supplementary Readings: 1. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies by Miller and Arroyo (2011) Kendall/Hunt Publishing. REQUIRED. 2. American Psychological Association (APA) Manual, 6th edition, 2nd printing (2010) REQUIRED. 3. Students will read additional handouts, watch films, and peruse other materials provided and/or assigned by Dr. Miller. 4. Students will have (purchase if necessary) and use an unabridged dictionary (including, etymologies and supplementary information) and a thesaurus. (A good source is the Oxford English Dictionary.) 5. Students will use Internet resources responsibly and critically. Primary Method of Instruction and Student-Engagement: The primary method of instruction is active and participatory. The teacher serves as a tool to direct and assist students in owning knowledge that is useful and purposeful in their academic pursuits. Instructional methods include online lecturing, discussions, group activities, and assessments. Related University-Wide and Course-Specific Requirements: The following competencies will be required and assessed in this course: (1) writing, (2) information technology literacy, and (3) critical thinking. As a 300-level course, students should be able to write clearly, concisely, and analytically. Students writing should include demonstration of reading completion and comprehension, application of course concepts when necessary, and critical thinking (independent thinking, analysis, synthesis and argumentation). Students critical thinking abilities will be assessed on their presentation of ideas (others and their own), questioning, problem-solving capabilities, synthesis, evaluation, and analysis and clarity of thought (including language use and comprehension). Course Expectations: Students are expected to enter the course site with respect for themselves, for others and for information and knowledge, even if it differs from their own beliefs, knowledge, etc. Students are expected to purchase and read the required textbooks and readings. Students are expected to actively participate in all course site activities, assignments and requirementssynchronous and asynchronous. Participation is imperative to class enlightenment, student development and understanding. Students are expected to complete all readings and assignments according to the due dates on the course outline. Students are expected to visit the course site on a daily basis to ensure they are fully participating in the course. Students are expected to submit all assignments on or before the due date. Students are expected to prioritize their academic responsibilities along with their other life issuesfamily, work, etc. Students are expected to proactively OWN their learning experience and share their knowledge development and growth in ideas, in particular interdisciplinarity.

Course Policies/Requirements: This course meets the requirements of the following competencies: writing, information technology literacy, and critical thinking. Academic Integrity Standards: Attendance (Participation)/Tardiness Policy: As an online course, students are responsible for attending the course site for the equivalent of three hours per week, at a minimum. Students are to review and read their NSU email on a daily basis as well as any other means of communication established by the professor. As an online course, inclement weather does not impact course participation. Students are expected to follow the Universitys Student Handbook on attendance/tardy. Students attendance is recorded according to their entrance into the course; the professor can track students attendance in the course site. In regards to assignments, LATE assignments do NOT earn credit. Students are to be aware and follow the attendance policy stated in the Student Handbook for the University and for the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. Weather Policy: In case of inclement weather, students should listen to major radio and television stations; visit the NSU website at www.nsu.edu; and/or call the University operator at 757-823-8600. If the University cancels classes, students should check their NSU email and the Blackboard course site for additional course information. Integrity/Plagiarism Policy: Students are expected to be truthful and to abide by a standard code of morals, ethics and integritythis is to be displayed in class conduct and evident in course assignments, materials and presentations made by students. Plagiarism is defined as using other peoples work as your own without crediting them, including but not limited to: copying others notes, exams, essays and information, quoting and paraphrasing others ideas without giving them credit and proper documentation; using information from the internet without properly citing source, website (URL), author, date, etc. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will result in an assignment grade of F and possibly an overall course grade of F. Students should follow the academic integrity policy of the University (see University Catalog and Student Handbook) and INT Dept. Distance Education/ONLINE course Testing POLICY (effective May 2012): (see attachment) Overview: All exams in the online environment are to be proctored. A proctored exam is one that is administered by an impartial individual (called a proctor) who monitors and supervises a student while that student is taking an exam. The proctor ensures the security and integrity of the exam process. Students will be required to submit an Online Course Proctor Identification Approval Form (attached) to each instructor. Once the proctor has been approved by the instructor, the students will be required to present their Spartan Identification Card and photo identification to the proctor prior to students receiving the exam. Students are responsible for arranging a proctor for their exam(s) and all costs incurred for this service. Also, see the Instructor and Student FAQ for Proctoring Exams for an Online Course attachment.

Departmental Policies Incomplete Grade Policy (NSU Policy) To be considered for an Incomplete (I) grade in a course the following must be met: (1) the student must be passing the course; (2) the student must have completed at least 70% of all coursework; and (3) the student must have a legitimate reason for the request. Once these three requirements are met, it is at the discretion of the professor to approve or disapprove the students request for an Incomplete grade. Additionally, Incomplete grades are not merely given, but are requested by students considered by professors, and are at the sole discretion of the professor, depending on each individual students situation/circumstance. The length of time to complete coursework for the removal of the Incomplete grade is no more than six weeks (due before the midterm period of the following academic semester). It is the students responsibility to stay abreast of all requirements, timelines, and due dates. If the student does not comply with the stipulations set forth to remove the Incomplete grade, the Incomplete grade will turn into an (F) once the deadline has passed. If an Incomplete grade request is approved by the professor, the student is to complete the University Incomplete Grade Request Form. American Psychological Association Writing Manual Requirement ALL Interdisciplinary Studies courses require students to submit all papers, unless otherwise noted by the professor, using APA 6th edition (October 2010). The APA Manual is a required text for all courses, and students are to abide by that writing style. The APA Manual can be purchased from the University bookstore. Microsoft Word ALL Interdisciplinary Studies papers are to be submitted as Microsoft Word documents (.doc), unless otherwise noted by the professor. If students submit papers using other writing programs (i.e., WordPerfect, Microsoft works, MAC programs, etc.), they may lose points and/or not have their paper accepted/graded. It is imperative that students follow the guidelines and directions of each professor. Assignment Submissions: Course file format standards When submitting assignments/documents for your Interdisciplinary Studies courses, submit them in Microsoft Word.doc format and make sure that the document saved name does NOT include any special characters (i.e., ^%$#@!*()}[ or anything else similar. DO NOT PLACE your RESPONSES, PAPERS, or ANSWERS in the Comment box/area in Blackboard. When submitting assignments, ALL assignments (unless otherwise directed by that course professor) are to be submitted as Microsoft Word attachments (doc.files) in Blackboard through the Assignment manager link. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a disability or think you have a disability, contact Supporting Students through Disability Services (SSDS) for information regarding programs and services to enhance student success. Location: Student Services Building, Suite 110D Telephone: 757-823-2014

Let Dr. Miller know immediately of any special requirements, services, etc.within the first week of the course! It is students responsibilities to notify Dr. Miller at the beginning of the course. University Assessment Statement: As part of NSUs commitment to provide the environment and resources needed for success, students may be required to participate in a number of university-wide assessment activities. The activities may include tests, surveys, focus groups and interviews, and portfolio reviews. The primary purpose of the assessment activities is to determine the extent to which the universitys programs and services maintain a high level of quality and meet the needs of students. Students will not be identified in the analysis of results. Unless indicated otherwise by the instructor, results from University assessment activities will not be computed in student grades. Success Policy: The best policy for success in any course is preparation, organization, and active participation, reading completion and comprehension, time management and constant, consistent communication with the instructor. Course Assignments: Online Discussions: (15) Activity 1: (15) Quiz Activity 2: (10) Concept Map Activity 3: (15) Quiz Activity 4: (10) Research Map Activity 5: (15) Quiz Final Paper: (20) TOTAL: 100 Please note: The number and/or weights/percentages of graded assignments may change as per the discretion of the instructor. Students will be notified of such changes by the instructor. Evaluation (Criteria)/Assessment Methods and Grading Standards: All students have the potential to earn an A. It is each students responsibility to assertively and actively participating, and administrating his/her learning experience. By completing all assignments, participating in all classroom discussions, projects, assignments, presentations, and reading all assigned material, in an engaging and meaningful educational manner, students work to earn an A. Although a large content of the material for this course is subjective, an objective (or as objective as humanly possible) will be utilized for grading students. Grading criteria includes: (1) engagement with materialthis means that students will read, comprehend, actively think about, digest, evaluate and analyze the materialasking and answering questions as well as application; (2) writing, articulation and expressionthis means that students will be able to clearly convey their thoughts (spelling, vocabulary, grammar and content); (3) scope/comprehensivenessthis means to what extent is the student able to analyze and synthesize course material/information, this can include consideration of patterns, biases, caveats, allusions, assumptions, etc.; (4) submission timeliness---this means that assignments are submitted before or on time; and (5) correctness/accuracythis means that Dr. Miller will

subjectively assess whether students responses are on a spectrum of correct analysis in regards to general course content; of course, this includes bias, but there is a line of distinction between on the right track and totally off base. Grading Scale: 100-95 = A 94-90 = A89-86 = B+ 85-82 = B 81-79 = B78-75 = C+ 74-71 = C 70-68 = C67-65 = D+ 64-62 = D 61-59 = D58 & below = F Note: As part of the INT Core/major, students must earn a grade of C or better in order to gain credit towards graduation and receipt of B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies. There is NO Extra Credit for this course. It is the students responsibility to read the syllabus. It is a contract between the Professor and the Student regarding the responsibilities and expectations of the professor and the student for this course. Amendments can be made to the syllabus at the discretion of the professor and it is the responsibility of the student to maintain awareness of any such changes, amendments, additions, adjustments, etc. By accepting the syllabus, the student agrees to abide by the information therein. Course Outline/Calendar: The course outline can change at the discretion of the professor and/or depending upon the progress of the class. It is the students responsibility to stay abreast of all changes, amendments, deletions and additions and respond, act accordingly. For this course, the week begins on Monday, regardless of HOLIDAYS. IF STUDENTS miss a Monday meeting, they are STILL RESPONSIBLE for all assignments, discussions, changes, etc. Students should make ALL efforts to attend class on time and each meeting. Week One M, August 19th: Introductions; syllabus review, course terms, policies, assignments, etc., beginning the process of interdisciplinarity, elementary definitions. Purchase textbook, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies. Read Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS) by Miller, Arroyo, preface & introduction. SUBMIT autobiographical statement. Complete discussion boards.

Week Two M, August 26th:

What is Interdisciplinary Studies? How is this course relevant to the real world? Interdisciplinary Studies: History, definitions (main definitions, commonalities, and components). READ: ONLINE readings and IIS, chapters one & two. Complete and submit part I of Glossary by Friday, August 30th. Why Interdisciplinarity? Metaphors: building bridges, boundary crossing, and more. Complete and submit Quiz #1, Wednesday September 04th. READ: IIS chapters 3 & 4, 7 & 8. What is Interdisciplinary Studies? What is NOT Interdisciplinary Studies? Disciplinarity, multi-disciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, and crossdisciplinaritycompare and contrast. What are interdisciplinarity traits? Complete assignments, discussion boards, etc. The Disciplines: The foundational bricks of Interdisciplinary Studies READ: IIS, chapters 5 & 6 & ONLINE readings. Complete and submit Activity #2: Concept map by Wednesday, September 11th. Submit completed full Glossary by Friday, September 13th. Basic assumptions of Interdisciplinarity: Research, and Theories that support. Complete ONLINE readings, assignments, activities, readings and discussions. Complete and submit Quiz #2 by Wednesday, September 18th. Interdisciplinary Research: Integration and Research road maps. READ: ONLINE readings. Complete all assignments, activities, and discussions. Complete and submit Activity #4: Research map by Wednesday September 15th. Wrap up. What did I learn? How did I learn it? I learned it best when? What I can do with what I learned is? Additional directed learning statements DUE. Complete and submit Quiz #3 by Wednesday, October 02nd. Complete online student course evaluations. Complete and submit final paper by Friday, October 04th.

Week Three M, Sept. 2nd:

Week Four M, Sept. 9th:

Week Five M, Sept. 16th:

Week Six M, Sept. 23rd:

Week Seven M, Sept. 30th: