109.2 Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Courses

A. Background

Furman University has offered a variety of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses for many years. Many of these courses have been offered as part of study abroad programs, but an increasing number are being offered on campus. The University encourages the development of appropriate interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses.

B. Policy

At Furman University interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses will be the responsibility of participating departments.

C. Guidelines

1. An interdisciplinary course contains a body of knowledge that cannot be identified with any single academic discipline represented by a department on campus. These interdisciplinary courses will carry an IDS prefix when listed in the catalogue. Responsibility for evaluating and monitoring the courses will remain with the participating departments.

2. A multidisciplinary course contains distinct bodies of knowledge that are identified with academic disciplines represented by different departments on campus. It involves instructors from two or more departments who teach their disciplines in separate segments. These multidisciplinary courses will be cross-listed under the prefix of each participating department. Responsibility for evaluating and monitoring the courses will remain with the participating departments.

3. The chairs of the participating departments and the Dean of the Faculty will settle questions of teaching load, course budget, and compensation, in advance of the course offering.

4. Proposals for the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary course must be approved by the Curriculum Committee and the faculty.

...........................