2007-2008 Academic Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies 142 Cedarville University 2007-08 Interdisciplinary Studies Mission Statement Interdisciplinary programs at the University are designed to encourage the thinking, research, and applications that help students understand the interrelationships among disciplines that are characteristic of a true liberal arts education. Drawing from several academic disciplines, these programs promote learning that broadens and deepens the student’s view of knowledge and the world as a whole. Personal Requirements Students who choose interdisciplinary programs typically possess a unique love for learning. They desire to know about many areas and enjoy discovering the relationships among the various academic disciplines that comprise the body of knowledge. Though most college preparatory curricula provide a good measure of breadth through their coverage of the basic disciplines, students interested in interdisciplinary programs should choose electives that sharpen their thinking skills and expand their intellectual horizons. Advanced high school courses in writing, literature, mathematics, science, economics, world history, or social science are recommended. Although background in foreign language is not required for admission to the programs, foreign language competency is necessary for effective international service. Consequently, two or more units of foreign language in high school are strongly recommended. Programs of Study The University offers the following interdisciplinary programs: Honors Program Individualized Studies International Studies, with the following concentrations: Global Economics and International Business Missiology Social Science Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Air Force Army Co-Curricular Opportunities Tau Delta Kappa provides an opportunity for fellowship, ministry, exchange of ideas, and support of students involved in the honors program. TDK students also tutor school children in the Cedarville area. Career Opportunities Graduate and professional schools welcome Cedarville graduates. Careers pursued by graduates include: Diplomat Government worker International relations Military officer Missionary • • • ◦ ◦ ◦ • ◦ ◦ • • • • • College Studies Course Descriptions COLL-1000 Transitions 0 hours Designed to assist students in understanding and developing skills needed for college success. Includes placement and diagnostic testing, special advising, and tutoring when necessary. (Fee: $450) COLL-1010 MAP 0 hours Desiring to support students who struggle academically, the academic assistance center and the academic deans require students on academic probation to be enrolled in the Academic Probation Program called MAP – a unique avenue in which to cultivate scholarship and discipline from a holistic approach. The program is designed to help students in the context of relationship and accountability, to enable students to learn within the dynamics of their lives, to bring concrete strategies to the learning process and to develop skills that will translate into other realms of living. (Fee: $500) DEV-0900 Intermediate Algebra –Fa,Sp 2 hours Review of algebraic principles, which are then extended to the solution of polynomial equations, systems of linear equations, rational and radical equations, functional notation, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions with emphasis on computational proficiency. This course is designed to prepare the student for GMTH-1020 College Algebra or other mathematics courses of comparable difficulty. The class time consists of two hours of lecture and two one-hour laboratories each week. May not be applied toward the 128 semester hours needed for graduation nor toward the science and mathematics General Education Requirement. The Honors Program The honors program is designed to challenge gifted students to reach their academic potential through a specially designed course of study. The courses designated as “honors courses” are rigorous and demanding, challenging students to aspire to greater heights in their academic progress. Admission to the program for entering freshmen is based upon ACT/SAT scores, extracurricular and work experience, and a sample of expository writing. Prospective students must complete a separate application, which is available through the admissions office. A limited number of students are admitted into the program each fall. Students enrolled in the honors program are required to complete four honors courses in addition to a senior seminar or project. Two of these courses are taken in the freshman year in a sequence entitled “The Making of the Modern Mind,” which traces the development of philosophic, cultural, and artistic traditions against the background of the history of western civilization. These two courses meet general education requirements in humanities, philosophy, and history. In the sophomore and junior years, honors students take two integrative seminars. Typically, each honors seminar provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the topic of study. Enrollment in honors seminars is limited to twenty students. In the senior year, each honors student participates in the honors colloquium during the two semesters of the academic year. This senior seminar stresses the development of a Christian worldview in the midst of the contemporary pluralistic society.