2008-2009 Academic Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies 114 Cedarville University 2008–09 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 • 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. Through the honors program, Cedarville University encourages superior scholarship, allows a thorough integration of the various disciplines, and provides the student an opportunity to better understand how all knowledge relates to its source in God. The honors program offers an adventure in the world of ideas, coupled with practical incentives for transcribing faith and learning into the larger culture for the glory of God and the benefit of men and women in His image. Course requirements for the honors program involve 16 semester hours including: I. Freshman Colloquia: 1 The Making of the Modern Mind...........................................................................10 HON-1010 The Classical and Medieval Ages............................ 5 HON-1020 Renaissance, Reformation, and Revolutions.......... 5 II. Honors Integrative Seminars. .................................................4 Two seminars, typically 2 hours each, taken in the sophomore and junior years. III. Honors Research Project/Thesis...........................................2 Participation in a one-hour interdisciplinary colloquium each semester (HON-4910, HON-4920) or an interdisciplinary research project (HON-4950). 1 If taken together, these two courses replace the following general education requirements: HUM-1400 Introduction to the Humanities.....................................3 Humanities Elective........................................................................3 (or 2000-level philosophy course if required for the major) History Elective..............................................................................3 If either of these two courses are taken individually, the course may be designated as 5 semester hours of credit toward either the humanities or history general education requirements.