The purpose of this study was to develop a model to help engineering faculty overcome the challenges they face when asked to design and implement interdisciplinary curricula. Researchers at a U.S. University worked with an Interdisciplinary Consultant Team and prepared a steering document with Guiding Principles and Essential Elements for the…

Given that few studies have formally examined pedagogical design considerations of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), this study explored variations in the pedagogical design of six MOOCs offered at the University of Toronto, while considering disciplinary characteristics and expectations of each MOOC. Using a framework (Neumann et al., 2002)…

This case deals with the redesign of a standard telecourse--printed material, professional studio video recordings and phone tutoring--into an online course. The redesign involved an adjunct professor in the Humanities having some experience in distance education but little with learning technologies. It was a two-year project including the grant…

The teaching of literature is inextricably connected with face-to-face initiation into the enjoyment of and critical thinking about literary texts. In this respect, the increasingly growing sector of Open and Distance Learning in higher education poses a significant challenge for literary studies, no less so as it addresses an emergent student…

Online education continues to permeate mainstream teaching techniques in higher education settings. Teaching upper-level classes in an online setting is having a major impact on education as a whole and is fundamentally altering global learning. "Cases on Critical and Qualitative Perspectives in Online Higher Education" offers a…

Asserts the view of history as a humanity. Argues that an effective way to organize instruction is to use a variety of books such as biographies, monographs, personal narratives, and novels. Contends that improving historical literacy will help improve overall literacy among college students. (CFR)

An interdisciplinary English-Social Studies-art-music seminar taught by several staff members is proposed in an article in the Maine English Bulletin. Required courses such as English and Social Studies represent the core of the program which is enriched by the introduction of art and music. The curriculum is constructed around broad questions…

As an alternative to the chronological survey of English literature, an approach emphasizing aspects of the "cultural revolution" that began about 1500 is recommended. (JH)

Two papers are presented--a summary and a lengthier description of an interdisciplinary college-level liberal arts course. Both papers are intended for use by humanities and social science teachers as they develop and implement interdisciplinary and competency-based curricula. Five areas of academic competency serve as course objectives. These are…

Arguing that great ideas from the past possess intrinsic value and provide students with the knowledge and attitudes essential in developing the liberated mind, this paper identifies the world's significant thinkers from Plato (427-347 B.C.) to Bertrand Russell (1873-1971). Structural ideas from each philosopher are discussed in an effort to…

Describes an interdisciplinary science and humanities curriculum for sophomores developed by the faculty at Boston University's College of Basic Studies. Three core courses (science, social studies, and humanities) are integrated into a year-long course which is team taught. The format includes both lecture and modular teaching approaches. (DS)

Describes the use of fictional literature in a college-level developmental psychology class. Focuses specifically on Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and its relation to several child development topics. Contends that literature should be used more often as part of instruction, especially in the sciences. (CFR)

Interdisciplinary studies are examined in this paper with respect to common teaching modes, advantages and disadvantages, courses integrating humanities instruction into occupational programs, and specific programs operating at six urban multi-campus community college districts. After an introduction to the rationale behind interdisciplinary…

The relationships among teaching techniques, definitions of curriculum, and time perceptions of male faculty members at a comprehensive state-supported university in the South were examined. The respondents were categorized into the three main academic areas of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Curriculum definitions ranged from…