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General Bulletin 2006-2008 |  |
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The School of Interdisciplinary Studies (Western College Program)
Important NoteThe Western College Program is under review. The program requirements stated here are accurate for students entering fall semester 2006; however at the time of this printing the proposal is to cease enrollments in the current program after fall 2006. Students with questions should consult with a divisional academic adviser. General InformationThe School of Interdisciplinary Studies (Western College Program) offers a residential learning program that emphasizes student-faculty interaction and a personalized program of study directed toward specific career or professional goals. Western students participate in team-taught discussion-based classes and in research and study opportunities in the humanities, social science, natural science, and environmental science. Western students also participate in a wide-range of student activities and cocurricular events. Students may become peer tutors or researchers in writing, computing, or natural science. Located in a historic district of Miami University’s campus, the program provides the educational benefits of a small college within a major university. Students take courses in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and in departments throughout Miami University. In this way, general education and pre-professional or career goals are met. Transfer PolicyChange of major, relocation and transfer students are welcome and major requirements can be adjusted to accommodate completion of the program. Students are advised to transfer during their first year or before the beginning of their second year. Interdisciplinary Studies CurriculumInterdisciplinary studies courses focus on issues and concepts by bringing together information and analysis from more than one field in order to place knowledge into perspective. Each area of humanities, social science, and natural science is treated in integrative courses. Advanced ProgramSophomores, juniors, and seniors complete advanced seminars, a senior project, and 32 semester hours of upper level coursework selected with the assistance of an academic adviser. Each student develops a Statement of Educational Objectives (curriculum plan) during the sophomore year. This statement guides the selection of specific courses and allows both flexibility and clear direction. Successful programs have been developed in many fields, including pre-law, pre-medicine, social service, historic preservation, art therapy, international business, cultural studies, and fine arts. Environmental science and studies majors create Statements of Educational Objectives that include some prescribed courses. Areas of emphasis might include acquatic environments, atmospheric processes, terrestrial environments, ecological perspectives, scientific principles and methods of analysis, assessment and control, environmental writing, environmental education, environmental policy, or environmental law. Upon completion of the first two years of interdisciplinary studies courses and the advanced program, students are awarded a Bachelor of Philosophy with a major in interdisciplinary studies, environmental science, or environmental studies. Students may major in only one of these areas. Residential Learning ProgramRelatively small, discussion-oriented classes that accompany weekly lectures are held in residence halls and classrooms. In addition, the Western program intentionally relates informal learning activities to formal class work. Learning outside the classroom is encouraged by co-curricular activities in the residence halls, through peer tutor centers, and through active participation on committees dealing with curriculum, government, and community life. MinorThe School also offers an interdisciplinary studies minor, a shorter program that may be taken with any major. Requirements include completion of 18 semester hours of WCP 200- and 300-level courses, with at least one course from each of these areas: creativity and culture, social systems, and natural systems. Study AbroadEach year opportunities for students to study abroad expand. You are encouraged to consider adding such an experience to your advanced program. Many Western College Program students have successfully completed study abroad programs, typically in their junior year or in the summer. You may participate in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) and choose from many institutions in more than 30 countries, or exchange with the established Miami program in Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Japan, Korea, or Mexico. Miami also has affiliations with universities in 69 countries that can provide study abroad opportunities as well. Contact the Study Abroad Office in the Office of International Education (216 MacMillan Hall, 513-529-5985) for assistance in selecting the program that best suits your academic objectives. NonmajorsArchitecture and interior design students take three required Western College Program courses each semester of their first year. When space is available, other Miami students may enroll in courses. Many interdisciplinary studies courses apply toward the Miami Plan requirement; these courses include WCP 111, 221, and 211 or 231. Priority for registration in these courses is given to Western College Program students and to students who are taking several courses simultaneously (for example, those taking WCP 111, 121, and 131 together). Major RequirementsInterdisciplinary Studies: Bachelor of PhilosophyFreshman and Sophomore Curriculum: 43 semester hours of designated interdisciplinary course work, 32 meet the Miami Plan for Liberal Education requirement. Residency: Two years of residency in a hall designated for the Western College Program (typically in the first and second years of study). Advanced Program: Nine semester hours of advanced seminar and 10 semester hours of senior project workshop. Completion of an approved Statement of Educational Objectives submitted sophomore year. This statement lists 32 semester hours of course work focused on an interdisciplinary topic or theme. Program OutlineFreshman Year (30-36 semester hours) Sophomore Year (30-36 semester hours) Junior Year (30-36 semester hours) Additional Course Work (21-27 semester hours) taken in other divisions of the university, or perhaps study abroad, to meet the Statement of Educational Objectives program. Senior Year (30-32 semester hours) Additional Course Work (20-22 semester hours) taken in other divisions of the university to meet the Statement of Educational Objectives program. Environmental Science: Bachelor of PhilosophyFreshman and Sophomore Curriculum: 22 semester hours of designated interdisciplinary course work, 15 meet the Miami Plan for Liberal Education requirements. Foundation course work in science and math. Residency: Two years of residency in a hall designed for the Western College Program (typically the first and second years of study). Advanced Program: Six semester hours of advanced seminar and 10 semester hours of senior project workshop. Completion of an approved Statement of Educational Objectives submitted sophomore year. The statement lists 26 semester hours of natural science perspectives and six semester hours selected from social science, business, and the humanities. Program RequirementsAll of these: Program OutlineFreshman Year (30-36 semester hours) Additional Course Work (15-21 semester hours) must be taken in other divisions of the university to meet requirements and/or academic program described in the individualized Statement of Educational Objectives. Students are strongly encouraged to begin College Chemistry or the Biological Concepts series. Sophomore Year (30-36 semester hours) Additional Course Work (23-29 semester hours) must be taken in other divisions of the university to meet requirements and/or academic program described in the individualized Statement of Educational Objectives. Junior Year (30-36 semester hours) Additional Course Work (24-30 semester hours) must be taken in other divisions of the university to meet requirements and/or academic program described in the individualized Statement of Educational Objectives. Note: one advanced seminar may be taken during the second semester of the sophomore year. Senior Year (30-34 semester hours) Additional Course Work (20-24 semester hours) must be taken in other divisions of the university to meet requirements and/or academic program described in the individualized Satement of Educational Objectives. Environmental Studies: Bachelor of PhilosophyFreshman and Sophomore Curriculum: 22 semester hours of designated interdisciplinary course work, 15 meet the Miami Plan for Liberal Education requirements. Foundation course work in science and math. Residency: Two years of residency in a hall designed for the Western College Program (typically the first and second years of study). Advanced Program: Six semester hours of advanced seminar and 10 semester hours of senior project workshop. Completion of an approved Statement of Educational Objective submitted sophomore year. The statement lists a minimum of 12 semester hours from selected social science courses, nine semester hours from selected humanities courses, and nine semester hours from selected courses related to public policy and professional proficiency. Program RequirementsAll of these: Program OutlineFreshman Year (30-36 semester hours) Additional Course Work (15-21 semester hours) must be taken in other divisions of the university to meet the requirements and/or academic program described in the individualized Statement of Educational Objectives. Students are strongly encouraged to begin the Biological Concepts series. Sophomore Year (30-36 semester hours) Additional Course Work (23-29 semester hours) must be taken in other divisons of the university to meet requirements and/or academic program described in individualized Statement of Educational Objectives. Junior Year (30-36 semester hours) Additional Course Work (24-30 semester hours) must be taken in other divisions of the university to meet the requirements and/or academic program described in the student's individualized Statement of Educational Objectives. Note: one advanced seminar may be taken during the second semester of the sophomore year. Senior Year (30-34 semester hours) Additional Course Work (20-24 semester hours) must be taken in other divsions of the university to meet the requirements and/or academic program described on the individualized Statement of Educational Objectives. General Bulletin Home | Search | Top | Miami University Main Page |
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