Thursday, November 10

Structure and support vs. freedom and creativity: interdisciplinary learning on a Students as Change Agents course at Edinburgh University (UK)

Theme: Being in the Room Where It Happens: Inter/Diversities, Equity, and Inclusion

Presented by: Seongsook Choi, Madison Kurchik, Andy Cross & Roberta Spelorzi

Format: Paper, 15 minutes

Abstract: Drawing on an investigation into participant experience of a new challenge-based interdisciplinary course designed to equip students with the skills to navigate complex futures, this paper explores the communicative strategies and collaborative processes that emerge and suggests how these can be nurtured, supported and developed.

Being in the Room When it Happens: Ways to Get There. Best Practices from Hutchins Degree Completion Program for Adults.

Theme: Being in the Room Where It Happens: Inter/Diversities, Equity, and Inclusion

Presented by: Nancy Uber-Kellogg & Christina Nichol

Format: Panel, 30 minutes

Abstract: We present practices that, students report, foster a sense of being in the room. First, each group of students works together for the entire program. Second, ten-unit courses where students explore a broad subject through many disciplines. Third, a seminar-based pedagogy where students are both learners and teachers.

When and Where I Enter: Assessing Student Learning in the Examination of Power-Structures

Theme: The Tipping Point: How Do We Really Change the World and How Will We Know?

Presented by: Rebecca Heimel, Gitte Wernaa & Sherry Harley

Format: Paper, 15 minutes

Abstract: In our newly-designed BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at Cambridge College we introduced the degree outcome “Practice ethical reasoning in examining socio-cultural power structures.” We share the rubric designed to assess this, using an interdisciplinary approach to shift from the subjective to a more encompassing epistemic position. We anticipate audience reflection.

Another Research is Possible: Realizing Community Engaged Critical Research (CECR) Through Interdisciplinary Studies

Theme: Being in the Room Where It Happens: Inter/Diversities, Equity, and Inclusion

Presented by: Gretchen Gano

Format: Paper, 15 minutes

Abstract: This paper session reports on the outcomes of a spring 2022 agenda setting workshop at Prescott College focused on identifying areas of opportunity for developing interdisciplinary Community Based Critical Research (CECR) across four thematic areas -- theoretical foundations; capacity building; pedagogy & training; and reflexivity, assessment & ethics.

An Action-Based Team Approach to Overcoming Obstacles to Interdisciplinarity

Theme: The Future of Universities and the Role of Inter- and Transdisciplinary Knowledge-Making

Presented by: Beverley McGuire, Kemille Moore & Paul Townend

Format: Solution Room, 30 minutes

Abstract: We will present our university’s plan for promoting interdisciplinarity and integrative learning at an institutional level through a grassroots collaborative approach. Participants will discuss ways they have promoted interdisciplinarity at their institutions, and we will then share strategies about institutional mechanisms and opportunities for encouraging interdisciplinarity

An avenue to diversity and inclusion is interdisciplinary programming: A suggestion for the structuralist approach to disciplinary integration.

Theme: Being in the Room Where It Happens: Inter/Diversities, Equity, and Inclusion

Presented by: Lisa Turner de Vera

Format:  Round Table, 30 minutes

Abstract: We have a strong link between interdisciplinarity and decolonizing knowledge systems. It is important now to develop a framework for integrating disciplinary cultures and epistemologies based on the political and social climate of influential philosophers. I’d like to discuss how undergraduate interdisciplinary programming needs a structuralist approach to integrative scholarship.

The Hutchins School of Liberal Studies: 52 Years of Innovative Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Education

Theme: The Future of Universities and the Role of Inter- and Transdisciplinary Knowledge-Making

Presented by: Debora Hammond, Les Adler, Richard Zimmer, Francisco Vazquez & Mutombo M'Panya

Format: Panel, 60 minutes

Abstract: The Hutchins School at Sonoma State was part of the nationwide drive for educational reform movement that emerged during the countercultural movement of the 1960s and 70s. Emeritus faculty members Les Adler, Richard Zimmer, Francisco Vazquez, Mutombo M’Panya and Debora Hammond will share their perspectives on the program's accomplishments and challenges, and engage the audience in a discussion about the obstacles confronting similar initiatives in the 21st century.

Real challenges, real motivation, real learning

Theme: Steering the Ship through the Storm:  University and Interdisciplinary Leadership in Times of Crisis

Presented by: Isabelle Vandevyvere

Format: Workshop, 30 minutes

Abstract: Undergraduates learn by doing, having a social impact on the real world, building on their competences and self esteem within project based education. The 3ID LAB learning experience enables students to think and perform adaptively in an over changing world. Lifelong learning is an attitude we will install within 3ID LABS.