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ERIC Number: ED326919
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1990-Nov-3
Pages: 10
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Evolution of an Interdisciplinary Major: A Case Study.
Buell, Cindy; Crisp, Delmas S.
This case study examined the shift of the communication major at Wesleyan College (Georgia) from a traditional emphasis to an interdisciplinary focus. Fuzziness of the image of communication as an academic discipline and faculty and administrative concerns about the degree of connectedness of the curriculum in relation to the liberal arts led to the creation of an interdisciplinary major firmly grounded in the liberal arts. In an effort to construct a unique, interdisciplinary communication major in keeping with the mission of this small liberal arts college, the administration appointed a committee of faculty from almost every academic discipline to enumerate realistic objectives and to implement the necessary changes. The committee became involved in extensive meetings, research, formal and informal discussions, and sessions with a consultant. The result was a new communication major that contains seven communication courses and eight liberal arts courses, whereas before eleven speech/communication courses and only one liberal arts course were required. It is felt that this significantly changed blend of communication with the liberal arts will better prepare students for the job market or for graduate school. (Several catalog course listings are included to illustrate curriculum changes.) (KEH)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A