MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES PROGRAM

Interdivisional

 

 

The Multidisciplinary Studies Program allows a student to select an area of study or develop an individual approach to an area and then design a program that integrates material from different programs and divisions in order to pursue that study.

In order to concentrate in the Multidisciplinary Studies Program, a student must submit a proposal to the Executive Committee requesting approval for such a concentration. The ideal time for the proposal is in the second semester of the sophomore year, as a substitute for Moderation into an existing program during that semester.

 

Proposals at other times will be considered, although proposals submitted after the first semester of the junior year will be accepted only in extraordinary circumstances. If a multidisciplinary studies proposal is approved by the Executive Committee, the Moderation Board must meet with the student no later than the following semester, and must conduct a Moderation in the same format as Moderations into regular programs.

Students interested in the Multidisciplinary Studies Program should consult with dean of studies David Shein for information on the application process and for guidance in formulating the proposal.

A proposal to concentrate in the Multidisciplinary Studies Program must contain the following:


• The name of the adviser, and the other two (or more) members of the Moderation Board
• An intellectual rationale for the proposed plan of study
• An explanation of why the proposed plan of study cannot be fulfilled in any of the existing programs at Bard
• A list of courses taken up until that point that would be part of the plan of study and a proposed list of courses that would be taken subsequently
• A demonstration of how the student will fulfill the collegewide graduation requirements
• A signed statement from the adviser in support of the proposal

For a proposal to be approved, the following must hold:


• The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• The proposed list of courses must include in-depth study in two or more disciplines
• The proposed adviser and Moderation Board members must have the expertise to supervise the proposed plan of study