Modern universities have become highly specialized in their approach to education. There are many historical, academic and professional reasons why this is so, and specialization does have many benefits for students and society. But modern universities still seek to offer students a way to achieve balance and perspective in their studies.
The University of Waterloo provides a challenging way to achieve such balance and perspective by means of its Interdisciplinary Programs. These innovative Programs enhance, complement and support the traditional disciplines while offering the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to important issues.
The impact of technology on society is one such issue. Thus the Option in Society, Technology and Values (STV) brings together instructors and materials from several disciplines. Similarly Women's Studies makes use of many fields of study, from Anthropology and Economics to Health Studies and Sociology.
Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Legal Studies, Studies in Sexuality, Marriage and the Family - and the rest of the Programs - all follow a similar path, using the knowledge base, faculty members, problem-solving approaches and other resources from numerous disciplines.
Many combinations of Options, Minors, etc. with a student's major field of study are possible and actively encouraged by Program Directors. For example, a student in Honours French may choose a Canadian Studies Option.
By offering a range of Options, Minors and elective courses, UWUs Interdisciplinary Programs present an opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond their major field of study. Students in all faculties are invited to register, for example, in an Option or Minor, or to take occasional Interdisciplinary courses for personal interest.
Generally, the Interdisciplinary Programs described in this section of the calendar offer a General or Honours Option which may be taken in conjunction with regular degree programs in any faculty of the University. Several Programs offer a Minor, a Diploma or a Certificate as well. Canadian Studies and Women's Studies also offer a three-year Major program. (See each entry for specific details.) Courses are usually categorized as "Core," "Approved" or "Required."
The Programs which have Options typically require six to ten Core, Approved or related courses, all maintained at a stipulated average. To proceed through the Option, students are generally required to:
In addition to the description presented in this section, many Interdisciplinary Programs provide more details in their own brochure or other publication. For a copy of a Program brochure, or to arrange an interview, contact the respective Director.
Canadian Studies W.R. Needham St. Paul's College 885-1460 Environmental Economics E. Carvalho HH 217 UW 3017 (See "Arts - Economics" for program description) International Studies G. Hayes HH 109 UW 5138 Latin American Studies M. Gutiérrez ML 209 UW 3658 Legal Studies C. Brunk Conrad Grebel College 885-0220 Liberal Science H. Morrison ESC 252G UW 2063 (See "Faculty of Science" for program description.) Management Studies S.W. Kardasz HH 240 UW 2584 Middle East Studies L. Curchin ML 238 UW 6883 Peace and Conflict Studies R. Mathies Conrad Grebel College 885-0220 Personnel Studies S.W. Kardasz HH 240 UW 2584 Print Journalism A. Ages ML 335 UW 2181 Russian and East European Studies R. Karpiak ML 222 UW 3118 Society, Technology and N. Ball DC 2724 UW 4816 Values K. Sharpe DC 2722 UW 6215 Speech Communication J. Tomasson Goodwin ML 122 UW 5056 (See "Arts - Drama and Speech Communication" for program description.) Studies in the French Language C. Abbott St. Jerome's College 884-8110 Studies in Personality and Religion J. Gollnick St. Paul's College 885-1460 Studies in Sexuality, Marriage and the Family J.K. Rempel St. Jerome's College 884-8110 Women's Studies H. Lyons PAS 3010 UW 2880
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