Curriculum Resources

Integrated Curricular Models

Association for Integrative Studies
The Association for Integrative Studies is an interdisciplinary professional organization founded in 1979 to promote the interchange of ideas among scholars and administrators in all of the arts and sciences on intellectual and organizational issues related to furthering integrative studies. It is incorporated as a non-profit educational association in the State of Ohio. The organization produces a refereed periodical, Issues in Integrative Studies, a Newsletter, and other publications. The web site contains links to other interdisciplinary organizations.

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in the Liberal Arts (CIRLA) Web SiteThe Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in the Liberal Arts (CIRLA), in operation since 1991, collects resources and links of interest to those in liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies. The site includes Dianoia: A Liberal Arts Interdisciplinary Journal and CIRLA-L, an Internet mailing list for interdisciplinary dialogue on all matters related to the liberal arts and sciences.

Comparative History of Ideas Program, University of Washington
The Comparative History of Ideas Program (CHID) at the University of Washington is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree granting program that has created a series of international and intercultural programs that explore human issues from different contexts. The program provides for the interdisciplinary study of intellectual history by bringing together thematically related courses from such fields as literature, history, anthropology, philosophy, the arts, and religious studies. By introducing students to the interrelation of ideas and society Comparative History of Ideas demonstrates the need to consider intellectual problems from many perspectives. The goal of the program is to provide the tools of critical and parallel thinking to each student.

Millikin Program of Student Learning
Created in 1995 and approved in 1996, the New Program of Student Learning at Millikin is designed to help prepare students for responsible and rewarding lives and revolves around the following core values: synthesis of theory and practice, critical thinking, ethics and values, and intercultural studies. Three components make up the basis of the New Program: the Major, the co-curriculum, and University Studies courses. In contrast to the former General Education requirements, the University Studies component of the New Program requires courses in each of a student's years at Millikin. Thus, every year students have courses beyond the major that include students from across the University.

Project Kaleidoscope
Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) is an informal national alliance of individuals, institutions, and organizations committed to strengthening undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. From its beginning in 1989, PKAL has focused on two goals: transforming the learning environment for undergraduate students in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology by building institutional teams committed to action; and fostering public understanding of how a strong undergraduate science community serves the national interest. Through a coordinated series of events and publications, PKAL engages the community in dialogue about what works, focusing on critical issues that must be identified and addressed if reform is to proceed effectively at the local level. PKAL brings together all the disciplines in the natural and behavioral sciences — engineering, mathematics and computer science; presidents, deans and development officers; faculty at all career stages and staff of national scientific and educational organizations; and representatives of all sectors of higher education.

Babson College
In the fall of 1996, Babson launched a new undergraduate curriculum that integrates business and liberal arts and focuses on developing five competencies in all undergraduate students. Throughout their studies at Babson, students build their understanding and skills in rhetoric; numeracy; ethics and social responsibility; international and multicultural perspectives; and leadership, teamwork, and creativity. The five-course-per-semester foundation level establishes baseline competencies that are reinforced across the curriculum throughout the four years.

AAC&U offers these resources only as possible models of interest and has not submitted each of them to any substantial peer or quality review. If you have questions about any particular resource, please contact the institution sponsoring it directly.