Directed Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Requirements

General Information

The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is pursued by means of a plan of study proposed by the student, in an area of special interest that the student defines, drawing courses from several disciplines to develop a theme not possible within existing programs.

1. Prior to submitting a formal application, students are required to consult with the Program Co-ordinator for assistance in working out a suitable pattern of courses.
2. To allow time for adequate appraisal by the Committee, the proposal should be submitted as early as possible before the year of entry to the program (by May 1 for September registration and by November 1 for January registration).
3. Students may apply for admission to the program before completion of their first 5.0 credits and must apply before they begin their last 5.0 credits towards the degree.
4. Normally, 3.0 credits in Part B of the degree program are to be included among the last 5.0 credits taken towards the degree.

Directed Interdisciplinary Studies
B.A. Honours (20.0 credits)

Students applying for the B.A. (Honours) program in Directed Interdisciplinary Studies must complete the prescribed application form, available from the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies office, or online. They are required to list 4.5 credits which meet the requirements listed in Part A below, and 9.5 credits which meet the requirements listed in Part B below, and which include the Honours project (DIST 4908). The credits in Part B must be related to a significant theme or field of interest and fit into a coherent pattern. On acceptance of the proposed pattern of study, the credits described above, or variations subsequently agreed to by the Committee, become a requirement for completion of the degree.

1. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (14.0 credits):

Part A (4.5 credits):

1. 1.0 credit that addresses the temporal dimension of human societies, analyzing times before the current era, and societies other than our own;
2. 1.0 credit that addresses the artifacts of the imagination, in literature and other forms, that addresses the life of the imagination and the culture;
3. 1.0 credit that addresses the understanding of social and/or natural processes, and the ways in which that understanding is obtained in science and Social Sciences;
4. 1.0 credit that addresses matters of human values, ethics and social responsibilities;
5. 0.5 credit in DIST 3901;

Part B (9.5 credits):

6. 9.5 credits as proposed by the student and approved by the committee including:
1. 1.0 credit in DIST 4908 [1.0] Honours Project;
2. At least 4.0 credits in one discipline;
3. At least 3.0 credits at the 4000-level or higher;

2. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (6.0 credits):

7. 6.0 credits in free electives.

Directed Interdisciplinary Studies
B.A. General (15.0 credits)

Students applying for the B.A. General program in Directed Interdisciplinary Studies must complete the prescribed application form, available from the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies office, or online. They are required to list 4.5 credits which meet the requirements listed in Part A below, and 5.5 credits which meet the requirements listed in Part B below. The credits in Part B must be related to a significant theme or field of interest and fit into a coherent pattern. On acceptance of the proposed pattern of study, the credits described above, or variations subsequently agreed to by the Committee, become a requirement for completion of the degree.

1. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (10.0 credits):

Part A (4.5 credits):

1. 1.0 credit that addresses the temporal dimension of human societies, analyzing times before the current era, and societies other than our own;
2. 1.0 credit that addresses the artifacts of the imagination, in literature and other forms, or that addresses the life of the imagination and the culture;
3. 1.0 credit that addresses the understanding of social and/or natural processes, and the ways in which that understanding is obtained in science and Social Sciences;
4. 1.0 credit that addresses matters of human values, ethics and social responsibilities;
5. 0.5 credit in DIST 3901;

Part B (5.5 credits):

6. 5.5 credits as proposed by the student and approved by the committee including: at least 1.0 credit at the 3000-level;

2. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (5.0 credits):

7. 5.0 credits in free electives.