You are at your first job interview. The interviewer asks a simple question:
"What did you major in?"
A few years ago, an unfortunate Hopkins student would have said:
"I double majored in mathematics and international studies with minors in French and business."
Rattling off all those subjects may be a bit intense for a potential employer; hence, the creation of what is known as the "interdisciplinary major." Still, few Hopkins students have opted to participate in this option.
Assistant Dean of Academic Advising John Bader, head of the interdisciplinary program, speculates that students feel that the name "interdisciplinary" may not sound as intellectual as other more established majors.
"Students may be worried that it does not sound as "impressive' as a degree in international studies," says Bader. However, he points out that, technically, a degree in international studies is a combination of language, economics, political science and history. "These could very well be remodeled into an interdisciplinary major," says Bader.
Bader feels too many students come in convinced with what they should major in rather than exploring all options.
"It takes time to breakaway from the "I'm a political science major' attitude of many incoming freshman," he says.
In addition to the students, he feels that the adult community looks down upon the major as well.
"Parents are dubious about it and don't encourage students," says Bader.
"Academics are also a bit skeptical because many feel it's important to be married to one discipline and do not want students "dating.' The merit of this major is hotly debated, but I think students should have an unlimited amount of intellectual freedom," says Bader.
For many years Hopkins prided itself on being a small research university, but there was a slight problem: There were not enough majors. Originally, Hopkins had what is known as an "area" major. These were offered in the humanities and social sciences. The requirements were rigorous, and the program wasn't as well-established. The approval was also difficult, and this eventually resulted in the termination of these area majors.
The system is now much more efficient. The student needs to combine two or three departments (engineering not included) and determine how they relate. For example, someone may combine economics, business and anthropology. The student could justify this combination by saying he has an interest in the social welfare of women and children. He can learn the dynamics of kinship through anthropology and then learn about the financial and social justice aspect through economics and business. Once a student figures out a connection, the student finds one faculty sponsor. Then, the students should adhere to a set of requirements.
The completed proposal is brought to Dean Bader, who then presents the idea to an arts and sciences curriculum committee for approval. A proposal includes questions, such as, "What are your substantive intellectual interests?', "How do they guide your choice?' and "How do they hold your interests together?'
Students can also partake in what is known as a "capstone experience." It isn't mandatory, but it is a good way to see how your major coincides with the outside world.
"For instance, take a student has an interdisciplinary major that focuses on theater, English and writing seminars. This student can write a thesis on the impact of the theater community on Baltimore," says Bader.
With the interdisciplinary major, students are able to see how different subjects relate to one another. According to Bader, it is a unique way to expand intellectual curiosity.
"With the major, you can stretch the meaning of intellectual barriers. I think that's great, it is one of those "aha!' moments when the students is able to see how everything connects," says Bader.
As far as job interviews and resumes are concerned, students are still able to specify this label of "interdisciplinary studies" -- all students have to do is tack on a title. As Bader points out, the major allows students to engage their actual interests and not just be in a major for the wrong reasons.
It also enables students to pursue multiple majors without having to take courses they don't enjoy. With the interdisciplinary major, students must fulfill general University requirements, but with the majors they choose, they can pick an alternative schedule. This involves picking a few classes from each department.
Bader emphasizes the importance of students pursuing their intellectual interests because he believes college is the perfect time to explore such things.
"There is some sense that interdisciplinary studies isn't serious," he says. "But I think that the quality of thinking defines seriousness."
