Goal
LMU will establish a distinctive academic specialization in interdisciplinary and integrative thinking approaches that prepares students to use multi-dimensional analysis, critical reasoning, and creative problem solving.
Objective 1
Develop or modify distinctive curricular and co-curricular programs that foreground interdisciplinary and integrative thinking as the hallmark of an LMU education.
| Action Item | Last Updated | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Strengthen the educational impact of the interdisciplinary dimensions of the core curriculum, including consideration of an Interdisciplinary Academy/Academy of the Core. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Leverage the flexibility of the University Honors Program curriculum as a laboratory for innovation in interdisciplinary teaching and learning. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| In consultation with faculty, develop a university-wide framework to assess and assure interdisciplinary and integrative thinking in learning outcomes, curricula, and pedagogy. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Expand usage of pedagogies, curricular content and co-curricular experiences that promote interdisciplinary and integrative thinking, including imagination, creativity, and ethical discernment. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Expand usage of pedagogies, curricular content and co-curricular experiences that leverage interdisciplinary and integrative forms of experiential and engaged learning, project-based learning, and reflective learning, especially those that engage with challenging problems that require a multi-disciplinary focus. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
Objective 2
Design or modify institutional structures to support interdisciplinary cooperation, and build selected, mission-resonant areas of interdisciplinary excellence oriented toward solving the world’s most challenging problems.
| Action Item | Last Updated | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Explore and recommend a timeline to create and launch selected new interdisciplinary degree programs. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Explore and propose potential academic concentrations and credentials that recognize thematic or skill-based multi-disciplinary experiences at a smaller scale than a traditional major or minor. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Devise a plan to expand and support opportunities for collaborative teaching. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Create or enhance spaces, modes, and partnerships to promote interdisciplinary research ideation and intellectual community. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Align capital fundraising priorities to support the need for a "creativity-ready" campus, including additional spaces to support programs in fine arts, engineering, and digital and immersive learning. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
| Pursue fundraising opportunities to support endowed faculty positions with interdisciplinary expertise in select fields. | Summer 2024 | In progress |
More Information
For more information about the Integrative and Interdisciplinary Thinking Initiative, please contact John Parrish, Vice President of Institutional Strategy, at John.Parrish@lmu.edu, or Jonathan Rothchild, Associate Provost of Undergraduate Education, at Jonathan.Rothchild@lmu.edu.