The Interdisciplinary Arts (IA) option is designed for students who want to create art and to learn about the world through the creative arts. It links written, visual, media, and performance arts, and explores meaning and potential arts making across diverse social and cultural settings.
Coursework includes studios, workshops, seminars, and community-based projects. The flexible curriculum enables students to hone their skills as arts practitioners while drawing connections to cultural and media studies, environmental and disability issues, health and policy arenas, and community and educational development.
Interdisciplinary Arts graduates become independent artists, build careers in arts and cultural industries as curators and administrators, and develop arts-based projects in a range of employment sectors, including health, media, and education. They are also prepared for graduate education in the arts and humanities, cultural studies, and Master of Fine Arts fields.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for Interdisciplinary Arts. Useful preparation for this option includes formal and informal training in visual, written, digital, and/or performing arts. Students will need strong skills in collaborative and creative problem-solving.
Transition from Option to Major
Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is transitioning its Interdisciplinary Arts option within the Interdisciplinary Studies major to a major in Interdisciplinary Arts. Students who are admitted for Autumn Quarter, 2010, and subsequent quarters must declare the major. Students who declare the IA option prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010, may choose to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an option in Interdisciplinary Arts or may declare the major and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts. The requirements for the option and the major are the same.
IA Option Requirements
- BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*
(5 credits)
- BISIA 319 Interdisciplinary Arts
(5 credits)
- Art Studios and Art Workshops
(15 credits)
- IA Option Courses (20 credits)
- Senior Seminar (5 credits)
- Additional IAS Coursework
(20 credits)
- General Electives (20 credits)
TOTAL= 90 Credits
IA Major Requirements
- BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*
(5 credits)
- BISIA 319 Interdisciplinary Arts
(5 credits)
- Art Studios and Art Workshops
(15 credits)
- IA Option Courses (20 credits)
- Senior Seminar (5 credits)
- Additional IAS Coursework
(20 credits)
- General Electives (20 credits)
TOTAL= 90 Credits
- *Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
- Classes in this optionand major are offered primarily during day time hours.
- The 70 major credits must be completed in MATRICULATED STATUS.
Areas of Knowledge
Within the above-listed 90 credits, a minimum of ten (10) credits must overlap with Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). They must be taken in IAS courses at the 200, 300, or 400 levels. Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.
200-level Coursework
Up to 35 credits of 200-level coursework taken at UWB may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.
Interdisciplinary Arts Core & Affiliate Faculty and Staff
Jeanne Heuving (faculty coordinator), Constantin Behler, Jackie Belanger, Bruce Burgett, Leslie Bussert, JoLynn Edwards, Denise Hattwig Ted Hiebert, Kanta Kochar-Lindgren, Kari Lerum, Joe Milutis, Eric Stewart