A self-guided instructional journey for educators in multi- and interdisciplinary learning.
This book is designed as a source of inspiration, replication, and adaptation. Each chapter, in varying modalities, addresses interdisciplinary course development and implementation in institutions of higher education. The essays focus on common issues like navigating administrative systems and solving the challenges encountered when crossing departments or colleges, whether regarding course listings or the intricacies of course loads on each professor. Chapters also provide detailed information on the nuts and bolts of the specific course or courses taught, including syllabi, lesson examples, and both formal and informal assessments implemented.
Contributors candidly offer discussions of the failures and successes of their interdisciplinary collaborations, including course design, lesson planning, or complications brought in by unforeseen pandemics. Most chapters end with a summary of lessons learned, where experiences from the field provide opportunities for growth and continued exploration. An excellent resource for educators, this volume offers readers guidance and encouragement to implement the approaches described and inspiration to forge their own paths in the world of multi- and interdisciplinary teaching and research.
Author Biography:
Heather Trommer-Beardslee, MFA, MA, is the Coordinator of the Central Michigan University Dance Program, Artistic Director of the University Theatre Dance Company, and author of a textbook, Dance Production and Management (Princeton Book Company, 2013) and journal articles. Heather’s dance works have been performed nationally and internationally and her choreography was featured in Eric Limarenko’s films, Waiting in the Rain and Slipping By.
Wiline Pangle, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the Biology department at Central Michigan University. She teaches a variety of classes, which include entering freshman introductory Biology courses, upper-level courses in Evolution and Behavior, and graduate level writing courses. Her research is centered on the behavior of mammals, specifically the decision-making processes involved in antipredator behaviors.
Keeley Stanley-Bohn, M.F.A., is a Professor of Theatre at Central Michigan University, where she directs and teaches acting, directing, stage combat, dialects, and Theatre and the Holocaust. Keeley has worked as a professional actor and director at theatres across the USA, with increasing forays into Eastern Europe.
Ann Dasen, MFA, is a Costume Designer and Make-up Artist. She is the resident Costume Designer of the mainstage theatre and dance season at Central Michigan University, as well as the faculty of costume and make-up related courses. Ann’s areas of interest and continued practice focus on SFX Make-up and integrating non-traditional technology, such as sound and light, into costume designs. Ann’s use of electroluminescent lighting in dance costuming was featured in Eric Limarenko’s film, Waiting in the Rain.
Jay Batzner is a composer and zazen practitioner currently on the faculty of Central Michigan University where he teaches composition and music technology courses. He holds degrees in composition and/or theory from the University of Kansas, University of Louisville, and University of Missouri – Kansas City. Scores and recordings available at his website: jaybatzner.com
