The University of Texas at DallasSchool of Interdisciplinary Studies
The University of Texas at Dallas
The School of Interdisciplinary Studies provides an environment that allows students to understand and integrate the liberal arts and sciences. The school administers interdisciplinary degree programs that afford students the opportunity to design their degree plans on an individualized basis. To assist the student in pursuing a course of study leading to successful completion of an undergraduate and graduate degree, the school provides a unique structure. Included in this unique structure is the school's Internship Program that arranges professional work experience in diverse career settings. The educational environment of Interdisciplinary Studies is especially congenial to students eager to pursue unconventional or innovative combinations of course work.

Diversity of Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies degrees are suitable for students with interests in Business Issues, Communications, Diversity, Environmental Studies, Human Resources, International Relations, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Pre-Health, Pre-Law, and Public Relations.

We can also help customize degree plans to meet other interests. In addition, Interdisciplinary Studies works with The Teacher Development Center to help students incorporate Teacher Certification requirements for EC-4 , 4-8 generalist, 4-8 english, 4-8 science, 4-8 social studies and 8-12 social studies into their degree plans.

Costa Rica Field Trip: Community-Based Development, Culture, and Conservation

Course:  Summer I Session, 2013
Travel Dates:  May 19-May 27, 2013
Undergraduate Course # ISIS 3390
Graduate Course # MAIS 5390
Credit Hours:  3
UTD Academic Leaders:  Dr. Jillian M. Duquaine-Watson and Mr. Donald Stephens

Informational sessions will take place in the Dean’s Conference Room (#2.108) in Hoblitzelle Hall:  

    • Thursday, October 18, 6-7 p.m.
    • Tuesday, November 13, 1-2 p.m.
    • Wednesday, November 14, 7-8 p.m.
    • Monday, November 26, 4-5 p.m.
    • Thursday, November 29, 1-2 p.m.

Join us to get more information about the course and to pick up your application materials!

Course Description:  This course explores development in Costa Rica as a means of fostering a better understanding of Tico culture, including social, political, economic, and environmental aspects.  It does this by focusing specifically on small, community-based development projects—including with both an indigenous community (the Maleku) and with a poor, rural, coastal community (near Caramonal wildlife refuge)—and linking those projects to cultural identity and broader aspects of the country’s development agenda.  Thus, the course will link macro-/national, meso-/regional, and micro-/local levels to promote a comprehensive, multi-faceted understanding of contemporary development strategies in Costa Rica.  During their time in Costa Rica, course participants will complete service projects and fieldwork assignments (such as interviews and directed observation) as a means of gaining a more thorough understanding of central course themes.  Service projects and fieldworks assignments will also help students develop a more nuanced understanding of Tico culture and development initiatives, including both the successes and ongoing challenges associated with such initiatives. 

Student Learning Objectives and Outcomes: 

Undergraduate students who successfully complete this course will gain an increased understanding of:

  1. Costa Rican culture, particularly among indigenous and poor, rural communities.
  2. Biodiversity, conservation, and environmental sustainability as core features of Costa Rician development strategies.
  3. The social and political dynamics of contemporary Costa Rica, specifically as they pertain to poverty, gender, and racial dynamics.
  4. Key aspects of community-based development including both ideologies and practices.
  5. Practical problem-solving skills through engagement in service projects/fieldwork exercises that focus on community development and conservation.

Graduate students who successfully complete this course will gain an increased understanding of:

  1. Contemporty political and social issues in Costa Rica.
  2. Biodiversity, conservation, environmental sustainability as core features of Costa Rican development strategies.
  3. The economic, social, and environmental concerns in contemporary Costa Rica.
  4. The interaction between academic (theoretical) and project-based (practical) approaches to addressing community development.
  5. Key strategies for successful community-based develoment and conservation including the balanced interaction between the use of natural and cultural resources, the improvement of the quality of life among the local communities, and economic gains.

Students: Undergraduate and Graduate students.
Number of students: participation is limited to 12 students maximum (admitted via competitive application process)
Tuition: Pay at UTD
Trip expenses: Pay at UTD
Estimated cost: Trip costs $2,295 including accommodations, most meals, and ground transportation in Costa Rica, and various cultural activities with English-speaking guides. Cost also includes program fee (for program administration, organization, development, and supervision). Cost does not include roundtrip airfare from DFW to Costa Rica which will be arranged through a UTD approved travel agency.
Scholarship: UTD International Educational Fund Scholarship (IEFS) is available for students.

Notes:

1. Students are subject to the satisfaction of the UTD Office of International Education Protocol. Deadline: March 29, 2013 for Summer 2013 courses.
2. Students can apply for the International Educational Fund Scholarship. Deadline: March 28, 2013 for Summer 2013 courses.
3. Students are responsible for personal expenses including some meals, snacks, international airfare, personal expenses such as medical prep (vaccines), laundry, optional activities (boat tours, horseback riding, surf lessons, etc.), souvenirs, any medical expenses incurred on the trip, UTD tuition, passport fees, etc.
4. These are estimated costs, which may be subject to change.
5. Program arrangements are in process and subject to changes.

For more information, please contact
Dr. Jillian M. Duquaine-Watson at jillian.duquaine-watson@utdallas.edu

Please click here for more information on the Costa Rica field trip.

 

Academic Bridge Program

The Academic Bridge Program (ABP) seeks to attract, support, and retain students who graduate from Dallas-area urban high schools with high class rankings without having completed the full university-track curriculum.

UTD believes strongly in the capabilities of these students and fosters the Academic Bridge Program as a supportive introductory environment for those who choose to attend UTD.

Student Profile

"The University of Texas at Dallas has been a wonderful place for me to grow."

A graduate of Skyline High School, Marisol Espinoza is an Interdisciplinary Studies major who came to UT Dallas after earning her associate's degree from Mountain View Community College. Marisol hopes to use her bachelor's degree and Jumpstart volunteer experience to become an elementary school teacher. read more...