Simeon Dreyfuss, chair of the interdisciplinary studies department, presented at the 34th annual conference of the Association for Integrative Studies in Rochester, Mich.

Dreyfuss' paper, titled Interdisciplinary Thinking: Theory and Enactment, was co-written with Dr. Jennifer Sasser, chair of the human sciences department and director of the gerontology program.

The AIS conference program provided the following description:

A recent essay in Issues in Integrated Studies describes interdisciplinary thinking as "holding in relationship different ways of knowing." This workshop explores the ideas articulated there and offers two examples of how they can be enacted, one a capstone course in an undergraduate general education program, and the other a combined undergraduate and graduate seminar in gerontology. Both models emphasize collaborative inquiry and aspire to help students (and faculty) to think together across disciplinary boundaries.

In addition, Dreyfuss will participate in a panel discussion titled Teaching Interdisciplinary Studies Online with representatives from four other colleges and universities. Marylhurst University is considering offering the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies online.

About

The 34th annual Association for Integrative Studies conference was held in October 2012. Public Policy and the Promise of Interdisciplinary Dialogue was the conference theme. Each year since 1979, the Association for Integrative Studies attracts scholars and administrators with a keen interest in developing and promoting research, pedagogy and programs in integrative and interdisciplinary studies. In recent years, 150+ participants from more than 35 states and 10 countries, representing colleges, universities, community colleges, professional associations and graduate schools have gathered annually to present the products of their research and practice, to network with others about recent developments in integrative studies, and to draw upon the resources of the AIS.