ICoRD | Program Enhancement Tracks | Interdisciplinary Majors
   Engaged Scholars | Peer Tutoring

Some programs of study are designed to approach particularly large areas of investigation. These require expertise within multiple fields of disciplinary study, as opposed to the more traditional approach of single disciplines engaging problems yielding to a narrower mode of exploration. Of these Interdisciplinary Programs (listed below), some are majors that cross the boundaries of two traditional disciplines, while others are much broader, interweaving courses from multiple Schools and Colleges within the University as a whole.

The Institute for Computing Related Disciplines (ICoRD)

Stephen Campbell, Director

Glenn Acree, Joyce Crowell, Pete Giordano, Robert Grammer, William Hooper, Dan Johnson, Lori McGrew, Karen Wieckert, Lonnie Yandell

Purpose:

ICoRD provides a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to meeting the growing need for a coherent core of computer education combined with the core work of other disciplines. The faculty fellows of ICoRD are drawn from the fields of art, biology, business, computer science, mathematics, and psychology and work collaboratively to provide these interdisciplinary programs.

Goals:

1. to prepare students to enter computing and/or technology related occupations.
2. to prepare students for graduate study and/or professional studies.
3. to guide students to think independently and creatively.
4. to guide students to understand applications, formulate and translate problems, and write meaningful algorithms.
5. to enable students to solve problems by identifying connections, recognizing patterns, using multiple strategies, and employing appropriate tools.
6. to enable students to communicate ideas related to their disciplines orally, visually, and in writing.
7. to encourage students to become contributing members of an engaged, responsible community of scholars.

ICoRD Programs of Study

Students whose interests are too broad to fit other more traditional degree programs may select from three interdisciplinary B.S. degree programs.

• B.S. in Web Programming and Development
• B.S. in Neuroscience
• B.S. in Applied Discrete Mathematics

Back to Top

Program Enhancement Tracks

Students in any of the traditional degree programs who wish to enhance their computer expertise and improve their résumés may select one of the three Program Enhancement Tracks offered by ICoRD (12 hours – available to any degree seeking student) in Database Administration, Web Development, and Systems Programming

Database Administration - Students who complete the following 12 hours earn a ICoRD program enhancement track acknowledgement in the creation, maintenance and application of data base services.

Systems Programming - Students who complete the following 12 hours earn a ICoRD program enhancement track acknowledgement in the development and maintenance of system programs.

Web Development - Students who complete the following 12 hours earn a ICoRD program enhancement track acknowledgement in web page design and development.

Interdisciplinary Majors

In addition to the interdisciplinary majors in ICoRD, shared / interdisciplinary majors include:

Environmental Studies
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Political Economy
International Economy
International Business
Classics
European Studies

Back to Top

The Engaged Scholars Program recognizes and promotes undergraduate students' participation in forms of active learning that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

An Engaged Scholar must successfully complete five educational activities outside the classroom and must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75. The activities must be approved by the Engaged Scholars Program Director and Committee. A student must apply for the program at least four semesters prior to graduation. The program entails three stages: application to the program; participation in approved categories of engagement; and reflection upon the experiences through the formulation of an individual reflective portfolio.

Categories of engagement include:

* Independent Research
* Creative Projects
* Service Learning
* Internships
* Study Abroad
* Off-Campus Experiences
* Peer Tutoring
* Co-Curricular Activities
* Student Leadership

For full information on the Engaged Scholars Program, contact Dr. David Julseth, Director and/or visit www.belmont.edu/engaged/.

SCH 1000-4000. Engaged Scholars Seminar (0). The seminar will meet during the semester with the Engaged Scholars Program Director who oversees students’ progress. This seminar is recommended for all semesters in the program but must be taken at least 4 semesters- 2 of these must be in the senior year. Graduates in 2004 and 2005 are exempt from the 4 semester requirement but must take the seminar at least 2 times. Seminar will include program orientation, group presentations, and reflection.

Peer Tutoring

The Peer Tutoring Program, begun at Belmont in 1995, provides students with the opportunity to serve as a link between the professor and students in a class. The role of the tutor is determined between the tutor and professor. The Teaching Center serves as a resource for peer tutors by offering opportunities to exchange ideas and share experiences.

PTS 2920-4920. Peer Tutoring (1-3). By invitation of a professor, a student may serve as a peer tutor for a course. Each peer tutor works with the professor to define the specific role in the class, which may include helping conduct classes, leading study or discussion sessions, and helping students master the course material. The Peer Tutor also participates in a seminar conducted by the Teaching Center. The Peer Tutor does not grade or keep other records for the class.