FAQ's
- What is meant by “Interdisciplinary?”
- What sorts of people are currently enrolled in the MAIH program?
- May I enroll on a part-time basis?
- Must I finish the program within a set number of years?
- Is it possible to complete the program in one year of study?
- Is it possible to take courses in the summer?
- Can I take this program without coming on campus (by distant learning courses?)
- Does the MAIH prepare a student for Ph.D. studies in English, history or philosophy?
- Is the program and degree fully approved?
- Is the program recognized for teacher salary upgrades?
- What are the advantages of an interdisciplinary program?
- If I don't have a major in one of the disciplines how can I prepare for entry?
- Is my international bachelor's degree recognized for entry into this program?
What is meant by “Interdisciplinary?”
We are committed to a model of interdisciplinarity that encourages dialogue across traditional academic boundaries. We accept the interconnectivity of knowledge without rejecting the academic divisions that aid in our understanding. The program offers grounding within a discipline and provides students with significant exposure to the concepts and principles from other disciplines. The MAIH offers core seminars in each discipline in order to equip students with methods and insights from each discipline, and students are encouraged to develop their studies in ways that allow cross-over among disciplines. While our current core humanities are English, history, and philosophy, the intent of those who teach in the program is to expand its formal and informal connection to other disciplines, e.g., to religious studies and political studies.
Rationale for this approach:
- All faculty members have expertise in traditional disciplines and keen interest in learning from other disciplines; some also have published in interdisciplinary fields of study. Although the "renaissance" scholar who can teach across the disciplines is a high ideal, this program allows professors to teach from the standpoint of their own disciplines and to draw out implications for other fields of study. The disciplinary homes of courses will be used as their designation (HIST/ENGL/PHIL).
- One of our intentions is to prepare students for continuing on to Ph.D. programs within their discipline, without limiting those students who wish to go on to Ph.D. programs in Interdisciplinary Studies.
What sorts of people are currently enrolled in the MAIH program?
We have been privileged to welcome a very diverse group of men and women to our program. Their ages range from the early 20's to midlife and beyond. Some have recently completed an undergraduate program while others have been in the work force for many years. A number are planning on applying for Ph.D. studies upon completion of the MAIH; a number are current or former teachers. Other professions represented in the program include: professional writing, pre-law studies, administration, law enforcement, business, ministry, and social work.
May I enroll on a part-time basis?
Yes. The program is set up to accommodate both full time students and people who are working. A large number of the courses are offered once per week in the evenings. About half of our current students are studying on a part-time basis. To serve students who are not on campus full time, many courses are offered in late afternoons and evenings during the regular academic semesters and at least one core seminar is offered every July (first two or three weeks).
Must I finish the program within a set number of years?
No, we have not placed a strict time limit because of the varying needs and circumstances of our students. However, we do have a policy with respect to leaves of absence as follows:
Each semester a student who is not taking a course(s) must request in writing for a leave of absence to the director. This letter should include the date when the student expects to resume taking courses. Leaves of absence up to one year may be granted. A student may be granted a leave of absence twice; however, after that time a meeting with the director and stream coordinator would be required to discuss plans for continuation in the program.
This policy is not intended to remove flexibility for students but is designed to ensure that good communication occurs and that academic advising is sought.
Is it possible to complete the program in one year of study?
In certain cases, yes, but only if the student comes very well prepared (i.e., an honours undergraduate degree), if s/he is prepared for a very heavy work load throughout the year, including the summer, and if s/he plans the course of study very carefully from the beginning with an advisor. Most students, however, would be well advised to plan to complete the degree in a minimum of four semesters (one of which may be the summer).
Is it possible to take courses in the summer?
Yes. We offer a several condensed summer courses starting April 30 through July 12, 2012 including the English Core Seminar offered July 3-12. In addition, a number of faculty members are prepared to offer courses in the summer on a directed studies/distance basis.
Can I take this program without coming on campus (by distant learning courses?)
Partially. We offer a two-week summer session to assist students who are unable to come on campus during the regular academic year. Required courses (ENGL 600, HIST 600 & PHIL 600) will be offered in the summer so that students at a distance from TWU will be able to complete the degree by means of summer courses and directed studies.
Does the MAIH prepare a student for Ph.D. studies in English, history or philosophy?
Yes. The specialized track prepares excellent students who have strong undergraduate preparation for entry into Ph.D. programs in Canada and elsewhere. A number of our grads have been admitted into strong Ph.D. programs at major Canadian, American and British universities almost all with full funding. A significant number have received Canada Graduate Scholarships, the largest SSHRC grants available for doctoral students.
The program requires sufficient course work and research in the specific disciplines to be the equivalent of a solid MA in that discipline. Students wishing to do doctoral studies are urged to come into the MAIH program with a major or an honours degree in the discipline in which they intend to do doctoral work. Students wishing to be admitted to the specialized track who are otherwise qualified but lack sufficient focus in that discipline will likely be required to take extra graduate courses in that discipline as “qualifying” studies. In all cases, students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to maximize their opportunities for Ph.D. studies.
Is the program and degree fully approved?
Yes. The British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education gave official approval of it in April of 2005, according to the procedure prescribed by the Degree Quality Assessment Board. We are gratified that the comments received from educators in response to the Ministry's posting of the program were positive.
Is the program recognized for teacher salary upgrades?
Yes. As a fully accredited program, it is recognized for this purpose. The British Columbia Teachers Qualification Service has recognized the MAIH for the highest category on the salary scale. Educators are advised to ask their relevant authorities whether completion of the MAIH would move them up one or two categories on the scale. (In some jurisdictions, completion of part of the program would move the teacher up one category and completion of the MAIH degree would move them up an additional category.
What are the advantages of an interdisciplinary program?
The three disciplines work very well together to increase the students' understanding of important issues. For example, an English student's understanding of literature in a particular era is significantly increased by studying the history of that period and the leading philosophical trends at the time. Or, a history student's ability to understand and critique various theoretical approaches to history is greatly strengthened by studying theories of interpretation (English) and philosophical approaches to knowledge.
If I don't have a major in one of the disciplines how can I prepare for entry?
Contact the director who will evaluate your academic record and courses. Depending on your academic background, you may be able to enter the program directly or take some qualifying graduate courses to adequately prepare for the MAIH.
Is my international bachelor's degree recognized for entry into this program?
Contact the director who will evaluate your degree. The nature of the MAIH program requires a good level of understanding of the English language and of western thought and culture.
back to top