Interdisciplinary Studies
Web: www.cas.gmu.edu/mais Executive CommitteeRadner (chair), Burns, Button, Hanrahan, Lont, Ro, Rodgers, Salmon, Seligmann, Sorrell, Wood, Yocom Course WorkStudents in the MAIS program do most of their work in courses listed under the disciplines that they integrate through this graduate program. In addition, this program offers courses designated MAIS in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Graduate ProgramInterdisciplinary Studies, MAISThe Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is for students who seek a master's degree that integrate knowledge from several disciplines. The program addresses the rapidly evolving demand for unique graduate study by promoting advanced scholarship that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. MAIS offers nine structured interdisciplinary concentrations:
The MAIS also offers students the opportunity to design their own individualized programs to meet the special needs of their careers. Admission RequirementsStudents admitted to the MAIS program must show a capacity for original thought in cross-disciplinary research. Students will only be admitted if the program can assign a faculty advisor appropriate for the intended course of study. Applicants must fulfill George Mason admission requirements for graduate study. Additional requirements vary by concentration; see George Mason Graduate Application or the MAIS web site for details. Degree RequirementsCandidates for the MAIS degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course work (30 credits for Liberal Studies). Students must submit a curriculum contract that has been approved by their faculty advisor, and the MAIS director. Specific requirements vary by concentration. Credits that apply to the MAIS degree are subject to the following restrictions:
* Transfer credits are (1) any credits taken before first enrolling as an admitted degree-seeking student, whether taken at another institution, taken in another George Mason University graduate program, or completed through George Mason University's Extended Studies Program; or (2) credits taken at another institution (with prior MAIS approval) after admission to the MAIS program. MAIS Concentration in AnthropologyThe concentration in anthropology prepares students for advanced work in anthropology through courses focusing on the study of culture. The salient features of our epochglobal communications, a world market, mass migrations, and intra- as well as international conflictunderscore the importance of understanding cultures in all their complexity and variety. Anthropology is the study of human similarities and differences, and their impact on a wide range of social phenomena. Anthropologists refine methods uniquely suited to understanding social phenomena at different scales within a historical context. and bring important perspectives to bear on contemporary problems and issues. Frequently they are able to offer refreshing approaches to resolving problems and conflicts. Especially distinctive is the emphasis among anthropologists on what unites diverse peoples as well as on what distinguishes one culture from another. In the anthropology concentration, students learn how to use participant-observation fieldwork methods, as well as interdisciplinary, comparative, and holistic knowledge and research methods. Courses will be offered in the analysis and understanding of nationalism and transnationalism; social movements, ethnicity, and identity; conflict and violence; migration, displacement, and refugees; political economy and globalization; health and culture; education and culture; and ecology and conservation. As an interdisciplinary concentration, students take courses in a variety of university disciplines, including sociology, nursing and health science, education, public policy, government, conflict analysis and resolution, environmental science and policy, cultural studies, and English. Degree RequirementsStudents complete 36 credits of core courses and specialized courses distributed as follows: 1. 12 credits of core courses: ANTH 535, 536, 635, 750. 2. 18 to 21 credits of electives/specialization. These are chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. The Anthropology Program Director of Graduate Studies must approve the student's course of study. Must include 6-12 credits from other units. A total of 6 credits of independent reading and research are permitted (ANTH 680, 682, 684). Possible specializations include:
3. 1 credit of MAIS 797 (for students admitted after summer 2004). 4. 2 to 6 credits of research project, MAIS 798, or 5 to 6 of MAIS 799 Thesis Research. Internship credit (ANTH 690) may serve for 3 credits for students doing a research project, provided that the internship is linked to courses in the students' area of specialization and students submit a substantial project delineating the relationship of their internship experience to their area of specialization. Students who take 3 credits of MAIS 798 are required to take 21 credits of electives. MAIS Concentration in FolkloreThe MAIS concentration in folklore enables students to explore the processes of tradition that move through multiple expressive forms, such as folktales, folk beliefs, folk medicine, folk art, folksong, and literature. A discipline based on ethnographic fieldwork, folklore offers students a chance to work in communities and collect living traditional materials that are critical to human identity and values. Interdisciplinary by nature, folklore thrives on local particularities as well as compelling global connections. This course of study prepares students for careers in cultural agencies, governmental organizations, and teaching institutions; and for advanced study in the humanities. Degree RequirementsStudents will choose a specialization that draws on unique programs throughout the university, such as museum studies, conflict resolution, non-profit management, telecommunications, writing, and more. Internships in the many Washington, D.C., metropolitan area folklore organizations will be central to students' experience. Candidates for the MAIS degree with a concentration in folklore must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course work, including the following (at least 6 credits must be taken in courses outside the Department of English): 1. 18 credits of core courses, including 9 credits from the following courses: ENGL 591, ENGL 491/ENGL 798, ENGL 604, ENGL 798, and 3 credits of research methodology, chosen from ENGL 701, HIST 610, or SOCI 634. Remaining courses chosen in consultation with advisor. 2. 9 credits of specialization (approved by advisor). Specialization topics include:
3. 3 to 6 credits of electives (approved by advisor). 4. 1 credit of MAIS 797 (for students admitted after summer 2004). 5. 2 to 6 credits of MAIS 798 (project) or 5 to 6 credits of MAIS 799 (thesis). MAIS Concentration in Higher Education AdministrationThe MAIS concentration in higher education prepares individuals for administrative and leadership positions in colleges and universities, and in associations and government agencies whose activities impact higher education. Within the concentration, students may choose to emphasize administration or student affairs. Degree Requirements
MAIS Individualized ConcentrationThe MAIS individualized concentration is for students who wish to design a graduate program to meet the special needs of their careers and life plans. Prospective students usually choose the individualized option because traditional graduate programs do not meet their specific goals. Students, with help from faculty advisors, design unique programs of study that include courses from several academic departments. Students in this track must complete a project or thesis that represents the culmination of their program of study. Work on the project or thesis is done under the direction of a faculty committee, usually chaired by the student's faculty advisor. Project or thesis proposals must be approved by the student committee and the MAIS Executive Committee before students can register for project or thesis credits (MAIS 798, 799). The university thesis requirement for continuous registration also applies to the project. Degree RequirementsThe MAIS individualized student has access to most graduate courses offered by the university (note: all course prerequisites are applicable). Specific courses for an individualized degree vary according to student goals and plans. Each student must submit a curriculum contract, approved by the student advisor and MAIS director, during the first semester enrolled; any subsequent amendments must have approval of student advisor and MAIS director. Candidates for the MAIS Individualized Studies degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course work, including the following:
MAIS Track in Liberal StudiesThe Liberal Studies track in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students interested in a multidisciplinary approach to human ideas and values, providing an opportunity for students to broaden their liberal arts background. The program is intended for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in the humanities (e.g., cultural studies, philosophy, religious studies) and for those who wish to explore political, religious, and social questions within their cultural contexts. It is recommended for teachers and business and professional people who understand that the study of the humanities provides valuable insights into the problems posed by contemporary society. Possible Liberal Studies focus topics include:
Degree RequirementsCandidates for the MAIS degree in Liberal Studies must successfully complete a total of 30 credit hours. Courses are selected in consultation with an advisor, including:
MAIS Concentration in Women's StudiesThe MAIS concentration in Women's Studies is for students who wish to explore gender roles and women's issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The program combines graduate courses in Women's Studies with courses in a discipline of interest (history, English, communication, health, education, or public policy). Expertise in the study of gender is a growing field of study, increasingly applicable in a variety of professional and academic settings. Degree RequirementsStudents complete 36 credits of core courses and specialized courses, selected in consultation with an advisor, distributed as follows:
MAIS Concentration in Zoo and Aquarium LeadershipThe Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership prepares students for advanced careers in modern, professional zoos and aquariums. The curriculum is designed to enhance relevant social and analytical skills involving critical thinking, problem solving, information technology, and group interaction, as well as advance necessary leadership and fiscal and personnel management skills. This Master of Arts degree offers three specializations within the concentration (see web site for full description of specializations):
Degree RequirementsCandidates for the MAIS Zoo and Aquarium Leadership degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course work, including the following:
Concentration in Community College Teaching (in Computer Science, English, Mathematics, Psychology, or TESL)The concentration in Community College Teaching combines 18 credits of college teaching courses (including course work required for the Certificate in College Teaching) with 18 credits of graduate work in one of the following knowledge areas: communication, computer science, English, mathematics, psychology, or teaching English as a second language. This concentration qualifies students to teach entry-level courses in these growing fields at the two-year level. In addition, this MA concentration is an appropriate graduate degree for some faculty currently teaching in community colleges. Degree RequirementsStudents must complete 36 credits of course work, distributed as follows: 1. College Teaching Course Requirements (18 credits):
2. Knowledge Area Course Requirements (18 credits):
3. For most students in this concentration, the supervised internship in Community
Concentration in Video-Based ProductionThe concentration in video-based production emphasizes video production that encompasses various components, such as teleconferencing, interactive video, and digital editing. As low-end, high-quality video equipment becomes more affordable, more organizations (for profit and nonprofit) are investing in in-house production studios and staff. Their video needs include traditional videography, teleconferencing, interactive video techniques, digital video editing, and multimedia, to name a few. Four units offer relevant courses for the concentration in video-based production. The Communication Department offers courses in the theory and practice of video production. The Graduate School of Education courses in interactive and distance learning provide a background for pedagogy and a wide spectrum of interactive skills. The English Department offers a course in film theory, and the Art and Visual Technologies Division focuses on computer-mediated visual applications, including the study of multimedia tools and design, digital and electronic art, animation, and virtual reality. Students entering the program must have a basic knowledge of video production. Students with little or no video experience must take COMM 590 Seminar in Video Production within the first 9 credits of the program. Students with video experience who wish to waive this requirement must provide a videotape of their past work. Degree Requirements
Concentration in Recreation Resources ManagementThe concentration in recreation resources management is designed to prepare students and professionals in the fields of recreation and natural resources to pursue advanced academic training, seek career advancement, and serve their communities more adequately. Upon completion of the MAIS, students will possess a working knowledge of research and theory and an enhanced ability to think analytically. The program focuses on problems and challenges affecting the quality and quantity of outdoor recreation experiences and on the conservation and preservation of the nation's public land resources. The core courses are available in distance-learning formats. Access to the Internet is required. Enrollment is continuous. Students have six months to complete each course. Students should consult with their faculty advisors to design a program of study beyond the core requirements. Students are required to present an oral defense of the thesis or project on the George Mason campus. Degree RequirementsA contract with a clearly identified cognate must be approved by a faculty academic advisor at or before the time that a student completes 9 to 12 credits. The contract must include a 3-credit course in research/methodology.
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