Interdisciplinary Studies

Administrative Office - San Francisco

(415) 422-2592

Coordinator for Social Ethics and Extended Education: Kimberly Connor, Ph.D.

Coordinator for Experiential Learning Portfolio Essays and Expository Writing: Philip Hanson, Ph.D.

Critical Writing and Social Ethics

The three critical writing courses and the Social Ethics course provide CPS students with a solid foundation in critical interpretation, argument construction, and ethics. Students receive a thorough immersion in interdisciplinary methodology and investigation, with the course reading lists offering a diverse and challenging exploration of traditional and contemporary thought. Through their coursework, students gain historical and cultural perspective and develop the critical tools needed to assess and act on a wide spectrum of societal issues. In the area of critical interpretation and composition, they receive a solid grounding for moving on to the work in their individual majors. They acquire a knowledge of research strategies and conventions and a knowledge of how and why research matters in critical composition. In the process they investigate a substantive body of knowledge representing central currents of thought from a diverse and encompassing range of ideological, cultural, and ethnic perspectives.

Credit for Experiential Learning: Portfolio Writing Courses

A unique feature of the College of Professional Studies' adult bachelors' degree programs is the opportunity for students to earn up to 30 additional units through the portfolio writing process. All students are required to complete IS 307, Experience and Critical Writing, and IS 308, Advanced Expository Writing, before starting their major courses. Essays written for these two courses may be submitted for portfolio evaluation. This process occurs as part of the 37 unit program, and allows students to submit essays to University evaluators for potential credit. There is no additional tuition charge for units earned through the portfolio process. The essays draw from past personal and professional experience. Students may also submit a third set of essays by registering for the Extended Education course, "America in the 1930's". In addition, all students complete IS 300, The Critical Thinking Seminar, and IS 304, Social Ethics, during their program.

Service Learning Experience

Service learning engages students in organized service activities and guided reflection, enhancing the academic curriculum of participating students. Service learning promotes interaction with diverse communities and organizations, and helps students and faculty develop the knowledge, skills and sensitivities to be effective agents of social change.