Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Prerequisites and Mechanism of Interdisciplinary Curriculum in University: Strengthening Future Studies for Substantiating the Comprehensive Episteme

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

M. Sobhaninejad 1
S. Nourabadi 2

1 Associate Professor in Curriculum, Faculty of Humanities, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor in Curriculum, Faculty of Humanities, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22631/isih.2017.1937.2480
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explain the prerequisites and mechanism of interdisciplinary curriculum in order to realize comprehensive episteme. The research method in this article is analytical-deductive. Two important questions are going to be answered: "1) What are the prerequisites for interdisciplinary curriculum? 2) What is the mechanism for substantiation in the acquired episteme through interdisciplinary curriculum in higher education?" According to the findings, the most important prerequisite for interdisciplinary curriculum is understanding the importance of interdisciplinarity in learner's self-directing. It is necessary for relevant practitioners to realize that the division of subjects into separate syllabus makes it difficult to connect the concept. The current discipline-based curriculum does not provide learners to develop higher cognitive skills, which neglects dimensions of insight and skills of learning. Also, since comprehensive episteme is learning that includes cognition, insight, and skill,the academic curriculum must be conducive so that learners can reach all aspects of comprehensive episteme. The mechanism of interdisciplinary curriculum is to provide opportunity for discussion and thinking. It is also a means for professors to become acquainted with new teaching methods, make assessment of local and national needs, consider the results within the curriculum content and finally apply an appropriate evaluation method. By using interdisciplinary curriculum, it is possible to realize the comprehensive episteme of the university's prominent goals.

Keywords

comprehensive episteme
higher education
interdisciplinary curriculum
prerequisite
mechanism

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 19 November 2016
  • Revise Date 12 August 2017
  • Accept Date 27 December 2006

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