INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Interdisciplinary Studies Curriculum Coordinator: Kevin Quinn

• kquinn@malvernprep.org

Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) courses are rooted in the C’s of Collaboration, Connection and Creativity. They are courses based in problem-solving that believe deeply in the idea of questions > answers. They are not a discipline. All courses take place during a single intensive term, are team-taught, and place value on skill development as much as content acquisition. As a result, feedback can take many forms and students should expect to extend themselves in ways traditional course titles do not allow. For example, all courses require the completion of an intensive cumulative assignment that asks students to demonstrate their understanding of the key course concepts in a variety of ways. Given the substantial difference between these courses and more traditional academic courses, IS classes are un-graded experiences. Students will still have required assignments and should be prepared for a substantial workload but the emphasis will be on helping every student improve from wherever they are at, rather than evaluate them against a particular grading scale. IS courses will be listed on a student’s transcript but in lieu of a grade they will see ‘Complete’ or ‘Incomplete’.

Media Production - 7601

Single Term | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

0.5 Credit

Students will learn about and develop the skills associated with the design, creation, distribution, and analysis of digital media. Through a focus on marketing and communication students will identify content worthy or publication, determine the appropriate media (audio, video, etc) to connect with the desired population, and use the appropriate technical processes to create digital communication, deliver it, and measure the impact on the community.

Design Thinking -

Single Term | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

0.5 Credit

Design is a key component of various artforms. In a contemporary society, design has expanded to include various societal systems. Design thinking has found a new place in various businesses, organizations, and other community experiences. This course will integrate key aspects of design thinking into creating community experiences that can be enjoyed by all members. The outcome of this course is the redesign of a Malvern event/ experience (ie. Homecoming, talent show, tree lighting,

Business Ethics - 7501

0.5 Credit Single Term | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 students will understand and reference as a result of this dynamic experience.

Using the framework of Stakeholder Theory, students will explore industry and industry practices to assess the efficacy of ethical decision making and the harm caused when business norms deviate from those rooted in an ethical foundation. Students will identify and work with professionals to mentor and inform student teams as they work toward developing a course output that serves a societal good.

Through the Eyes of Augustine: An Exploration of Self Identity and Culture - 7503 0.5 Credit Single Term | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Interiority, Unity, Truth, and Love are all Augustinian charisms and values but how do these principles help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us? This course will allow students to examine their own identity and the world around them using St. Augustine as a guide to model and encourage curiosity, understanding and acceptance of others.

Pursuing Excellence: Developing Mental Skills for Academics, Sports, and Life

- 1442 0.5 Credit Single Term | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Successful performance in school, sports, and life requires basically the same type of mental preparation and skills development. This interdisciplinary course seeks to help students develop their “mental gym” by building a performance-based toolbox that: 1) helps understand the ways they process and manage stress/anxiety, 2) promotes emotional regulation, 3) fosters motivation, character, and grit, 4) develops a capacity for mental toughness and growth through adversity. Class topics include mindfulness meditation, goal setting, growth mindset, resilience, and how a positive attitude can be applied to the science of human performance so students can learn to thrive on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

Social Entrepreneurship - 7504 0.5 Credit Single Term | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Leadership In Action - 7603

0.5 Credit Single Term | Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

A blend of one our most popular J-Term courses (Leadership) and most requested courses (Psychology), this course combines research and practical tools to illuminate the idea that Leadership is a mindset, not a position or title. Furthermore, students will understand how to effectively influence others by understanding the psychological mechanisms that drive human behavior, motivation and performance. “Be the Wolf ” is a phrase

Social Entrepreneurship provides students the opportunity to develop collaborative entrepreneurial ventures that generate social impact. Course concepts and activities will include an introspective investigation of personal strengths and values as well as strategies to work in kinship with communities to address social issues with design thinking. Students will work in teams to launch a project that demonstrates their ability to acquire and analyze information, assemble community partners to