The paper discusses interdisciplinarity in teaching literature on the example of American Indian plays (1800s-1850s). The plays bring up the "Indian question," the question which necessitated placing the Native American population in a politically and morally satisfactory relation towards Euro-Americans. The paper argues that teaching literature at the cross-section of politics encourages students to go beyond established disciplinary procedures, compare disciplines, and ultimately select their own academic pathway. This creates student interest and motivation, which enhances academic retention, a top priority for any institution of higher education. Interdisciplinarity is supported by the constructivist paradigm which suggests that a student's interest in learning is determined by their life experiences which are not limited to one disciplinary study. The paper provides interdisciplinary methodology that includes samples of interdisciplinary syllabi and assignments.

Authors:
Maria Staton, University of Maryland Global Campus, Japan
Sabina Nedbailik, Petrozavodsk State University, Russia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Maria Staton is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at University of Maryland Global Campus in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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