Problem Statement: The "right selection" of doctoral candidates is of great importance for the effectiveness of doctoral programs. There are programs in which one can directly begin with the dissertation, as well as programs that require the completion of credits through mandatory and elective courses. It is widely accepted that academic…

In this paper, a course on applied superconductivity is described. The course structure is outlined and the learning objectives and the learning activities are described. The teaching was multidisciplinary given by four departments each contributing with their expertise. Being applied superconductivity, the focus was on an application, which could…

This study investigated the integrating possibilities within each creative arts subject. The objective was to optimize the limited teaching time, generally allocated to each art subject in schools, by developing a pedagogical strategy for its successful implementation. While the study was limited to South African schools, the results have global…

This article describes how a 26-panel altarpiece that once adorned a 15th-century Spanish cathedral inspired faculty members and students at Southern Methodist University to spend a semester dissecting the piece in a multidisciplinary course that featured songs, floats, videos, and painting. The course sprang out of a discussion Mark Roglan,…

The push for academic electives has grown over the years for many reasons. The pressure for high test scores has forced schools to focus on literacy and core content areas. The competition for entrance to four-year universities has grown, too. However, in the race to improve academic offerings and raise test scores, some schools have neglected to…

Discussion of teaching preventive medicine through electives describes four prototypes of innovative programs: (1) population health, (2) international health, (3) American Medical Student Association opportunities, and (4) public health degree programs. These electives enable students to participate in preventive services through experiential…

An interdisciplinary course on gerontology has been developed and offered as an elective at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Instruction is provided in the physical, psychological, and social influences with ambulatory and institutionalized geriatrics patients. A course outline and course objectives are included. (SW)

A survey of university and polytechnics in the United Kingdom revealed that a small proportion of students who take economics courses continue very far with the subject. Included are analysis of non-specialist courses, justification for them, staff and student attitudes, and conclusions regarding re-examination of the content and approach for…

A course to coordinate all of the various specialities and disciplines of dentistry with emphasis on esthetics, designed as an elective for the 1980 graduating senior class at Emory University School of Dentistry, is described. (MLW)

Highlights and criticizes changes in the traditional core curriculum during the 1960s and 1970s. Points to weaknesses in the current "return to basics" trend infiltrating core curricula. Calls for a clearer definition of undergraduate curriculum goals and the adoption of guidelines in order to eliminate the formlessness of the current system. (CAM)

A University of Pittsburgh law professor developed an elective course that looks at how society's values are both expressed in literature and interpreted in law. Course topics include property ownership, racism, child and family rights, trust laws, the use of persuasive rhetoric, and violence. (MSE)

The authors examine their experiences of coteaching an intensive, interdisciplinary elective course for MBA students: Diversity in Management and Marketing. They address otherness, dialogue, energy, and change within this course and clarify issues that can arise when coteaching interdisciplinary courses. The authors list implications for…

An undergraduate professional elective course emphasizing the study of literary and fine arts works portraying pharmacy and pharmacists, developed to give pharmacy students a variety of experiences with role perceptions, is described. Students examine, discuss, and critique fiction, drama, music, the visual arts, and other creative works. (MSE)

Discusses the effects of school scheduling practices upon middle school music instruction. Offers recommendations for addressing scheduling difficulties. Describes teaming and block scheduling, curriculum integration, redesigning the "exploratory wheel" scheduling technique, electives, and other scheduling options. Identifies principles of…

Lists the disadvantages of having required courses and suggests alternatives dealing with behavioral objectives, problem-solving, individualized instruction and a portfolio replacing grades. (LS)