Abstract

In this paper we discuss the development of a team taught interdisciplinary social science course that combines elements of economics, sociology and political science. The course is designed as a sophomore level class and is intended to broaden the student’s perspective beyond that afforded by the major. Analysis of first year course evaluations suggest that the interdisciplinary social science course was more effective in fostering critical thinking skills than was the typical course offering at the college. In our view, the key to the initial success of the course is the jointly developed performance criteria and the unifying theme. The performance criteria, along with the associated learning objectives, provided a roadmap from which to structure course material and with a means to access learning. The unifying theme of “Urban Poverty” was used to blur the lines among the disciplines and to encourage students to draw connections and to engage in critical thinking.