Interdisciplinary and General Studies
By its very nature, Interdisciplinary and General Studies (IGS) helps students cultivate their ability to work across disciplines, to develop multiple perspectives, to be sensitive to the ethical dimensions of issues, and to enlarge their own perspectives and horizons.
At St. Olaf, classroom becomes a laboratory for shared knowledge as faculty members chart new intellectual paths, work with colleagues in teams and practice technology-enhanced teaching.
Serious conversations
St. Olaf offers three interdisciplinary “conversations” programs: Asian Conversations, American Conversations and, in the humanities division, The Great Conversation, which introduces students to the epochs of Western civilization.
Taken during a student’s first and sophomore years, each conversations program comprises a sequence of courses on a central theme. Although each conversations program has a unique emphasis, they all hone in on core liberal arts courses in a learning community characterized by passion and purpose. The programs extend conversations beyond the classroom, often through spontaneous encounters.
Cultural artifacts
Every November, “Dr. America” Jim Farrell and the students in his American studies intro course, “American Culture: Interdisciplinary Perspectives,” open an American Studies Museum. They analyze the artifacts of American life, from toothbrushes, alarm clocks and sweatshirts to popular advertisements. Often, they find, these things are more important than they first seem.
Bringing academics to life
The Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) helps students enrich their education through internships, field research, job shadowing and other hands-on experiences across disciplines. As a result, students are exposed to careers or vocations they may want to pursue after college. Learn more about the CEL »
Sticking to business
The Finstad Office for Entrepreneurial Studies was established in 1992 with a major gift from Paul ’50 and Anne Finstad and other St. Olaf alumni. The office prepares students for roles as business owners and managers, venture capitalists or small-business consultants by offering small grants and other resources that allow students to start their own on-campus business. Learn more about the Finstad program »
General Education Programs
Integrated Learning Opportunities
- Center for Experiential Learning
- Center for Integrative Studies
- International and Off-Campus Studies
Academic Majors
- American Studies
- American Racial and Multicultural Studies
- Asian Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Hispanic Studies
- Russian Language and Area Studies
- Women's Studies
