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The Integration of the Humanities and Arts with Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Higher Education: Branches from the Same Tree

May 7, 2018 | Informal/Formal Connections
In the United States, broad study in an array of different disciplines —arts, humanities, science, mathematics, engineering— as well as an in-depth study within a special area of interest, have been defining characteristics of a higher education. But over time, in-depth study in a major discipline has come to dominate the curricula at many institutions. This evolution of the curriculum has been driven, in part, by increasing specialization in the academic disciplines. There is little doubt that disciplinary specialization has helped produce many of the achievement of the past century. Researchers in all academic disciplines have been able to delve more deeply into their areas of expertise, grappling with ever more specialized and fundamental problems. Yet today, many leaders, scholars, parents, and students are asking whether higher education has moved too far from its integrative tradition towards an approach heavily rooted in disciplinary “silos”. These “silos” represent what many see as an artificial separation of academic disciplines. This study reflects a growing concern that the approach to higher education that favors disciplinary specialization is poorly calibrated to the challenges and opportunities of our time. The Integration of the Humanities and Arts with Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Higher Education examines the evidence behind the assertion that educational programs that mutually integrate learning experiences in the humanities and arts with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) lead to improved educational and career outcomes for undergraduate and graduate students. It explores evidence regarding the value of integrating more STEMM curricula and labs into the academic programs of students majoring in the humanities and arts and evidence regarding the value of integrating curricula and experiences in the arts and humanities into college and university STEMM education programs.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • David Skorton
    Editor
  • Ashley Bear
    Editor
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
    Editor
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.17226/24988

    Funders

    Private Foundation
    Funding Program: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
    Award Number: 11600619
    NEH
    Award Number: AH253080-16
    Resource Type: Reference Materials
    Discipline: Art, music, and theater | General STEM | Health and medicine | Literacy
    Audience: Undergraduate/Graduate Students | Administration/Leadership/Policymakers | Educators/Teachers | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Informal/Formal Connections | Higher Education Programs

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