here are some students who like science and math, while others prefer more creative disciplines such as art, theater and literature. Whether we like it or not, all of us are required to take some form of each subject as part of the Core Program while enrolled at Elizabethtown College.
Students may not particularly like aspects of this program because it can be stressful and difficult to take a course in an unfamiliar subject. For instance, I have always enjoyed writing, but science has never been my strong suit. Currently, there are co-taught classes which combine two different disciplines, allowing students to relate material from each subject to a common theme. Personally, I think this provides a unique learning opportunity for students. Such courses are worthy of our consideration.
There are a few classes here at Etown that are taught by two collaborating professors; some professors are from the same academic department, while others are from different disciplines. This semester, such offerings include Chemical Instrumentation Lab, Gender and the Law and Ecology in Short Fiction.
Ecology in Short Fiction is co-taught as a single class but incorporates two different academic perspectives. The professors teaching this course represent an unusual combination of the English and biology departments; this allows students to analyze material from both disciplines and to see how they relate to one another. Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. David Bowne and Assistant Professor of English Dr. Matt Skillen co-teach this course.
I think that it’s a wonderful opportunity for students, because not only are they able to receive help from two professors, but they are also being graded based on their skill in each aspect of the class. During the in-class discussion, Bowne talks about ecological principles, while Skillen speaks to the students about creative writing. “It’s an interesting blend of two areas that are not usually paired together, but this results in lively discussion about literature and biological concepts,” senior biology major Luis Devia said.
While these courses can be beneficial to a student’s academic growth, there are also negative aspects to consider. For example, it may take longer for assignments to be graded since both professors normally have to review them; however, this gives each student the advantage of receiving feedback from different professors. “Having the perspective and expertise of someone from each field provides a unique learning experience and allows the students to learn both subjects at the same time,” Devia said. Another possible disadvantage, according to Devia, is that it can be challenging for the students who are unwilling to explore material that goes far outside of their own major. Although it can be difficult for some, this may help the students leave their comfort zone by learning about two diverse subjects at once.
All students have to take core classes that are outside of their major at some point. Those may involve subjects that they’re not exactly passionate about. Ecology in Short Fiction is cross-listed, meaning that the credits can count as either a Natural and Physical Science (NPS) or Creative Expression (CE) course, depending on what the particular student needs. Whatever their interests are, these students can learn about both disciplines while receiving the core credit that they need. This allows those who aren’t scientifically inclined, like myself, to receive science credit while relating it to a familiar field of study in order to better understand the material.
According to first-year English education major Morgan King, this class effectively combines the English side of short fiction with the biological concepts of ecology. “I enjoy learning how two very different subjects can be combined and related to one another,” she said. “I am learning about how a subject I love relates to a subject that is not in my comfort zone.”
Not only are these courses interesting for students, but they are also enjoyable to the professors. “Every day we’re learning something new from a colleague, which is pretty exciting,” Bowne said. Both students and professors are able to learn something new and interesting by interacting with people who have different interests and expertise.
This course appears to be an engaging and beneficial experience for both students and professors. It will be offered once more in the spring semester of 2015. Currently, it is experimental. From a student’s perspective, I think that it is important to continue this and other co-taught classes at Etown. It allows us to think in different ways and explore new ideas. Similar courses have been offered in the past, but they have not been taught frequently. Fortunately, in the fall 2014 semester, the College will be offering the co-taught classes SAS Analytics, Wellness and the College Student and Time Travel and the Nature of Space and Time.
One of the goals of offering these types of courses is to “encourage some people in our community to rethink these ideas of co-teaching and to discover how we can establish those partnerships across departments to bring better educational opportunities to our students,” Skillen said.
Regardless of one’s major, interest or discipline, co-taught courses allow students to contribute their own viewpoints while also learning how different subjects can relate and work together to study a particular topic. I will definitely consider taking such a course in the future. Although it may not be the right choice for all students, I see co-taught classes as a wonderful opportunity and a chance to both learn and grow academically.
