Center for Interdisciplinary Study

Trans-disciplinary Knowledge: Community, Advocacy, Activism

The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies promotes innovative methods for the study of the diversity of human experiences. Together, the programs in the Center foster rigorous, intersectional collaborations across the University that cultivate a learning environment that values and prioritizes inclusion, equity and diversity through research, teaching, advocacy, activism and community engagement.

Academic Programs

These programs are scholarly disciplines in their own right that work with disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences to advance new forms of inquiry and increase inclusion across the University. Together, the programs provide vital opportunities and resources for research, learning and practice.

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An Inclusive, Affirming Space

The Center is an inclusive space, committed to affirming students, staff and faculty of all identities. We endeavor to cultivate a community in which every person, regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, ability, neurodiversity, nationality, documented status, religious views or position within the institution, is respected.

The CIS lounge in 5051B MacAlister Hall is open for all members of our community. It’s a space where each person is encouraged to explore new, generative modes of inquiry and expression.

University-Wide Collaboration

Africana Studies, Jewish Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies are fundamental to the College of Arts and Sciences’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and to the University’s commitment to the ongoing development of transdisciplinary scholarship and teaching. The programs’ faculty represent a rich variety of disciplinary approaches and interests. Methods of inquiry developed by these areas encourage our students to analyze and interrogate historic, systemic and institutionalized injustices and inequities. The CIS supports pedagogy with gender-inclusive language, an intersectional curriculum, and accessible classroom practices, and invites departments and colleges that share these values to collaborate and cross-list courses.

Latest News

poster for confronting antisemitism through storytelling event with Star of David and blue text

Drexel Community Confronts Antisemitism by Telling Their Stories

Pennoni Honors College Dean Paula Marantz Cohen’s hope is that Confronting Antisemitism Through Storytelling, a collaborative event April 28 among Pennoni, Drexel Hillel, Jewish Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences, will spark conversations that are so often dampened by our current society. Rather than taking the form of a panel discussion or conference, the event will focus on the deeply personal, real-life stories of those who have experienced antisemitism first-hand, whether as Jews or allies.

I am psyched poster reading "this is what a psychologist looks like"

National Traveling Exhibit Returns to Celebrate Women of Color in Psychology

The I Am Psyched! national touring exhibit has returned to Drexel and is being presented in person this month after last year’s virtual presentation due to the pandemic.

President Joe Biden with Lakshmi Parvathinathan

Biological Sciences Major Lakshmi Parvathinathan Dreams of a More Inclusive Future

Lakshmi Parvathinathan has dedicated herself to fight for Documented Dreamers—students who have grown up in the United States as child dependents of long-term visa holders but who will age out of their dependent status and face deportation on their 21st birthdays.

A copy of the book A Legacy to Share held up on Drexel's campus

Student Interns in Drexel Publishing Group Produce Book Honoring Black Alumni Experience

During Homecoming Weekend, the Drexel Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) launched a special collection of essays. Titled A Legacy to Share, the new book honors over 50 years of history since the first wave of Black students arrived on Drexel's campus in the late 1960s. Student interns in the Drexel Publishing Group were responsible for copy editing, proofreading and applying styles for formatting the book.

Chris Bolden-Newsome and Lessons of Da Land participants gather in the picnic area and read passages from The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty

Resilience & Joy: Lessons of Da Land

Led by environmental science major Alexis Wiley, a twelve-week cocurricular program introduced Drexel students and community members to food sovereignty and land justice issues in Black Philadelphia. The course worked with community partners and explored a wide variety of sources to deliver Lessons of Da Land.