At The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, we hope to generate and sustain conditions for stakeholders to engage in their creative/critical practice, while nourishing their teaching, learning, and service—work that is often at the forefront of their investigations, and that in turn can generate curricular innovation. Practice and teaching become intertwined, with faculty’s inquiries taking shape along any number of paths, from individual action research to arts-based research to more traditional forms.
At the Center, we have endeavored to fully integrate risk-taking, experimentation, and general reflection on praxis in the fabric of academic engagement—what constitutes the very life-blood of the university and makes for its relevance: contributions to the community, mentorship, collaboration, service to the Institute, to the fields one is involved in, to peers. It’s truly a communal environment that inspires and supports faculty and staff, and, throughout it all, students. The fruits of that work are directed into the classroom, making for vibrant spaces of exploration and reflection.
This commitment to praxis—an overarching theory/practice—allows us to elevate personal and professional development as well as embrace invigorating forays into new territories where elements of various disciplines come into play, and in turn enrich and inform teaching. Through a dedication to praxis, we share resources, generate opportunities, and champion the bold work that is at the heart of Pratt.