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Integrated studies programcompletes first semesterThirty-eight Cowleystudents adjusted to theteaching styles of threeinstructors, got used tositting in class for threesolid hours, and wereable to blend three separatecourses into onefocus.They also learnedsomething along the way.The students werepart of the firstIntegrated StudiesProgram at Cowley.Initiated in January, studentswere enrolled inintroduction to sociology,U.S. history since 1876,JudyQueenPaulStirnamanand composition II. Students were awarded one letter grade for the nine credit-hour course, which metfrom 9:10 a.m. to12:10 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.The course, titled "Heroes & Villains," relied heavily on student participation. While there was agreat deal of writing involved, students also were able to work on group projects. The semester endedwith 1950s projects."It was different because all three classes were together," said Amber Scott, a sophomore fromCaldwell. "It was easier in a way, but hard to please three teachers. It wasn't what I expected. It was morelaid back, which is good. I learned more in this atmosphere. I would recommend it."Judy Queen taught the sociology portion, Paul Stirnaman the history part, and Pam Doyle the compositionsection of the course. All three said they were pleased with the course, and even learned somethingthemselves."It's not perfect, but it's gone exceptionally well," said Stirnaman, a veteran Cowley Social Scienceinstructor. "It exceeded my expectations."For the final exam, students were given three questions. They were required to write four to six pageson one of the questions."That proves whether they've learned the material," Stirnaman said.Melissa Piatt, an Arkansas City freshman, said, "When I first enrolled, I had different expectations. Iwanted out. I was scared to risk nine hours. There was different grading procedures and you had to getused to the way the three teachers taught. But at the end, we did some really neat presentations and had alot of fun. I see more of a teacher's personality in this class."Integrated studies programs help students become more familiar with each other and form learningcommunities, which makes learning more enjoyable and meaningful. Stirnaman isn't sure he could havemade the adjustment as a student working toward a bachelor's degree."It's bad enough to adjust to the demands of one instructor, let alone three," he said. "I'm hoping thestudents leave with more self-confidence, that they can work in groups, and I hope they've learned moreabout our country's history and the field of sociology. And their writing skills and speaking skills, thoseare major pluses."I've learned a lot, personally, from the other instructors. I've been doing this for 32 years and Ilearned you can teach an old dog new tricks."The nine-hour block just completed will be offered again in the1999 spring semester.Additional course combinations are being examined for future integrated studies, Stirnaman said.m