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TROY – Troy University is operating under the theory that three heads are better than one in planning two special courses that will feature faculty members from three different disciplines.

The classes are part of a new program called “Crossroads: Sophomore Seminar in Creative Thinking” and are scheduled to be offered in fall term of 2007, according to Dr. Bryant Shaw, chair of the Department of History. Dr. Shaw and Dr. Nathan Alexander, assistant professor of history, presented the idea to colleagues last spring.

“Each seminar will capitalize on the excitement of having three faculty members from three different disciplines in the classroom at the same time, interacting with students on one academic theme,” Dr. Shaw said. “One of the real selling points of this course is that we believe no other university in the region is offering a similar experience.”

Dr. Shaw said only 15 to 20 students will be allowed in each course and students must go through an application process to be accepted. Information about the application process, which is scheduled to begin this spring, is available from the history department.

The fall semester will feature two seminars: one will be taught by faculty members from history, journalism and speech and theatre; the other will be taught by faculty members from art, history and sociology. The spring semester will include seminars taught by faculty members from the sciences, humanities and social sciences.

“The goal is to create a community of learners with students and professors learning at the same time,” Dr. Shaw said. “Students will benefit by hearing three points of view and teachers will benefit by observing their colleagues in the classroom.”

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