About

The Interdisciplinary Studies Institute is a forum for faculty at the University of Massachusetts to engage with one another in a spirit of intellectual and creative adventure in a range of settings and environments. At the core of our activities is the ISI Seminar, organized around a specific theme; each semester we choose a new topic (for a listing of past and present themes, see our Seminars page). The ethos of the seminar is free and democratic, cutting across lines of discipline and rank. Participants take turns leading discussion, based on their own interests and projects.

A group of faculty pose outside in front of a tree.

Our other events include an annual ISI lecture, as well as working groups and colloquia. It is our hope that the ISI, its seminar and related activities, will provide a vigorous resource for intellectual and creative energy on the UMass campus. Its range and connective potential should link faculty not only within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts but also in other disciplines and colleges as well.

Contact Us

ISI Director

Pari Riahi

ISI Assistant

Lilly Etlinger, M.Arch

ISI Board

Brian Dillon, Department of Linguistics

Shona Macdonald, Department of Art

Rebecca Hamlin, Department of Political Science

Angie Willey, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies