Starting with the advent of the computer, and progressing even further with the creation of the Internet, lines have blurred.

Socio-political lines, industrial lines, cultural lines and now educational lines.

The formerly ridged roles of society have melded together, replaced with a new amalgamated version of knowledge, business and communications.

As technology continues to take a growing role in our ever-changing society, universities must mirror the movement in its curriculum.

The U has taken some appropriate steps to bring technology and science to new areas of campus.

An example of this shift was last week’s science and literature symposium created by Professor Katherine Coles.

Coles, a writer in a family of scientists, understands the importance of technology in the 21st century, and her artform is not the exception.

Few disciplines have not be affected by the Internet explosion, and the U has taken active steps to utilize new technology in a variety of helpful ways.

On top of the now standard online course is the new bevy of interdisciplinary symposiums, seminars, courses and even degrees.

Just about every department on campus would love to create a program with computer science or engineering. These fast moving fields continue to attract many new students and the financial support of the state Legislature and governor.

And it is in the best interest of the computer science department to create these interdisciplinary programs. Computer science is such a burgeoning field because many understand how it is currently affecting our lives and how it can become even more important in the future. This includes every aspect of our campus from art to automechanics from physics to philosophy.

The U must continue to bridge gaps between technology and other areas, because when the lines blur, students receive a more well rounded education that will prepare them for this new century of computers and video projectors instead of the old one of chalk boards and pencils.