Two instructors in different disciplines find a common theme to connect two courses, and then plan to coordinate their courses using techniques such as some joint readings, assignmennts, and field trips. They then attend each others' classes, and particpate in the class discussions. For example, our Social Psychology course has at various times been paired with a Political Science course on Compelx Organizations, a Relgious Studies course on Monks, Nuns, and Aesthetics, an English course on Linguistics, a Business Administration course on Management and Organizations, and a Religious Studies course on Religion in America. Paired courses are a lot of work for both students and professors. But students are often excited by seeing the instructors engaged in the class discussions.
Professors love the pairs because the are learning new things.
They are also observing other teaching styles and this promotes open discussion of teaching techniques on campus. In addition, this helps professors to advise students, since they are familiar with the content of colleague's courses.