Course Descriptions

IDST 1035 Self in Society: An Interdisciplinary Approach (5 cr.)
This course examines how self-perception is created by personal, societal, and educational influences. Topics studied will include family, community, work, education, and other related topics. By looking at how the “self” evolves, students will be able to see themselves within a larger social context. Students will also focus on how the study of self applies to the interdisciplinary process. (Prerequisite: ENGL 1001 English Composition)

IDST 1050 Interdisciplinary Experience: Identity in a Global Society (5 cr.)
This course aims to sensitize students to the role of a global society in the development of identity. Students collaborate to explore multiple perspectives derived from the social and natural sciences and the humanities. Subject matter is treated as unresolved issues to be explored rather than defined knowledge to be learned. Upon completion, students will be able to articulate how sense of self cannot rely on authority or status alone. (Prerequisites: ENGL 1001 English Composition)

IDST 2050 Interdisciplinary Experience: Sustaining Quality of Life in the City (5 cr.)
In light of global urbanization, this course will discuss the components that contribute to a meaningful life in the city and the ways in which urban communities strive to achieve it. Students collaborate to explore multiple perspectives derived from the social and natural sciences and the humanities. Upon completion, students will understand the factors that contribute to improving quality of life in an urban environment. (Prerequisite: ENGL 1001 English Composition)

PSPA 3030 Social Change in the Community (5 cr.)
Who is in charge in my community? How can I organize people in my community for its improvement? In this course, students will explore how positive social change takes place on a community level. They will examine the major obstacles to positive social change efforts and the key features of effective strategies. Students will also identify and apply the skills that are needed by individual and groups to produce positive social change.

IDST 3035 Interdisciplinary Process and Method (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary studies process and its comprehensive way of understanding complex issues. Topics include definition of interdisciplinary integration, the steps in the interdisciplinary process, and the utility of interdisciplinary understanding. Upon completion, students will gain an understanding of interdisciplinary research methods and of the role that interdisciplinary thinking plays in complex problem solving and decision making. (Prerequisites: IDST 1001 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies or IDST 1035 Self in Society: An Interdisciplinary Approach,  IDST 1050 Interdisciplinary Experience: Identity in a Global Society and IDST 2050 Interdisciplinary Experience: Sustaining Quality of Life in the City)

IDST 3050 Interdisciplinary Experience: Change and Population Movements Across Borders (5 cr.)
This course explores the changes—both real and perceived—experienced by immigrants and the members of an existing community. Students collaborate to explore multiple perspectives derived from the social and natural sciences and the humanities. Subject matter is treated as unresolved issues to be explored rather than defined knowledge to be learned. Upon completion, students will be able to identify how population movements affect individuals and communities. (Prerequisites: IDST 1001 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies or IDST 3035 Interdisciplinary Process and Method) or (PSYC 1002 Psychology as a Natural Science and PSYC 1003 Psychology as a Social Science)

IDST 4001 Seminar in Interdisciplinary Research (5 cr.)
This course permits students to deepen interdisciplinary investigation by participating in a unique experience within a community of learners. Students identify an issue to investigate, utilize interdisciplinary research skills, and interact with peers to reflect on the process. Upon completion, students will improve their skills in interdisciplinary integration and develop a broader perspective of the issue through a collaborative online experience. (Prerequisites: IDST 3050 Interdisciplinary Experience: Change and Population Movements Across Borders.)

IDST 4002 Seminar in Public Service (5 cr.)
As a supplement to your approved service learning placement, this seminar course provides students with interdisciplinary research skills with applications to the service of others.  Activities include creating action plans for service, interviews with an audience, examination of multiple viewpoints, and reflection.  Upon completion, students will integrate their experience gained from the service learning opportunity with theory to articulate multiple perspectives. (Prerequisite: ENGL 1001 English Composition)

IDST 4003 Seminar with Internship (5 cr.)
As part of your approved internship placement, this seminar course allows students to apply their disciplinary focus and interdisciplinary process in real-life settings.  Activities include creating an action plan for internship, interviews with an audience, examination of multiple viewpoints, and reflection.  Upon completion, students will integrate their experience gained from the internship opportunity with theory to articulate multiple perspectives. (Prerequisite: ENGL 1001 English Composition.)

IDST 4004 Seminar with Study Abroad (5 cr.)
In conjunction with your study abroad experience, this course offers students the opportunity to engage with other cultures and integrate their experiences abroad with their disciplinary focus utilizing Interdisciplinary process.  Activities include creating an action plan for study abroad, examination of multiple viewpoints, and reflection.  Upon completion, students will integrate their experience gained from the study abroad opportunity with theory to articulate multiple perspectives. (Prerequisite: ENGL 1001 English Composition.)

IDST 4080 Capstone—Interdisciplinary Methodology I (5 cr.)
This course requires students to demonstrate breadth and depth of their disciplines’ content and methods to address a complex problem. Students will engage in collaboration, critiquing, individual research, and integration. Upon completion, students will use creative thinking and decision-making to draw on interdisciplinary insights. (Prerequisites: Completion of all other coursework with the exception of IDST 4081.)

IDST 4081 Capstone—Interdisciplinary Methodology II (5 cr.)
This course requires students to demonstrate breadth and depth of their disciplines’ content and methods to address a complex problem. Students will engage in collaboration, critiquing, individual research, and integration. Upon completion students will use creative thinking and decision-making to integrate insights and produce an interdisciplinary understanding. (Prerequisites: Completion of all other required coursework.)