Interdisciplinary consideration of ways in which field of study coupled with personal/cultural values contribute towards either solving or compounding environmental problems; provides framework for process of making ethical decisions.

GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Solutions-focused examination of the varied, complex, and evolving frameworks used to make sense of how individuals & societies connect with the biophysical environment. Emphasis on current issues and relevance of interdisciplinary training to careers including environmental planning and policy, sustainable tourism, parks and recreation management, conservation, environmental education, and climate resilience. Topics include: population dynamics, public land and common resources, renewable natural resources, pollution, water resources, energy and non-renewable resources.

GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Introduction to the interdisciplinary study of American culture through exploration of questions asked and methods used in the field of American Studies. Will incorporate historical, literary, anthropological, and cultural studies approaches and methods for studying culture through texts, objects, and people. Topics to be considered include literary and popular texts, clothing, and historical and contemporary American experiences and cultures. Includes one field trip for which students will need to provide their own transportation.

GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity

Typically offered in Spring only

Examination of cultural and scientific forces that have shaped our relationship with food. Science and politics of dietary recommendations. Influence, over time, of economic, social and political conditions on food preparation, preference and nutritional knowledge. Role of religion, family, tradition and personal experience in shaping eating attitudes and behaviors. Roles played only by women in American food culture.

GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Typically offered in Fall only

Interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature of happiness; why it matters, how to promote it, and what harms it. The relevance of the body-mind connection for one's happiness. Current scientific insights into happiness from physiology, neuroscience, and psychology, as well as their connections to Aristotelian ethics and to the concept of suffering in Buddhism. Experiential component of the course consisting of scientifically supported techniques for daily practice for deepening the understanding of course materials and discussions.

GEP U.S. Diversity, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Summer only

Detailed investigation of an interdisciplinary topic. Topic and mode of study to be determined by faculty member and/or teach team.

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

A lecture/seminar exploring the interdisciplinary field of Human Animal Studies in a global context, examining cultural, economic, ethical, ecological, geographical, political, and psychological aspects of human/nonhuman interactions using readings, films, and guest lectures. E.g. what are global ecological/political ramifications of treating cattle as sacred versus breeding them for beef? Why are there more tigers in captivity than in the wild? What are our ethical obligations to the Great Apes? Concepts such as place and placelessness, boundaries, animals as refugees, and interspecies justice will be explored. Course includes team work, and a research project focusing on personal area of interest. Junior Standing or higher.

GEP Global Knowledge, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Typically offered in Fall only

Introduction to professional opportunities that deal specifically with issues in interdisciplinary studies. Students are expected to intern a minimum of five hours/week work at a nonprofit or governmental organization. Contextualization of that experience through additional academic requirements will take place during periodic class meetings. The IDS Internship course requires an agreement between the student and instructor of record prior to registration approval.

Restriction: AFS, ARS, IS, Self-Design, STS, and WGS majors only; Junior or Senior standing; Permission of instructor

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Capstone seminar for students in the IDS self-design major. Intensive study of student's area of concentration, leading to a major research paper.

Prerequisite: Interdisciplinary Studies Self-Design Majors, Senior standing

Typically offered in Spring only

Examination of selected topics of an interdisciplinary nature.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Detailed examination of film within interdisciplinary contexts. Specific topics will vary from semester to semester.

Independent investigation and discussion of a selected topic of an interdisciplinary nature. Individualized/Independent Study and Research courses require a "Course Agreement for Students Enrolled in Non-Standard Courses" be completed by the student and faculty member prior to registration by the department.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring