Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS)

INDS 1000  INTRODUCTION TO INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the differences between disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to learning and research, and how to create/critique interdisciplinary arguments, understand interdisciplinary processes, and assess the quality of their own work. Students gain the opportunity to engage in the study of thinking, reading, writing, and problem-solving through an interdisciplinary lens across the natural and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. This course fosters intellectual curiosity by examining personal, social, cultural, and scientific challenges, and asking students to consider interdisciplinary solutions. Open to all majors interested in learning how interdisciplinarity can both contextualize and enrich individual disciplines. For those majoring or considering majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies, this course will also offer the opportunity to craft an intentional plan of study by connecting with faculty and peers across various disciplines.

Prerequisite(s): Students majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies should take INDS 1000. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

Distribution: Social Science General Education course

INDS 4950  INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES: CAPSTONE COURSE (3 credits)

The course provides students with the opportunity to refine their practice of interdisciplinary thinking and its application to the real world; to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired thus far with the production of a senior project; to produce a rationale for their capstone project and specializations legible to potential employers.

Prerequisite(s): INDS 1000; a course satisfying the intensive writing requirement, and a research method course offered in their fields of study.