Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)
Richard M. Carp, Chair
Elizabeth Ann Beaulieu
Harriette C. Buchanan
Christoffel den Biggelaar
Leslie E. (Bud) Gerber
J. Linn Mackey
Martha McCaughey
Margaret McFadden
Peter C. Reichle
Leighton R. Scott, Jr.
Kay H. Smith
Derek Stanovsky
Jay A. Wentworth
T. Marvin Williamsen
Cynthia A. Wood
The mission of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies directs us to foster
awareness of the interrelatedness of existing forms of knowledge and to create
new interrelated knowledge while recognizing that knowledge is partial and is
shaped by historical, social, cultural and personal contexts.
Interdisciplinary Studies pursues its mission in two curricula: the Bachelor of
Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, encompassing fourteen concentrations
connected by a common core, and Watauge College, a living learning program
offering an interdisciplinary general education core for freshmen and
sophomores. The Department is committed to experimentation and innovation in
curriculum, teaching, research, and creative activity.
Interdisciplinary Studies offers courses that bridge academic disciplines,
involve knowledge generated in multiple disciplines, and make connections
between academic knowledge and knowledge generated outside academics.
Interdisciplinary methodologies take root in the complexity of the
opportunities and problems we encounter in the twenty-first century; they offer
responses that connect, rather than fragment, the elements of experience.
Rather than stressing the uniqueness of separate disciplines, interdisciplinary
inquiry leads students towards syntheses, and thus towards an appreciation of
the interconnectedness of the world.
Interdisciplinary pedagogy emphasizes low teacher-student ratios that enable
highly interactive discussion-oriented classes, seminars, team-teaching,
self-directed inquiry, and experiential education. Experimentation and
innovation in teaching and learning styles lead to a flexible, progressive, and
integrated curriculum. Interdisciplinary Studies encourages students and
faculty to develop a sense of the world that is both broad and deep, to embark
upon a practice that allows one to learn, teach, create and research across the
boundaries that separate academic disciplines and that separate academic from
other forms of knowing.
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies is on the web at
www.ids.appstate.edu and available by telephone at (828) 262-3177.
WATAUGA RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE
The Watauga Residential College is an on-campus living/learning program
offering interdisciplinary coursework for freshmen and sophomores to fulfill
core curriculum requirements in English, history, the humanities, and the
social sciences. Required courses in mathematics, physical education, and the
sciences are usually taken through the regular curriculum, as are courses in
the student's chosen major. Students live together in the same residence hall
to integrate the academic program with students' personal and social
development and to connect students with the entire range of cultural and
interpersonal opportunities provided on campus. For more information, visit us
on the web at www.ids.appstate.edu/watauga.html or contact the director of
the Watauga Residential College.
INTERDISCIPLINARY SELECTED TOPICS COURSES
Each semester, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies offers selected
topics courses open to students from all departments. The emphasis is on
relevant, experimental, and imaginative subject matters and pedagogies that
require interdisciplinary approaches. While some courses may be taught more
than one semester, their topical character ensures variety and change. Recent
courses include: "Introduction to Sustainable Development," "Death, Dying and
Living," "Women's Realities," "The Many Faces of Poverty," "Non-Western
Spiritual Landscapes," "Marx for Beginners," "Introduction to Agroecology,"
"Women and Leadership," "Farmworkers," "Shakespeare and Film," "Mountain
Ecology," "Mountain Geography," "Roots of Chinese Culture," and "Latin America
Through Film." They typify the ethos and spirit of the program.
INTERDISCIPLINARY MAJORS
The general features of the B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies are:
(1) a series of core courses which give all IDS majors a firm grounding in
interdisciplinary perspectives and methods, and link them with the student's
study in their concentration; and (2) a set of sixteen concentrations.
All majors in interdisciplinary studies require a minimum of 122 semester
hours for the degree. A minor is required. In addition to core curriculum,
major, and minor requirements, electives must be taken to meet the total
required minimum hours.
1. The interdisciplinary core courses are as follows (15 s.h.):
IDS 3000, Histories of Knowledges (3 s.h.)
IDS 3150, Interdisciplinary Praxis (3 s.h.)
IDS 3300, Seminar I (3 s.h.)
IDS 3700, Seminar II (3 s.h.)
IDS 4550, Senior Seminar (3 s.h.)
2. The concentrations: Students are required to take one of the following
concentrations and to meet the requirements of the concentrations as
stated. In all concentrations, students may select other courses with the
consent of an IDS advisor. Courses taken for core curriculum credit may
not be counted toward the major.
American Studies
Focus on the U.S. and/or Western Hemisphere. The American cultural matrix will
be studied through a conscious application of interdisciplinary methods to an
analysis of the interrelationships among historical, economic, political,
artistic, literary, geographic and other factors which define the American
experience. The goal will be both theoretical and practical understanding of
American culture.
1. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language: Spanish is recommended.
2. Required courses:
a. ANT 2400 North American Indians
b. ENG 2310 American Literature
or
ENG 2320 American Literature
GHY 3012 U.S. and Canada
HIS 2201 Survey of American Civilization to 1876
HIS 2204 Survey of American Civilization since 1876
PS 4710 American Political Thought
3. Select 6 or more hours from the following:
ANT 2235, 2420, 2600, 4120; ART 3330, 3730; ECO 2040, 3551; ENG 2120,
3710, 4580, 4710, 4720, 4770, 4780, 4790, 4795, 4810; FDN 3800; GHY
3320; any history course in American history (including South and
Central America, and Canada); HIS 3422 (if topic is in American History);
IDS 2420 or 2421; MUS 2014, 2015; P&R 3050; any political science course
in American Politics (esp. PS 3130, 3230, 3330); SOC 3450, 4560.
Appalachian Studies
A study of the Appalachian Region through a conscious application of
interdisciplinary methods. The student will consider the perspectives of
history, folklore, economics, politics, ethnography, religion and literature to
develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the culture, needs and
potentials of this region.
1. Required course: (3 s.h.)
AS/IDS 2410 Introduction to Appalachian Studies, Humanities
OR
AS/IDS 2411 Introduction to Appalachian Studies, Social Sciences
2. Concentration core: select 3 courses from the following: (9 s.h.)
ANT 4120 Appalachian Culture
AS/MUS 2016 Appalachian Music
ENG 4720 Appalachian Literature
GHY 3320 Environmental Issues in Appalachia
HIS 3726 History of the Appalachian Region
P&R 4549 Seminar: Southern Appalachian Religion
PS 3630 Appalachian Politics
3. Electives: select 4 courses from the following: (12 s.h.)
Courses listed in the concentration core above beyond the 3 required may
be included.
BIO 5512 Local Flora (with permission)
OR
BIO 4550 Nature Study
ENG 3050 Studies in Folklore
ENG 4810 Advanced Folklore
FDN 4810 Education in Appalachian America
HIS 4575 Introduction to Public History
HIS 4660 Topics in Public and Applied History
P&R 3050 Religion in America
Selected topics courses (3530-3549) with Appalachia as the subject
(with consent of an IDS advisor).
Environmental Policy and Planning
By combining a background in science with the perspectives of economics,
planning, and political science, students will have the opportunity to
consider public responses to ecological issues. They will learn to formulate
and implement creative but practical public policy and procedures regarding
the environment.
1. Students choosing this concentration must complete a minor in biology,
chemistry, or geology. The minor in Biology must include BIO 3302
and 3312. For the minor in Geology, it is recommended that GLY 1103
be taken and either GLY 3333 and GLY 4620 or GLY 2735, 3150, 4620, and
4703 (Advanced Environmental Geology).
2. Required Planning Core:
PLN 2410 Introduction to Planning
PLN 3431 Planning Techniques
PLN 3730 Land Use Regulations
3. Select 13 or more hours from the following courses:
(Select at least two courses from each area).
AREA I: Economics/Anthropology
ECO 2030 Principles of Economics - Price Theory
ECO 3800 Urban and Regional Economics
ECO 4620 Environmental Economics
ANT 3150 Human Ecology of the Southern Appalachians
ANT 4565 Political Economy, Globalization and Rural Development
ANT 4570 Sustainable Development in the Modern World System
AREA II: Philosophy & Religion/Political Science
P&R 2000 Social Issues & Ethics
P&R 4300 Ethical Theory
PS 2130 State and Local Government
PS 3280 Public Policy Analysis
PS 4175 Public Opinion
4. Recommended cognates: with a minor in biology, CHE 1101, 1110, 1102, 1120,
2101, 2203; GLY 1101, 1103. With a minor in chemistry, BIO 1101 and 1102,
OR 1110, 3302, 3312; GLY 1101, 1103. With a minor in geology, BIO 1101
and 1102, OR 1110, 3302, 3312; CHE 1101, 1110, 1102, 1120, 2101, 2203.
Individually-Designed
This concentration allows students to tailor a major to their particular
academic and career goals. Students selecting this concentration must design a
clear, defensible statement of goals explaining why such goals can best be met
through interdisciplinary means. Additionally, the student must complete a
"Program of Study Contract" consisting of a minimum of 24 semester hours
selected from two or more disciplines with at least 12 semester hours at the
3000 level or above. The contract must be approved by an IDS advisor; the
contract may be changed, but only with the approval of the IDS advisor and the
IDS chair. A copy of the contract must be on file in the office of the dean of
the College of Arts and Sciences.
International Studies: Asia
The Asian cultural matrix will be studied through a conscious application of
interdisciplinary methods to an analysis of the relationships among historical,
economic, political, artistic, literary, geographic and other perspectives
which define the Asian experience. The goal will be both theoretical and
practical understanding of Asian cultures.
1. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language appropriate to an Asian
area of study (e.g., Chinese).
2. Required Asian courses:
GHY 3015 The Geography of Asia
P&R 2040 Religions of Asia
A sequence of two of the following courses is required. Students may
choose either two Islamic/Middle East history courses, or two East
Asia/China history courses to fulfill this requirement. Additional
courses may be taken from this list to fulfill any two of the 12 hour
Asian electives requirements.
HIS 2334 History of the Classical Islamic World
and HIS 3336 The Revolutionary Middle East
HIS 2334 History of the Classical Islamic World
and HIS 3334 History of the Modern Middle East
HIS 2322 History of Traditional China
and HIS 3322 History of Modern China
HIS 2322 History of Traditional China
and HIS 3326 Modern East Asia
3. Select 12 hours from the following courses:
China - HIS 3322
India - HIS 3332
Japan - HIS 3324; P&R 3440
Islam - HIS 3334; P&R 2030, 3430; PS 4744
International Studies: East European, Russian and Central Asian Studies
The East European, Russian and Central Asian cultural formations will be
studied through a conscious application of interdisciplinary methods to an
analysis of the relationships among historical, economic, political, artistic,
literary, geographic and other perspectives which define the Eastern European,
Russian and Central Asian experience. The goal will be both theoretical and
practical understanding of this complex geo-political area.
1. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language must be met by Russian
or another appropriate East European language.
2. Required courses:
GHY 3011 Europe and the Russian Realm
HIS 4550 Tsarist Russia
HIS 4552 The Soviet Union and Russia
3. Select 12 hours from the following courses:
ECO 3530-49* (Selected Topics); ECO 4640*; FL 3530-49*; HIS 3530-49*
(Selected Topics); PS 3530-49* (Selected Topics); PS 5040 (permission
required).
*courses on East European, Russian, or Central Asian topics only.
International Studies: Germany
Those who pursue this concentration will have the opportunity to experience a
richly varied understanding of the German language, history, political economy,
and culture. The continuity of German and European cultural history--as well
as their discontinuity--will be examined, in an attempt to assess the evolving
position of the Germans in a uniting Europe. In this as in other IDS
concentrations, the student will have the opportunity to learn to bring into
useful dialogue the analytic languages, methodologies and preoccupations of a
variety of disciplines.
1. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language: German is required
for this concentration.
2. Required courses (unless exempted by permission of FL&L):
GER 2010 Conversation and Composition I
GER 2015 Conversation and Composition II
GER 3050 Culture and Civilization of Germany
OR
GER 3055 Culture and Civilization of Modern Germany
Select two courses from: (for a total of six hours):
GER 2025 Introduction to Literature
GER 3015 Selections of German Literature I
GER 3025 Selections of German Literature II
GER 3030 German Phonetics and Diction
GER 3075 Advanced Conversation
GER 3080 Advanced Grammar and Composition
GER 3090 Business German
GER 3530-49 Selected Topics
GER 3550 German Customs and Folklore
3. Select 9 hours from the following courses
(choose from at least two different areas):
ECO 3410, 4640; GHY 3011; HIS 3130, 3132, 3134, 3150, 3152, 3922;
MGT 3800; PS 2120, 2240, 4540; P&R 3200, 3300.
4. German Studies concentrators may not minor in German unless they take
an additional minor besides German.
International Studies: Latin America
The Latin American cultural matrix will be studied through a conscious
application of interdisciplinary methods to an analysis of the relationships
among historical, economic, political, artistic, literary, geographic and other
perspectives which define the Latin American experience. The goal will be both
theoretical and practical understanding of Latin American cultures.
1. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language: Spanish is required for
this concentration.
2. Required courses:
HIS 2301-2302 History of Colonial Latin American/History of Modern
Latin America
3. Select 18 hours from the following:
ANT 4110 Meso American Archeology
ANT 4130 Meso American Ethnology
ANT 4565 Political Economy, Globalization and Rural Development
ANT 4570 Sustainable Development in the Modern World System
FL 4010 Afro-Hispanic Literature
GHY 3014 Geography of Latin America
HIS 3301 Twentieth Century South America
HIS 3303 History of Mexico
IDS 2430 Introduction to Latin American Studies
PS 4748 Latin American Politics
SNH 2025 Introduction to Literature
SNH 3025 Selections of Spanish American Literature
SNH 3055 Culture and Civilization of Spanish America
SNH 4063 Hispanic Life-Ways
4. A student may substitute a seminar or appropriate research project for
one of the courses above with the written approval of the Latin
American Studies Committee. Credit toward meeting the above
requirements also may be earned by attending one of the several ASU
study abroad programs in Latin America with the written approval of the
Latin American Studies Committee.
International Studies: Modern Europe
The European cultural matrix will be studied through a conscious application of
interdisciplinary methods to an analysis of the relationships among historical,
economic, political, artistic, literary, geographic and other perspectives
which define the modern European experience. The goal will be both theoretical
and practical understanding of modern European cultures.
1. Required course:
GHY 3011 Europe and the Russian Realm
Select one of the following history series:
HIS 3130-3132 Early Modern Europe, 1600-1815/Nineteenth Century Europe
HIS 3132-3134 Nineteenth Century Europe/Twentieth Century Europe
Select one of the following political science or philosophy and
religion courses:
PS 4540 (Studies in Regional Political Patterns: Government and
Politics of Western Europe) or
P&R 3200 Modern Philosophy
2. Select 12 hours from the following courses (select at least one course
from at least two of the following areas).
Area I: anthropology/economics/political science
ECO 2040, 3410, 4630, 4640; PS 2240, 3210.
Area II: history
HIS 3128, 3142
Area III: language/literature/culture
ART/P&R/THR 2012; ART 2130, 3430; ENG 2020, 3710, 4830, 4840,
4850, 4860, 4870, 4880, 4895; MUS 2611, 2612, 3611; P&R 2025, 2026,
3300; all courses in French, Spanish or German at the 1000 level or
above (courses taken to fulfill B.A. language requirement in foreign
languages may not count toward the major).
International Studies: Third World
The cultural matrix of the Third World will be studied through a conscious
application of interdisciplinary methods to an analysis of the relationships
among historical, economic, political, artistic, literary, geographic and other
perspectives which define the Third World experience. The goal will be both
theoretical and practical understanding of the Third World.
1. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language must be met by a language
appropriate to the study of Third World societies. Colonial languages
such as French and Spanish would qualify.
2. Required courses: select 24 hours from the following courses
(Select at least one course from each area).
Area I: anthropology/interdisciplinary studies
ANT 1215, 2420, 3420, 3430, 4130, 4565, 4570, 4600; IDS 2430
Area II: geography/technology
GHY 1020 (required if not taken for core curriculum credit), 3014,
3015, 3210, TEC 4638.
Area III: history
(Select one of the following sets)
HIS 2301-2302
HIS 2421-2422
HIS 2334 & 3336
HIS 2334 & 3334
HIS 2322 & 3322
HIS 2322 & 3326
Area IV: history/political science
HIS 2302, 2422, 3303, 3322, 3326, 3332, 3334, 3336;
PS 2120, 2240, 3320, 4220, 4742, 4744, 4748
Area V: art/foreign languages/philosophy & religion
ART 3630, 4730
FL 4010; FRE 4010; SNH 2025, 3025, 3055, 4063
P&R 2030, 2040, 3420, 3440.
Internet Studies
The concentration in Internet Studies under the B.A. degree in
Interdisciplinary Studies provides students with the opportunity to study and
explore the social, political, technical, cultural, and artistic dimensions of
the Internet. The goal is to help students gain an understanding of the impacts
this emerging technology is having on our world, as well as provide practical
experience in Internet technologies. The concentration consists of 24 semester
hours, with at least 12 semester hours at the 3000 level or above. Students
must take a minimum of 9 s.h. from the list of Technical/Design courses; a
minimum of 9 s.h. from the list of Culture/Politics courses; IDS 3250, Internet
Studies (3 s.h.), a required seminar for this concentration; plus an additional
3 s.h. from either list. A minor is also required for this concentration.
1. Technical/Design courses:
(Select a minimum of 9 s.h. from the following list of courses.)
ART 1011, Design Fundamentals I
ART 1012, Design Fundamentals II
CI 4810, Introduction to Sight and Sound
CI 4840, Beginning Video Production
Either CIS 1025, Computer Skills for Business,
OR CS 1410, Introduction to Computer Applications, but not both.
CIS 2990, Information Technology for Business
CS 1425, Overview of Computer Science
CS 1440, Computer Science I
CS 2440, Computer Science II
CS 4570, Human-Computer Interfaces
TEC 1017, Communications Technology
TEC 3702, Electronic Imaging
Approved Selected Topics courses as available.
2. Culture/Politics courses:
(Select a minimum of 9 s.h. from the following list of courses.)
ANT 2420, Gender, Race and Class
ANT 4570, Sustainable Development in the Modern World System
ART 2230, History of Graphic Design
ART 3430, History of Twentieth Century Art
CI 4830, Media Literacy
COM 3200, Internet Communication
COM 3300, Mass Media and Society
P&R 3400, Contemporary Continental Philosophy
P&R 3600, Philosophy of Science
PS 4220, Globalization
SOC 3450, Popular Culture
TEC 2029, Society and Technology
Approved Selected Topics courses as available.
3. Required: IDS 3250, Internet Studies (a required seminar for this
concentration); plus an additional 3 s.h. from either the list of
Technical/Design courses or the list of Culture/Politics courses noted above.
4. A minor is required. Students choosing this concentration must also
complete a minor (12-20 semester hours credit). A minimum of 9 s.h. of courses
taken to fulfill the minor requirements must be courses offered by Appalachian.
Liberal Studies: Classical Period
A study of the foundational traditions--both intellectual and artistic--of the
West. Students will have the opportunity to trace the emergence of such
cultural syntheses and movements as Athenian Democracy, Hellenistic and
Rabbinic Judaism, Imperial Rome, the Medieval Church, the Renaissance and
Reformation.
1. Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language: recommended that the
requirement be met in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew; however, German and
French are acceptable.
2. Required courses: select 24 hours from the following courses
(select at least one course from each area).
Area I: philosophy and religion
P&R 2025, 3430
Area II: history/philosophy and religion
HIS 3122; P&R 3000
Area III: fine arts
ART 2030, ART/THR/P&R 2012
Area IV: literature/theatre history
ENG 2010, 2030, 4660, 4820, 4830, 4840, 4850; FL 2010; FRE 3015, 3050;
GER 3015; THR 3730
Area V: history/religion/political science
HIS 3124, 3126, 3128, 3138, 3140; P&R 2020, 2025, 2026, 3010, 3020;
PS 3110.
Liberal Studies: Modern Period
A study of the causes and consequences of the Enlightenment--the movements,
revolutions, reactions and revivals which led to and derived from it.
Appreciating the elements of Western Culture that preceeded the Enlightenment,
the student will have the opportunity to trace the progress of liberalism,
nationalism, romanticism, socialism and evolutionary theory. From this
intellectual basis, the student will have the opportunity to engage
contemporary discussions about post-modernity, pluralism, and the prospects
for achieving a global cultural system.
1. Required courses: select 24 hours from the following courses
(select at least one course from each area).
Area I: history/philosophy and religion
HIS 3130, 3132, 3134, 3142, 3422, 3530*, 3922; P&R 3600
Area II: English
ENG 2040, 2100, 3710, 4730, 4760, 4790, 4795, 4860, 4870, 4880, 4890, 4895
Area III: fine arts
ART/THR/P&R 2013;
ART 2130, 3330, 3430; THR 3735
Area IV: economics/philosophy and religion/political science/psychology
ECO 4630; P&R 3300; PS 3210, 4710; PSY 4658
Area V: geography
GHY 1020, 3011, 3200, 4200, 4230
For students who meet prerequisites, the following are possible:
FL 4020; FRE 3025, 3055; GER 3025, 3050; SNH 3015, 3025, 3050, 3055.
*Selected topics - as available.
Sustainable Development
The concentration in Sustainable Development under the B.A. degree in
Interdisciplinary Studies grows from the United Nations definition of
sustainable development - "meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs" - adding,
"sustainable development is a participatory process of meeting basic human
needs. It is a socio-economic process that does not undermine the community
(and culture) of a people or the environments in which they live." The program
connects courses in environmental science, ethics, agroecology, social science,
and technology with others specifically addressing sustainable development to
assist students to understand the potential for and the obstacles to
sustainable development. We welcome students of all academic interests
including the humanities, arts, and liberal arts, as well as bio-physical and
social science.
1. Required courses:
IDS 2530 Selected Topics: Introduction to Sustainable Development
P&R 2015 Environmental Ethics
IDS 3251 Principles of Agroecology
ANT 4570 Sustainable Development in the Modern World System
2. Select twelve hours from the list of courses provided below.
At least three hours (one course) must be from each category (Environmental
Science, Social Science, Technology). Course substitutions may be accepted with
the approval of the Director of Sustainable Development. Students majoring with
a concentration in Sustainable Development must have their minors approved by
their advisors.
Environmental Science:
BIO 3302 Ecology
BIO 3312 Environmental Studies
CHE 4620 Environmental Chemistry
GLY 1103 Introduction to Environmental and Applied Geology
Social Science:
ANT 2420 Gender, Race and Class
ANT 3550 Applied Anthropology
ANT/PS 4220 Globalization
ANT 4565 Political Economy, Globalization and Rural Development
GHY 3200 Geographic Perspectives on Human Behavior
GHY 3210 Economic Geography
ECO 3620 Environmental Economics
Technology:
TEC 2029 Society and Technology
TEC 4608 Renewable Electricity Technology
TEC 4618 Sustainable Building Design and Construction
TEC 4628 Solar Thermal Energy Technology
Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the Director of
Sustainable Development. In particular, several departments, including those
listed above, regularly offer "Selected Topics" courses of direct relevance to
the study of sustainable development.
Urban Studies
An introduction to a broad spectrum of urban issues, focusing on problems
resulting from rapid urbanization in the late 20th Century and analyzing these
issues in a historical context. The goal will be both theoretical and practical
understanding of urban culture.
1. Required courses:
ECO 3800 Urban and Regional Economics
GHY 4200 Urban Geography
HIS 3824 American Urban History
PS 3330 Urban Politics
SOC 4710 Rural and Urban Communities
2. Select 9 hours from the following courses
(select at least one course from each area).
Area I:
ANT 3550, 4565; ECO 2030, 2040; GHY 3210; PS 2130, 2160, 3280;
SOC 3530* (Selected Topics: Women, Crime, and Criminal Justice).
Area II:
FCS 4315; PLN 2410; P&R 2000; PSY 2402, 3206; SOC 4250, 4710, 4850;
SW 2020.
*Selected topics - as available.
Women's Studies
The Women's Studies Program provides academic leadership to the Appalachian
State University community for the study of women, women's and gender issues,
and gender/feminist/womanist theories. This leadership finds expression both
in the classroom as well as in a variety of other venues. In order to
accomplish this mission, the program offers:
- a new approach to traditional academic disciplines by incorporating
the study and contributions of women;
- an interdisciplinary model of scholarship constructed around women's
and gender issues as well as gender/feminist/womanist theories;
- an open atmosphere for the exchange of ideas and expressions of concern over
a wide range of women's and gender issues on our campus and in our society.
By means of a woman-centered interdisciplinary and cross-cultural analysis,
this concentration seeks to rectify the omission of women from traditional
university curricula. The goal is to broaden student knowledge about women in
history, society, literature and culture. Both historic and contemporary
materials are used, and a variety of methodologies--both theoretical and
practical--are employed.
1. Required courses:
a. Select one of the following:
SOC 2850, or IDS 2420 (Introduction to Women's Studies, Humanities)
or IDS 2421 (Introduction to Women's Studies, Social Sciences).
b. Select one women's history course: e.g. HIS 3422 Women in History,
HIS 3530* (Selected Topics: Topics in Women's History), or another
women's history course.
c. Select one of the following theory courses: IDS 3530* Feminist Theories,
P&R 3530* Feminist Philosophy, or PS 3530* Feminist Political Theory.
2. Select 15 hours from the following courses
(at least one course must be humanities and one course must be social
science).
Humanities courses:
ART 2011 (Art Introduction with Women's Studies emphasis)
ART 3530* (Selected Topics: Women Artists; The Politics of the Image;
Art, Media, Politics; etc.)
ENG 3710 (Studies in Women and Literature)
ENG 4710 (Advanced Studies in Women and Literature)
IDS 3530* (Selected Topics: women's studies courses designated as
humanities credit, e.g., Women and Film; Women and Spirituality; Womanist
Theory and Literature; Introduction to Gay and Lesbian Studies; etc.)
P&R 3015 (Women in the Biblical Tradition)
P&R 3530* (Selected Topics: Philosophy, Religion and Sexuality;
Feminist Philosophy; etc.)
Social science courses:
ANT 2420 (Gender, Race and Class)
ANT 3420 (Women and Gender in Anthropology)
HED 3530* (Selected Topics: Women's Health, for example)
HIS 5530* (with permission)
HPC 5130 (with permission)
IDS 3530* (Selected Topics: women's studies courses designated as
social science credit, e.g., Women and Work; Women and Sports; Women
and Development; Women and the Law; etc.)
PS 3530* (Selected Topics: Feminist Political Theory, for example)
PSY 2305 (Psychology of Gender)
PSY 3530* (Selected Topics: The Psychology of Sex Differences, for example)
SOC 3530* (Selected Topics: Women, Crime, and Criminal Justice, for example)
SOC 4650 (Women: Offenders, Victims, Practitioners)
*Selected topics - as available.
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINORS
AREA STUDIES
Minor in Asian Studies
A student may earn an undergraduate minor in Asian Studies by successful
completion of an interdisciplinary program of 18 semester hours. Requirements
include:
1. Core requirement: (a) A sequence of HIS 2334 & 3336, HIS 2334 & 3334, HIS
2322 & 3322, or HIS 2322 & 3326, OR (b) GHY 3015 and P&R 2040.
Any of the above courses not taken to fulfill the core requirement may be
used as electives.
2. Electives: 12 semester hours of Asian studies courses chosen from at least
two department offerings,
3. Foreign Language: the B.A. student should choose a foreign language
appropriate to the area of study; the student earning the B.S. degree should
have a beginning level ability in a foreign language appropriate to the area
of study, chosen in consultation with the Asian studies curriculum
coordinator.
Students may select courses with a goal of breadth of understanding of issues
in Asia, or may choose to focus on one area or research issue.
Current catalog listings from which courses can be chosen are listed below.
Other appropriate courses such as independent study courses, may be chosen with
approval of the Asian studies curriculum coordinator.
Courses cannot be used for the minor if fulfilling core curriculum
requirements.
Elective courses:
GHY 3015 The Geography of Asia
HIS 3322 History of Modern China
HIS 3324 History of Modern Japan
HIS 3332 History of Modern India
HIS 3334 History of the Modern Middle East
P&R 2030 Islamic Religion and Culture
P&R 2040 Religions of Asia
P&R 3430 Judaism
P&R 3440 Zen Buddhism
PS 4540 Studies in Regional Political Patterns (Middle East)
PS 4744 Government and Politics of the Middle East
CHN 1010 Beginning Chinese I
CHN 1020 Beginning Chinese II
CHN 1040 Intermediate Chinese I
CHN 1050 Intermediate Chinese II
JPN 1010 Beginning Japanese I
JPN 1020 Beginning Japanese II
JPN 1040 Intermediate Japanese I
JPN 1050 Intermediate Japanese II
Minor in Black Studies
The Black Studies minor is offered as a start in meeting the needs of black
students who seek to explore their heritage and non-black students who want to
understand something of the black experience. The curriculum draws on a holding
of nearly 2,000 books and periodicals in Belk Library and presently includes 28
semester hours of offerings. The minor will consist of 16 semester hours chosen
from among the 28. Other courses deemed relevant by the student may count
toward the minor upon approval from Dr. Bruce Dick, Department of English.
Courses approved for the minor include: ANT 3530 (Selected Topics); ENG 2120
(Black Literature); HIS 2421, 2422 (History of Africa); HIS 3230 (Recent U.S.
History); HIS 3720 (History of the Old South); P&R 2030 (Islamic Religion and
Culture); PS 4540 (Regional Political Patterns: Government and Politics of
Africa South of the Sahara); SOC 4560 (Race and Minority Relations);
Independent Study (up to four hours for credit toward minor).
Minor in East European, Russian and Central Asian Studies
The minor in East European, Russian and Central Asian Studies is offered to
students who wish to explore the full context of the past and present concerns
of Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia.
Curriculum offerings, projects, and research relating to the region are
coordinated by the coordinator of the East European, Russian and Central
Asian Studies minor. Students are advised to contact the coordinator early in
their studies.
A student may earn an undergraduate minor in East European, Russian and
Central Asian studies by successfully completing an interdisciplinary program
of 18-21 hours. Each student must take 12 semester hours from the core
(including six in Russian languages) and six from the approved elective hours.
Courses cannot be used for the minor if fulfilling core curriculum
requirements.
1. Core - 12 hours
RSN 1010 Beginning Russian I 3 s.h.
RSN 1020 Beginning Russian II 3 s.h.
RSN 1040 Intermediate Russian I 3 s.h.
RSN 1050 Intermediate Russian II 3 s.h.
HIS 4550 Tsarist Russia
or
HIS 4552 The Soviet Union and Russia 3 s.h.
GHY 3011 Europe and the Russian Realm 3 s.h.
2. Electives - 6 hours
The remaining six hours of this minor must be approved by the coordinator.
These courses may be taken in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Fine
and Applied Arts, and Education. Possibilities include, but are not limited to,
any remaining core courses and
HIS 3530 Selected Topics: Soviet-Chinese Borders and/or World at War 3 s.h.
Pertinent courses in Russian/Eastern European literature (selected
topics, and/or honors) (as available) 3 s.h.
Minor in Internet Studies
The minor in Internet Studies is offered to students wishing to supplement
their major with an interdisciplinary exploration of the Internet. The minor
consists of 18 semester hours. Students must take a minimum of 6 s.h. from the
list of Technical/Design courses; a minimum of 6 s.h. from the list of
Culture/Politics courses; IDS 3250, Internet Studies (3 s.h.), a required
seminar for this minor; plus an additional 3 s.h. from either list.
1. Technical/Design courses:
(Select a minimum of 6 s.h. from the following list of courses.)
ART 1011, Design Fundamentals I
ART 1012, Design Fundamentals II
CI 4810, Introduction to Sight and Sound
CI 4840, Beginning Video Production
Either CIS 1025, Computer Skills for Business,
OR CS 1410, Introduction to Computer Applications, but not both.
CIS 2990, Information Technology for Business
CS 1425, Overview of Computer Science
CS 1440, Computer Science I
CS 2440, Computer Science II
CS 4570, Human-Computer Interfaces
TEC 1017, Communications Technology
TEC 3702, Electronic Imaging
Approved Selected Topics courses as available.
2. Culture/Politics courses:
(Select a minimum of 6 s.h. from the following list of courses.)
ANT 2420, Gender, Race and Class
ANT 4570, Sustainable Development in the Modern World System
ART 2230, History of Graphic Design
ART 3430, History of Twentieth Century Art
CI 4830, Media Literacy
COM 3200, Internet Communication
COM 3300, Mass Media and Society
P&R 3400, Contemporary Continental Philosophy
P&R 3600, Philosophy of Science
PS 4220, Globalization
SOC 3450, Popular Culture
TEC 2029, Society and Technology
Approved Selected Topics courses as available.
Minor in Latin American Studies
A student may earn an undergraduate minor in Latin American Studies by
successful completion of an interdisciplinary program which must include:
1. Intermediate proficiency in Spanish or the equivalent;
2. At least 18 semester hours, chosen from the following:
ANT 4110 Meso American Archeology
ANT 4130 Meso American Ethnology
ANT 4565 Political Economy, Globalization and Rural Development
ANT 4570 Sustainable Development in the Modern World System
FL 4010 Afro-Hispanic Literature
GHY 3014 Geography of Latin America
HIS 2301 History of Colonial Latin America
HIS 2302 History of Modern Latin America
HIS 3301 Twentieth Century South America
HIS 3303 History of Mexico
IDS 2430 Introduction to Latin American Studies
PS 4748 Latin American Politics
SNH 2025 Introduction to Literature
SNH 3025 Selections of Spanish American Literature
SNH 3055 Culture and Civilization of Spanish America
SNH 4063 Hispanic Life-Ways
3. A student may substitute a seminar or appropriate research project for one
of the courses above with the written approval of the Latin American Studies
Committee. Credit toward meeting the above requirements also may be earned
by attending one of the several ASU study abroad programs in Latin America
with the written approval of the Latin American Studies Committee.
Courses cannot be used for the minor if fulfilling core curriculum
requirements. No more than six hours of courses which a student elects to count
toward this minor can also be included in a major.
Minor in Sustainable Development
A minor in sustainable development consists of 18 semester hours. Of these,
nine are required and nine are elective courses. The required courses are TEC
2029, Society and Technology; ANT 4570, Sustainable Development in the Modern
World System; and one approved practical course. The elective courses are to be
chosen in consultation with the sustainable development advisor, Dr. Jeff
Boyer.
Minor in Women's Studies
A student earns an undergraduate minor in women's studies by successful
completion of an interdisciplinary program of 15 semester hours. Each student
is required to take a women's history course and one interdisciplinary women's
studies course, preferably "Introduction to Women's Studies" (IDS 2420 or
2421), as well as nine additional hours, selected from those listed.
Substitutions may be made with the approval of the director; for example, "The
American Woman: A Social and Cultural History" may be substituted for "Women in
the Western World." All courses counting toward the minor must be at the 2000
level or above.
1. Required courses (6 hours)
a. HIS 3530* (Selected Topics: Topics in Women's History)
OR
HIS 3422 Women in History
OR another women's history course 3 s.h.
b. One interdisciplinary studies course:
IDS 2420 (Introduction to Women's Studies, Humanities),
or IDS 2421 (Introduction to Women's Studies, Social Sciences),
IDS 3530* Selected Topics (recent offerings: Women and Film;
Appalachian Women; Womanist Theory and Literature; Women and
Spirituality; Introduction to Gay and Lesbian Studies; Feminist
Theories; Women and Leadership; Women's Health; Notorious Women; etc.)
2. Electives (9 hours)
a. ANT 2420 Gender, Race and Class
ANT 3420 Women and Gender in Anthropology
b. ART 2011 Art Introduction (with women's studies emphasis)
ART 3530* Selected Topics: Women Artist, etc.
c. ENG 3710 Studies in Women and Literature
ENG 4710 Advanced Studies in Women and Literature
ENG 5650 Gender Studies (with permission)
d. HED 3530* Selected Topics: Women's Health, etc.
e. HIS 5530* Selected Topics: Historiography of the Woman Question
(with permission)
f. HPC 5130 Women's Issues in Counseling (with permission)
g. IDS 3530* Selected Topics: women's studies courses
h. P&R 3015 Women in the Biblical Tradition
P&R 3530* Selected Topics: Feminist Philosophy, etc.
i. PS 3530* Selected Topics: Feminist Political Theory, etc.
j. PSY 2305 Psychology of Gender
k. SOC 2850 Gender and Society
SOC 4650 Women: Offenders, Victims, Practitioners
*Selected topics - as available.
3. Other electives will be added as the program develops.
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (IDS)
This catalog reflects only the fall and spring semester courses. Courses
offered in summer terms can be found in the Summer Sessions Bulletin.
(For a description of the course abbreviations used in the following list of
courses, see the index for abbreviations.)