Interdisciplinary Studies

ARTS & HUMANITIES DIVISION

• Course Descriptions
• Department website
• Division Website

Interdisciplinary Studies combines the study of several subjects into one integrated course or “learning community,” usually for ten or more credits. Each IDS course features a theme that forms a common thread across disciplines.

The focus of these courses is YOU. Students learn with each other and from each other by discussing readings in small groups (seminars), taking part in group activities, and, in some courses, by taking field trips. These programs emphasize the process of learning as well as course content. The student-centered, discussion-oriented format encourages and supports different points of view and creates a social climate that promotes collaborative learning.

For additional information regarding the Interdisciplinary Studies program, contact Star Rush at (425) 564-2550.

BITE ME: Consumption in U.S. Society • 11 CR

Frankenfood or Organic; Hemp or Polyester; Mansion or Condo - How do you choose? Bacteria genes in tomatoes, hormones in meat, insecticides in potatoes - Do you know what’s in your food? The focus of this course is the impacts of lifestyle choices in regard to food, clothing and shelter. We will examine our behaviors, choices, responsibilities and the consequences of our actions to our communities, nation and the entire globe by investigating ecosystem interconnections. Through our readings and discussions, we will evaluate diverse opinions and values in order to scrutinize our own personal beliefs.

Receive 11 credits from the following courses:

• BIOL& 100 Survey of Biology (prev BIOL 100 Introductory Biology) • 6 CR OR
• BOTAN 110 Introduction to Plant Biology • 6 CR AND
• ENGL& 101 English Composition I • 5 CR OR
• ENGL 201 The Research Paper • 5 CR OR
• ENGL 271 Expository Writing • 5 CR OR
• ENGL 272 Expository Writing II • 5 CR

Instructors:

Michael Hanson, Biology & Botany

Michael Meyer, English

Register for:

INTER 125               Bite Me: Consumption in U.S. Society • 11 CR

Prerequisite: Eligible to register for ENGL& 101 or ENGL 201 or ENGL 271 or ENGL 272. Fees: $18.80 lab use; $35.40 Science lab.

        A                team taught       TWThF       8:30a-11:20a           R110AB

BITE ME: Consumption in U.S. Society • 10 CR

Frankenfood or Organic; Hemp or Polyester; Mansion or Condo - How do you choose? Bacteria genes in tomatoes, hormones in meat, insecticides in potatoes - Do you know what’s in your food? The focus of this course is the impacts of lifestyle choices in regard to food, clothing and shelter. We will examine our behaviors, choices, responsibilities and the consequences of our actions to our communities, nation and the entire globe by investigating ecosystem interconnections. Through our readings and discussions, we will evaluate diverse opinions and values in order to scrutinize our own personal beliefs.

Receive 10 credits from the following courses:

• ENGL& 101 English Composition I (prev ENGL 101 Written Expression) • 5 CR OR
• ENGL 201 The Research Paper • 5 CR OR
• ENGL 271 Expository Writing • 5 CR OR
• ENGL 272 Expository Writing II • 5 CR AND
• NUTR 130 Nutrition and the Human Body • 5 CR OR
• ENVS& 100 Survey of Environmental Science (prev Ecology& the Biosphere) • 5 CR

Instructors:

Michael Hanson, Nutrition & Environmental Science

Michael Meyer, English

Register for:

INTER 125               Bite Me: Consumption in U.S. Society • 10 CR

ENGL Prerequisite: Eligible to register for ENGL& 101 (prev ENGL 101) or ENGL 201 or ENGL 271 or ENGL 272. NUTR 130: Same as BIOL 130 and HOMEC 130. Only one of the three may be taken for credit. Recommended: BIOL& 160 • prev BIOL 101). Fees: $18.80 lab.

        B                team taught           TThF       8:30a-11:20a           R110AB
                 also meets W        8:30a-9:20a R110AB

FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE: THE GOOD LIFE • 10 CR

How do I create “the good life” for myself? For that matter how do I make it through school? In this 10 credit course we will demystify academic life while examining cultures around the world including the U.S.A. We will improve our writing skills and learn to think critically about culture through writing about sociology. Class objectives include developing strategies for success in: reading, writing, studying, test taking, participating in class discussions, online learning, presentations, time management and goal setting. Additionally, we will learn about on campus resources and how to use them. By joining our comfortable learning environment you will gain confidence in your own unique abilities as a student to navigate the academic demands of college life.

Receive 10 credits from the following courses:

• ENGL 092 Development English • 5 CR OR
• ENGL 093 Composition for Non-Native Speakers • 5 CR OR
• ENGL& 101 English Composition I • 5 CR AND
• SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology • 5 CR

Instructors:

Sue Cox, Sociology

Arline Davis, English

Register for:

INTER 135               Freshman Experience: The Good Life • 10 CR

ENGL Prerequisite: Eligible to register for ENGL 092 or ENGL& 101. Fees: $18.80 lab use. This class combines classroom and online learning. Computer use required. Additional Fee: $11.50

        C                team taught        MTThF       9:30a-11:20a           R106AB