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 General 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) OR
• ENGL& 111 Introduction to Literature (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: $19.75 lab use; $37.20 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 (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
• ENGL& 111 Introduction to Literature (5 CR) OR
• NUTR 130 Nutrition and the Human Body (5 CR) OR
• ENVSC 204 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 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 101. Fee: $19.75 lab.

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

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE: CREATING THE GOOD LIFE • 10 CR

How do I create “the good life” for myself? For that matter, how do I make it through college. Get answers to these questions while developing your sociology and English skills in “Creating the Good 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 110 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, 093 or ENGL& 101. Fee: $19.75 lab use. This class combines classroom and online learning. Computer use. required. Additional Fee: $11.50.

          HYA         team taught      MTThF      12:30p-2:20p          L126

Section HYA is a hybrid class. On campus sessions meet on the days listed. The balance of instruction occurs online as directed by the course syllabus. Significant computer use. Additional Fee: $12.05.