Interdisciplinary Studies

ARTS & HUMANITIES DIVISION

• Course Descriptions
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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 Michael Meyer at (425) 564-2537.

LIFE WITH DOGS: THE CANINE CONNECTION • 10 CR

This class will explore the whys and hows of the remarkable partnership between dogs and human beings, and its impacts on American culture and literature. Students will be writing numerous papers on this topic, through both personal response papers and formal essays. They will also be involved in “hands-on” activities, analyzing early dog development and genetic inheritance, as well as exploring current ethical issues, such as breed bans, greater government restrictions on breeding, spay and neuter laws, etc. Guest speakers will highlight the difficulties shelters and humane societies face today with abandoned animals, as well as the unusual and sometimes amazing services dog perform for us. Thus the course will interweave various outcomes across disciplines of critical thinking, writing and reading to synthesize complex topics, analysis of contemporary ethical positions regarding the treatment of animals, and learning to reach original conclusions using the scientific method.

To receive 10 credits from the following courses:

• AMST 286 Popular Culture (5 CR) OR
• ENGL& 111 Introduction to Literature (5 CR) AND
• ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 CR) OR
• ENGL 201 The Research Paper (5 CR) OR
• ENGL 271 Expository Writing (5 CR)

Instructors:

•     Laura Burns, English & American Studies
•     Michael Meyer, English & American Studies

Register for:

INTER 125              Life with Dogs: The Canine Connection • 10 CR

ENGL Prerequisite: Eligible to register for ENGL& 101 or ENGL 201 or ENGL 271. Fee: $20.50 lab.

         A                team taught          daily      8:30a-10:20a           R110AB

It IS All About Me: Writing and Reflecting About the Self • 10 CR

This class will be an exploration of identity, or self. We will look at the concepts of gender, race, class, physical and mental ability, appearance, religious beliefs and other parts that contribute to making one a whole person. If you want to take time to learn more about yourself, then this is the right class for you. Through reading and writing students will begin to analyze the components of the self as a social construction and how that self interacts with others.

Receive 10 credits from the following courses:

• ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 CR) OR
• ENGL 201 The Research Paper (5 CR) AND
• AMST 200 Cultural Pluralism (5 CR) OR
• ENGL& 111 Introduction to Literature (5 CR) OR
• ENGL 131 Introduction to Literature (5 CR) OR
• ETHN 100 Race in the U.S. (5 CR)

Instructors:

• Donna Miguel, English
• Kimberly Pollock, American & Ethnic Studies

Register for:

INTER 125              It IS All About Me: Writing and Reflecting About the Self • 10 CR

Prerequisite: Eligible to register for ENGL& 101 or ENGL 201. Fee: $20.50 lab use.

         B                team taught          daily      10:30a-12:20p        R110AB

THE GREAT DIRECTORS & COMPOSERS: THE ART OF SIGHT & SOUND • 10 CR

The grand opening credits of Star Wars, the diabolical shower scene in Psycho, and the mystical tension throughout The Lord of the Rings; the combination of visual images and musical sounds create excitement, horror, and wonder within the viewer. How do directors and composers collaborate to create a shared vision? How does the combination of visuals and music make a film more successful? This class will focus on the history of film production & music in film and its impact on the audience.

Receive 10 credits from the following courses:

• CMST 120 Film History (5 CR) AND

• • MUSC 118 History of Music in Film (5 CR)

Instructors:

•     Ron Austin, Communication Studies
•     Brian Cobb, Music

Register for:

INTER 135              The Great Directors & Composers: The Art of Sight & Sound • 10 CR

CMST 120 Recommendation: ENGL& 101 and completion of any CMST Theory course.

         HYA          team taught        TWTh      12:30p-3:45p          R110AB

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: $12.55.