Interdisciplinary Studies

College of Arts and Sciences
Morgan Hall, Rm. 108

Course Offerings

 

 

 

IS 090 Introduction to Academic, Cultural & Social Life in the United States (2)
For international students seeking successful transition to the American academic environment. Includes learning basics in academic life, United States culture, and social practices and rules predominant in the United States. Does not count toward 124 hours baccalaureate degree requirement. No prerequisite.

IS 100 The College Experience (2)
This course is designed to help students overcome the problems of adjustment to college. Study skills development, university services available to students, the structure of Washburn, the role of the university in higher education, and the selection of areas to study are discussed. The faculty are from various academic areas and are assisted by staff from other University units.

IS 120 Career Exploration (2)
Attempts are made to bridge the student's educational experience to the world of work in this course. Readings, exercises and written reports are used to increase the student's knowledge of self in relation to education and occupational opportunities. Resource people from the University and Topeka community are used to provide a multidisciplinary overview of the factors involved in career choice and development.

IS 150 Human Sexuality (3)
Various areas relating to human sexuality, including the physiological, psychological, sociological, philosophical and legal are covered in this course. Team teaching from more than one department will be utilized.

IS 160 Dying, Death and Bereavement (2-3)
The insights of the helping professions, philosophy, and religions are brought to bear upon human responses and the key concepts surrounding the phenomena of death. In the first half of the course emphasis is placed upon developing an understanding of the theoretical models and religious and secular traditions. The second half of the course deals with special death situations, e.g., euthanasia, suicide, etc., and with practical problems. The amount of credit will vary with the number of interdisciplinary components offered.

++IS 170 Library Research Strategies (1)
Designed to both introduce and improve basic library research skills using the print and automated information retrieval resources of the Mabee Library. Additional in-depth analysis of database sources, the ability to construct search strategies, and evaluation of materials are covered. Likewise, search methods in a variety of subject disciplines are explored.

IS 199 Kansas Studies (3)
An interdisciplinary topics course on a theme associated particularly with Kansas history and culture, which is team taught by Fellows of the Center. Students and faculty will be challenged to integrate material from different perspectives on a common topic based on joint interest and available resources. As topics change, the course may be repeated for credit.

IS 200 Mock Trial (3)
This course is primarily (not exclusively) designed for pre-law students considering law school and a career in trial law. The Fall course concentrates on general trial procedures utilized in the mock trial competition (opening and closing statements, direct and cross examination). This involves videos of trials, periodic quizzes from a trial advocacy text, sharpening analytical and forensic skills, practicing opening and closing statements, and examining witnesses. The Spring class receives the case to be used at the national competition and the semester is spent preparing the case for competition. Enrollment in the spring semester is by invitation only from among those enrolled in the fall semester. May be repeated for credit.

IS 300 Mock Trial II (1)
Enrollment is open only to students selected to the Mock Trial Team.

IS 390 Directed Research (1-7)
The thoughtful integration of diverse materials is a major demand on the student working toward a Bachelor of General Studies. The format may vary in terms of the student's special interests, abilities, imagination, and creativity. May consist of a research paper, a comprehensive written examination on selected reading materials, an oral presentation, an internship or a special performance utilizing one or more art forms or modes of expression.

IS 400 Special Topics (1-3)
Topics will vary from semester to semester and will be announced in advance. May be taken for more than one semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructors.

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