Interdisciplinary Core

All universities have a general education core; however, USAO has taken this concept a step further and united its core classes with a single philosophy -- IDS. Many USAO graduates continue to call it the most enriching part of their education enriching in the ways that it helped them work in their own major areas even more efficiently and even more creatively.

USAO believes, however, in making a good thing even better, so the curriculum is regularly reviewed and revised. To guarantee that USAO's curriculum remains the education of the future, in recent years new courses have been added, from Logic and Critical Thinking to experiences in the arts. There's even an exciting Senior Seminar which allows students to integrate what they have learned from the program and their major areas of interest. It's liberal education total involvement preparing each student comprehensively for the future.

And even though USAO will continue rethinking and revising this curriculum, the University remains strongly committed to coherent patterns of thought and useful relationships between specialized education and the liberal arts. Essential here are the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. But the real strength of Interdisciplinary Studies experiencing the give-and-take of team-taught classes, defending and expanding a student's own interpretations in discussion groups, and presenting opinions in papers and on exams is still there.

COURSE LISTINGS in IDS

 

Preparation

3 hours

IDS 1001 USAO ORIENTATION
This course is required only for students who enrolled at USAO before Fall 2000. No student entering USAO in fall 2000 or thereafter should sign up for this class. (See new Freshman Seminar course below.) 1 hour.

IDS 1003 FRESHMAN SEMINAR: THE ART OF WONDERING
As a required seminar for all first-time entering students, this course will introduce students to concepts essential to their academic successinterdisciplinarity, the importance of the liberal arts, ethics, creativity, critical thinking, computer skills, and study skills. 3 hours.

All first-time entering students (except transfer students with associate degrees who are exempt from IDS) must enroll in a section of the new Freshman Seminar. Please note that incoming students will no longer enroll in IDS 1001 (Orientation). Orientation as an event will continue to exist, but credit for participating in it will now be part of the new Freshman Seminar.

IDS 1013 RHETORIC and PUBLIC SPEAKING
Development of skill in analyzing, assessing, and formulating arguments, in understanding the relationships between logic and language, and in organizing and presenting speeches based on these skills and understandings. 3 hours.

IDS 1113 WRITING I
Extensive practice in writing, with emphasis on expository and persuasive essays based on a study of rhetoric and the writing process. 3 hours. Prerequisite: basic skills competence.

IDS 1213 WRITING II
The writing of critical papers based on the study of drama, fiction, and poetry, together with practice in applying close reading techniques to literature. 3 hours. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in IDS 1113.

IDS 1223 MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Exploration of the structure, language and thought processes of mathematics. 3 hours. Prerequisite: basic skills competence.

IDS 2003 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE
Practice and theory in general computer concepts, including computer capabilities, data representation, and programming techniques (BASIC language). 3 hours.

Artistic Expression (Fine and Performing Arts)

2 hours

Two hours must be successfully completed from any of the following:
Art 1003, 1112, 1122, 1212, 1662, 2732;
Drama 1801, 2113, 1403;
English 2403;
Music 1021,1031,1041,1051,1061,1081,1091,1102, or 1203;
Photography 1023.

Physical Expression

2 hours

Two hours must be successfully completed from the following:
PHED 1011 and 1 hours chosen from:
PHED 1001,1021,1031,1041,1061,1071,1081,1091, 1111, 1121,1131,1141,1151,1161,1171,1181,1191,1221, 2101.

Interdisciplinary Ideas (Team-Taught)

29 hours

IDS 1133 THE INDIVIDUAL IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Examination of the individual in mass society. Topics include major theories of human nature and human behavior, issues and problems confronting the individual, and strategies for health and success in a changing world. 3 hours.

IDS 2013 FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE
IDS 2013 and 2023 should be taken in sequence. Introduction of basic concepts of the scientific method illustrated by the physical sciences of astronomy, physics, chemistry, and geology. Topics include the historical and philosophical development of these sciences and their relationship to modern concerns with technology, environment, and energy. 3 hours.

IDS 2023 FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE
IDS 2013 and 2023 should be taken in sequence. Continuation of the study of the scientific method with illustrations from the life sciences. Topics include fundamental elements of life sciences, such as cell structure and function, classification systems and evolution, and their relationship to modern concerns with environment, genetics, and population dynamics. 3 hours.

IDS 2133 AMERICAN CIVILIZATION (HISTORY/GOVERNMENT) I
IDS 2133 and 2143 should be taken in sequence. Examination of American ideas and culture through the Civil War era. The course explores the experiences of American peoples by focusing upon government, values, religious, social and political concerns, and creative expressions. 3 hours.

IDS 2143 AMERICAN CIVILIZATION (HISTORY/GOVERNMENT) II
IDS 2133 and 2143 should be taken in sequence. Examination of American ideas and cultures from the Civil War era to the present. The course explores the experiences of American peoples by focusing upon government; values; religious, social and political concerns; and creative expressions. 3 hours.

IDS 3223 POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND THEORIES
Examination of representative global political and economic theories and practices with emphasis on contemporary public policy alternatives for the United States. Includes a discussion of the relationship of geography to the development of political and economic systems and strategies. 3 hours.

IDS 3313 WORLD THOUGHT AND CULTURE TO 500 C.E.
IDS 3313, 3323, and 4333 should be taken in sequence. Examination of representative thought and expression of a number of world civilizations to approximately 500 C.E. The course focuses on significant achievements in architecture, art, drama, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and science. 3 hours.

IDS 3323 WORLD THOUGHT AND CULTURE FROM 500 C.E. TO 1650 C.E.
IDS 3313, 3323 and 4333 should be taken in sequence. Examination of representative thought and expression of a number of world civilizations from 500 C.E. to 1650 C.E. The course focuses on significant achievements in architecture, art, drama, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and science. 3 hours.

IDS 4333 WORLD THOUGHT AND CULTURE FROM 1650 C.E. TO PRESENT
IDS 3313, 3323, 4333 should be taken in sequence. Examination of representative thought and expression of a number of world civilizations from 1650 C.E. to the present. The course focuses on significant achievements in architecture, art, drama, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and science. 3 hours.

IDS 4522 SENIOR SEMINAR
Synthesis of the interdisciplinary program by writing several short papers and completing a formal project. The project may integrate a student's major field with the IDS program. 2 hours. Prerequisite: Completion of IDS courses below the 4000 level.

To learn more about IDS, visit our new IDS webpage conveniently linked to the USAO homepage: http://www.usao.edu

Night Classes

Most classes are scheduled during the day, but USAO offers late afternoon and evening classes as well. Classes are offered on a 15-week schedule during the first and second trimesters and on a 10-week schedule in the summer.

Individuals take evening classes for many reasons, including:

· Job advancement -- Evening school study makes a present job more secure. Educational experience trains the individual for advancement or a new job.

· Gaining further college credit -- All evening program courses are applicable toward a degree.

· Recreation and enjoyment -- All persons profit from recreation. Hobbies, self-expression, and the genuine satisfaction of learning add to the quality of life.

Courses offered during the evening program may apply toward a bachelor's degree, transfer credit, professional improvement, and/or individual satisfaction and enjoyment. Requests for particular courses to be taught will be considered.

Fees are the same as those charged any other student of the University and are listed in this catalog in the "Getting Into USAO" section. Evening class hours are normally 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Books and supplies can be purchased through the University Bookstore. Information can be obtained from the Office of Admissions.