Rhetoric is an introduction to logic and its relationship to language. Students develop skills in analyzing, assessing and formulating arguments, and learn to organize and present speeches based on those skills.  

Writing I and Writing II develop the writing skills that students will need throughout the rest of the curriculum. Writing I concentrates on expository and persuasive writing. Writing II emphasizes close reading techniques and critical analysis of drama, literature and poetry.  

Math in the Modern World teaches foundational mathematics skills while exploring the structure, language and thought processes of mathematics.

           Introduction to Computer Science familiarizes students with the history and theory of general computer concepts, and develops practical computer capabilities such as programming techniques.

The Individual in Contemporary Society introduces the major theories of human nature, individual behavior, and the meaning of society. Taught primarily from a psychology and sociology perspective, the course also utilizes other social sciences to allow students to consider the interplay of individuals and major social issues.

Understanding the Self requires an understanding of the myriad number of ways people can use art to express themselves. Students are thus required to actively use art as  personal expression to fulfill the Artistic Expression component of IDS. Students can choose from many courses, including Beginning Drawing, Ceramic Handbuilding, Beginning Photography or Jewelry Studio from the Art department; Stagecraft, Theater Lab or Acting from the Drama department; Creative Writing from the English department; and Class Voice, Piano, Guitar, performance choirs and instrumental ensembles, or Music Fundamentals from the Music department.

The one credit hour Concepts of Health and Fitness allows students to develop an appreciation and knowledge base for maintaining health and physical fitness throughout their lives. Students must also put that knowledge to work in one of the required Physical Activity Courses, choosing from a diverse range of activities including Aerobics, Weight Training, Swimming, Team Sports, Folk Dance, Bowling, Golf, Tennis, Fencing and more.

            Foundations of Physical Science explores the 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 relationships to modern technological and environmental issues.

Foundations of Life Science continues the study of the scientific method with examples from the life sciences. Topics include fundamental elements of life science such as cell structure and function, and classification systems and evolution. Modern concerns of environment, genetics and population dynamics are also examined.

The American Civilization sequence explores the experience of American peoples. Although the courses are arranged in chronological order, they are more than history courses. The courses are interdisciplinary, and students explore the American experience by learning about government, economic institutions, literature and creative expression, and religious and social values. American Civilization I covers the American experience through the Civil War, and American Civilization II spans the time from the Civil War to the present.

Political and Economic Systems and Theories concentrates on representative political and economic institutions from around the globe, with special emphasis on the United States, and the theories and ideologies upon which they are based.

            The World Thought and Culture sequence integrates significant philosophical, artistic, religious and scientific thought from cultures throughout the world. Although the three courses are arranged in chronological order, they are not traditional history courses. Instead the courses are interdisciplinary, and focus on the origin of civilizations, how civilizations are shaped by geography and natural environments, and how ideas both mold civilizations and are molded by civilizations. World Thought and Culture I covers civilizations until 500 C.E. World Thought and Culture II spans the time period from 500 C.E. to 1650 C.E, and World Thought and Culture III spans 1650 C.E. to the present.

               Senior Seminar is the capstone to the IDS experience. Students produce an independent project, typically a research paper, which may integrate a student’s major field of study with the IDS program.  

            A new version of the Senior Seminar is now being implemented to meet the capabilities of students admitted under USAO’s more rigorous admissions requirements. Senior Seminar: Work of Distinction is modeled on a graduate school dissertation experience and carries an Honors designation. Working one-on-one with a faculty advisor, students produce a substantial research or creative project that possesses the potential for publication or public performance. In order to encourage interdisciplinarity, there is no requirement that the Work be in the student’s major area of study, nor does the advisor have to be from that academic discipline.

Once completed, the Work of Distinction must be publicly defended before a committee of three faculty members from diverse academic disciplines. If approved by the committee, the Work of Distinction is catalogued into the University’s Nash Library.

Examples of recent Works of Distinction, and their authors’ major

• An Exploration in Coptic Textile Design (English)
• Freud's Virtual Couch: Social Implications of Virtual Worlds (Communication)
• The Inherent Good: An Original Film Exploring Human Nature (Business and Photography)
• The Mimetic Qualities of the Journey and Rebirth in The Great Gatsby (English)
• Original Music Composed for a Senior Recital (Music)

• Outspoken, America: Protest Movements of the 1960s and Today (Political Science)

• Peer Influence and its Effect on Student Motivation (Communication)
• Rape in Film During the Production Code Era (Psychology)
• Romantic Love or Raging Lust? Censorship in Television Series (Communication)
• Routing in Shuffle Exchange Networks (Computer Science)
• Security Issues Stemming from US Immigration Policies (Political Science)

• Self-Esteem Level and Personality Type as Predictors of Sexual Behavior (Psychology)
• Thirty Pages of Content: Original Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction (English)
• Used Bookstores and Preservation: What are Finds Worth? (English)

• What's Class Got to Do with It? A Study of Class Issues as Portrayed in 1980s Film (Political Science)
• Women's Work in the German Industrial Revolution (Art)