IDS 1001 USAO ORIENTATION
Required for all first-time entering students, this course will introduce students to concepts essential to their success at USAO -- interdisciplinary thinking, the importance of the liberal arts, ethics, creativity, critical thinking, and study skills. 1 hour.

Interdisciplinary Skills

19 hours

IDS 1013 RHETORIC
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.

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.

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.