College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Overview

• Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) is the undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. The programs in IDST provide an opportunity for students and faculty to explore and question traditional areas of knowledge through the application of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives. The IDST curriculum fosters an understanding of United States and world cultures and religions in historical and contemporary contexts. IDST encourages students to consider the aesthetic, ethical, political, scientific, and technical dimensions of human experience and culture and to recognize the commonality and diversity of human experience, beliefs, and practices. IDST emphasizes global and environmental interdependence and social responsibility as part of its effort to prepare students for a lifetime of cultural, social, environmental, and technological change.
• IDST offers both an interdisciplinary major (IDST) and a number of minors/concentrations that may be selected by students in any major. In this section of the catalog, the undergraduate major, IDST, is described first. This is followed by a list of minors/concentrations, and then a description of each of the programs in IDST. Look under the specific program for a description of the requirements of the concentration(s)/minor(s) and a description of the courses offered by that program.

Interdisciplinary Studies Major (IDST)

• The interdisciplinary studies (IDST) major is an undergraduate major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. IDST provides an opportunity for students to explore topics and issues through the application of interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary perspectives. Most students who chose IDST as a major are more interested in developing complex problem solving skills, critical thinking, and acquiring a broad education, than in gaining specialized skills for a single occupation. The global focus of the major affords career opportunities in education, business, government, industry, and the service sector, including the nonprofit sector. First-year students entering IDST tend to rate themselves as more skilled than other students in writing and to express a greater interest in issues related to leadership and diversity. The major has a strong academic and career advising component.

Degree Requirements

• With the exception of students in the IDST Cross-Program Degree Option in Leadership and Social Change (IDLR), the requirements of the IDST major are completed by (a) University core curriculum requirements; (b) the 18-hour IDST Core; (c) 6 hours of foreign language, contemporary non-U.S. culture and civilization, or approved study abroad; and (c) two approved minors or concentrations. All degree requirements are those in effect the year the degree is completed. A complete checksheet showing all degree requirements in detail is available on-line and through the IDST Advising Office. The 18-hour IDST Core consists of:

3 credits, IDST 1114

3 credits in an approved diversity course,

6 credits of 3000-4000-level courses in one of the programs in IDST

3 credits, IDST 3114: Interdisciplinary Topics, and

3 credits, IDST 4114: Senior Research Seminar

IDST Program Degree Options

• For the IDST Program Degree Option, a student completes the IDST Core, the culture and civilization requirement, and two minors or 36 semester hours from a single program in IDST. This is possible in Women's Studies, for example, by opting for concentrations in Women's Studies and Women's Leadership. An IDST Program Degree Option is possible in other programs in IDST as well, including Appalachian Studies. Students selecting this option must work closely with an advisor in IDST to avoid duplication of credits and to construct a program that is tailored to individual needs.

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IDST Cross-Program Degree Option In Leadership and Social Change (IDLR)

• IDST offers both a major and a minor in leadership and social change. These embrace a commitment to diversity and an agenda for social change that crosses all programs in IDST. The major and minor were developed in cooperation with other leadership programs at the university. The major and/or minor will be of interest to students planning to pursue a career in non-profit agencies, including governmental and non-governmental agencies with an agenda for social justice. Internships in such organizations are an extremely valuable way for students to gain work-related skills.
• Students in the IDST Cross-Program Degree Option in Leadership and Social Change complete the 18-hour IDST Core, the foreign language or culture and civilization requirement, 17 hours of courses in leadership, and a 12 hour cognate in a related area. A checksheet for this option is available on-line or through the IDST advising office.

LDRS 1015 - LDRS 1016
This two-semester interdisciplinary course offers an introduction to citizen leadership. 1015 explores traditional and contemporary leadership theory and competencies by comparing cultural contexts of leadership. 1016 introduces leadership praxis (action and reflection) as a method of research and service designed to continually refine leadership theory, competencies, and values. Membership in the Residential Leadership Community required. 1015(3H,3C). 1016(3H,3C). 1015:I, 1016:II.

Study Abroad

• IDST majors, including those in the option in leadership and social change, are required to complete 6 credit hours (the equivalent of two 3-credit classes) in either a foreign language or contemporary non-US culture and civilization. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an approved study abroad program outside of the U.S. to satisfy this requirement.

Honors Program

• Eligible IDST students are encouraged to participate in the University Honors Program. Completing a degree "In Honors" is an excellent way for outstanding students to integrate the knowledge from several disciplines. Honors students have considerable flexibility in completing the degree requirements.

Double Majors

• For information on earning a doube major or second degree, contact the IDST Advising Office.

Satisfactory Progress Policy

• Students enrolled in IDST must meet the following requirements by the end of the academic year in which the student has attempted 72 semester hours (including transfer, freshmen rule, AP, advanced standing, and credit by exam hours):

  Completed at least 6 credits in CIS and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

  Earned a minimum of a 2.0 in-major GPA.

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IDST Concentrations and Minors

• The following concentrations or minors are offered by programs in IDST. Additional information about each can be found in this section of the catalog under the program name listed beside it. The minors or concentrations may be used as one of the two minors or concentrations required to complete the IDST major. Students in any major may opt to declare them as minors.

African Studies (Black Studies)
American Indian Studies (Humanities)
American Studies (Humanities)
Appalachian Studies (Humanities)
Asian Area Studies (Humanities)
Black Studies (Black Studies)
Classical Studies (Humanities)
Humanities (Humanities)
Humanities and the Arts (Humanities)
Humanities, Science, and Technology (Humanities, Science, and Technology)
Judaic Studies (Judaic Studies)
Leadership and Social Change (IDST)
Medieval and Renaissance Studies (Humanities)
Religious Studies (Religious Studies)
Science and Technology (Humanities, Science, and Technology)
Women's Studies (Women's Studies)
Women's Studies--Leadership (Women's Studies)

Humanities Programs

Peter L. Schmitthenner, Director
Professors: E. Fine, M. Saffle
Associate Professors: S. Cook, N. King, A. Puckett; P. Schmitthenner
Visiting Assistant Professors: M. Hasselman; K. Precoda; B. Reeves; C. Roberts
Instructors: G. Harrington; L. Plaut; J. Watson
Adjunct Faculty: T. Papillon (Foreign Languages); A. Fariello; E. Sheinberg

• The Humanities Program offers interdisciplinary courses, many of which are in Area 2 of the University Core Curriculum, and interdisciplinary concentrations and minors open to all university students. Courses lead to the understanding of cultural legacy from ancient through modern civilizations, explored through the traditional humanities disciplines: philosophy, history, and the arts, including languages, literatures, fine arts, architecture, music, and theatre arts. HUM 2214 fulfills the one-hour Area 6 (Creativity and Aesthetic Experience) requirement for students outside the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

Humanities Minors, Concentrations and Degree Options

• All 18-hour humanities minors and the 15-hour Humanistic Traditions Concentration may be used to complement any disciplinary major in the university or as one part of an IDST degree. For more information, and lists of options for minors and concentrations, contact the minor or concentration coordinator or the IDST advising center.

American Indian Studies Minor

• The American Indian Studies minor examines the richness and complexity of American Indian cultures and societies, past and present in regional, national, and global contexts. The interdisciplinary course of study emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding social, cultural, political, economic, and religious issues pertinent to American Indians. The minor was developed by the Humanities Program in cooperation with departments in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. The minor requires 18 semester hours: the three required AINS courses (3 hours each) and three electives (3 hours each). At least 9 hours of credit (including the required courses) must be taken at the 3000 level or above. Normally only one Independent Study (AINS 2974 or 4974, or a departmental Independent Study course approved by the American Indian Studies coordinator) will be accepted for credit. The Special Study courses (AINS 2984 or 4984, or departmental equivalents approved by the American Indian Studies Coordinator) may be taken more than once if the topic of each course is different.

Required Courses:
AINS/HUM 1104: Introduction to American Indian Studies
ENGL/AINS 2804: Contemporary Native American Literatures
PSCI/AINS 3684: Indigenous Peoples and World Politics

And at least three of the following courses: HUM/COMM/AINS 2104: Oral Traditions and Culture
ENGL/AINS 3304: The Languages of Native America
ART 3004: Topics in Art History (when on appropriate topic)*
IDST 3114: Interdisciplinary Topics (when on appropriate topic)*
AINS/HUM 4004: Topics in American Indian Studies (Pre: AINS/HUM1104)
REL/HUM 4324: Topics in Religion and Culture (when on appropriate topic)*
AINS 2974/4974: Independent Study (Pre: 1104)

*The Coordinator for American Indian Studies will maintain a web page listing the offerings of these courses (by term and CRN) that meet the "appropriate topics" requirement.

• Coordinator: Sam Cook3684 (PSCI 3684): INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND WORLD POLITICS
  

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American Studies Concentration

• The interdisciplinary concentration in American Studies was developed by the Humanities Programs in cooperation with faculty from Appalachian Studies, Religious Studies, the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, and the Departments of Communication Studies, English, and History. Employing several methodologies, such as critical theory and cultural studies, and focusing on the intersection of human behavior with particular artifacts, American Studies seeks to deepen understanding of human life on the North American continent and to study the international aspects of twentieth century America. Students work closely with an advisor to plan a coherent program, tailored to the student's interest, which reflects the range and variety of American Studies.
• To complete the concentration, all students must take HUM 2504: Introduction to American Studies (3 semester hours). The remaining fifteen hours of course work will be taken in four areas: literature, history, the arts and communications, and cultural studies (at least one course from each area). The approved list includes a variety of courses with an American emphasis from the disciplines of English (American literature), history, art history, architecture, black studies, communication studies, humanities, mechanical engineering, music, philosophy, political science, religious studies, and urban affairs. Appropriate special topics courses and honors colloquia may be substituted.
• Coordinator: Neal King

Appalachian Studies Minor

• The Appalachian Studies minor focuses on complex cultural, political, economic, and environmental issues in the study of an important American region. The course of study ranges from mythic to modern Appalachian America and also provides opportunity for cross-cultural study of mountain cultures worldwide. The minor was developed by the Humanities Program in cooperation with departments in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and technological fields. Two of the courses in the concentration (HUM 4404 and HUM 4414) may be taken for graduate credit.
• Courses needed to complete the minor are the following (18 semester hours):

Required Courses (3 semester hours each):
HUM 1704: Introduction to Appalachian Studies
HUM 4414: Critical Issues in Appalachian Studies

And four of the following (3 semester hours each):
MINE 1814: Energy, Resource Development and the Environment
HR 2204: The Appalachian Family and Its Environment
HIST 3214: History of Appalachia
GEOG 3224: Geography of Appalachia
HUM/EDHL/HD/GEOG/AHRM/SOC/UP 3464: Appalachian Communities
ENGL 3624: Appalachian Literature
HUM 4404: Appalachian Folk Culture

• Director: Anita Puckett

Asian Area Studies Minor

• The interdisciplinary minor in Asian Area Studies focuses on the great cultural traditions of the Middle East, South Asia (including India), East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. The majority of the earth's peoples belong to one of these cultures, influential for many centuries and representing some of the world's most unique, sophisticated, and important visions of the human experience. Students explore how various Asian traditions explain and represent this experience in literature, philosophy, religion, history, the social sciences, and the arts.
• Students work closely with an advisor to shape a program that reflects the student's interest within the range of offerings available for the program. To complete the minor, all students must take one of the following courses (3 semester hours):

  HUM 1914: Traditional Asian Cultures
  HUM 1924: Modern Asian Cultures
  REL 1014: Asian Religions

• The remaining 15 hours are divided among appropriate courses in history (6 hours), culture (6 hours), and development, contemporary issues, or a capstone project (3 hours). When appropriate, special topics courses and honors colloquia may be substituted.
• Coordinator: Peter Schmitthenner

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Classical Studies

• For information on the Classical Studies Major and Minors in Classical Studies, Classical Languages, and Latin, see the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures: Classical Studies Coordinator, Terry Papillon, 231-8319, terry.papillon@vt.edu.

Humanities and The Arts Minor

• The minor in Humanities and the Arts was developed by the Humanities Program in cooperation with faculty from the departments of Art and Art History, Communication Studies, English, Music, Theatre Arts, and the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. It aims to acquaint students with the historical, critical, and practical dimensions of the arts, while simultaneously examining the relation of the arts to other human endeavors (cultural, philosophical, political, religious, scientific, and social).
• To complete the 18-hour minor, all students must take the following three courses (9 semester hours):

  HUM 1604: Introduction to Humanities and the Arts

  HUM 2204: The Creative Process

  And one of the following topics courses:

  HUM 3014: Humanities and the Arts: Renaissance and Earlier

  HUM 3024: Humanities and the Arts: Post-Renaissance

• The remaining 9 hours required to complete the minor are drawn from a variety of appropriate courses in humanities, philosophy, art and art history, theatre arts, music, architecture, English, and communication studies. At least 6 of these hours must be at the 3000 level or above. Study Abroad may be used to satisfy some of these requirements.
• Coordinator: Michael Saffle

Humanities Minor

The Humanities minor gives students the opportunity to create a focused package of Humanities coursework within the following broad guidelines:

1. 18 hours (6 courses) of courses designated HUM are required.
2. At least 9 hours (3 courses) must be at the 3000-4000 level; HUM 4974: Independent Study is strongly suggested as a means of integrating coursework in the minor.
3. Suggested tracks are listed below, but students may design their own combinations of courses with an advisor, who will make substitutions to the courses within the tracks listed below, as appropriate.

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Historical Humanities track

This cluster enables students to explore the Humanities from the perspective of historical and cultural periods, with an emphasis on connections among traditional Humanities disciplines and the arts.

1. Three introductory Humanities courses at the 1000 level (9 hours), from:
   HUM 1114: The Classical Age
   HUM 1124: The Roman World and Early Christianity
   HUM 1214: The Medieval World
   HUM 1224: The Renaissance
   HUM 1314: The Enlightenment and Romanticism
   HUM 1324: The Modern World
   HUM 1914: Explorations in Traditional Asian Cultures
   HUM 1924: Explorations in Modern Asian Cultures
2. Both of the following (6 hours):
   HUM 3014: Humanities and Arts: Renaissance and Earlier
   HUM 3024: Humanities and Arts: Post Renaissance
3. One of the following (3 hours):
   HUM 4104: Explorations in Advanced Humanities Topics
   HUM/ REL 4324: Topics in Religion and Culture
   HUM 4974: Independent Study

Modern Humanities track

This cluster enables students to gain a deep understanding of the roots of "modern" thought, beginning with the Renaissance. Presently, HUM 1314 and HUM 1324 are not included in any Humanities concentration, although students can concentrate in the other historical periods (Classical Studies; Medieval and Renaissance Studies).

1. Three introductory Humanities courses at the 1000 level (9 hours), from:
   HUM 1224: The Renaissance
   HUM 1314: The Enlightenment and Romanticism
   HUM 1324: The Modern World
   HUM 1924: Modern Asian Cultures
2. HUM 3024: Humanities and Arts: Post Renaissance (3 hours)
3. Two Humanities courses (6 hours), from:
   HUM/ COMM 3034 or 4034: Theories of Popular Culture or Functions of Popular Culture
   HUM/ COMM 3204: Multicultural Communication
   HUM 4104: Explorations in Advanced Humanities Topics (where appropriate)
   HUM/ REL 4324: Topics in Religion and Culture (where appropriate)
   HUM 4404: Appalachian Folk Culture
   HUM 4974: Independent Study

Cross-cultural Humanities track

This track enables students to explore non-Western or non-dominate cultures within the Humanities context.

1. Three Humanities courses (9 hours), from:
   HUM 1004: Oral Traditions and Culture
   HUM 1324: The Modern World [or one of the cross-listed Foreign Culture courses:
   HUM 2714 (FR 2714) Intro to French Culture and Civilization
   HUM 2724 (GER 2724) Intro to German Culture and Civilization
   HUM 2734 (RUS 2734) Intro to Russian Culture and Civilization
   HUM 2744 (SPAN 2744) Intro to Spanish Culture and Civilization
   HUM 2754 (SPAN 2754): Intro to Spanish-American Culture and Civilization
   HUM 1704: Introduction to Appalachian Studies
   HUM 1914: Explorations in Traditional Asian Cultures
   HUM 1924: Explorations in Modern Asian Cultures
2. HUM/COMM 3204: Multicultural Communication (3 hours)
3. Two Humanities courses (6 hours), from:
   HUM/EDHL/GEOG/HD/NE/SOC/UAP 3464: Appalachian Communities
   HUM/COMM 4034: Functions of Popular Culture
   HUM 4104: Explorations in Advanced Humanities Topics (where appropriate)
   HUM/REL 4324: Topics in Religion and Culture
   HUM 4404: Appalachian Folk Culture,
   HUM 4414: Critical Issues in Appalachian Studies
   HUM 4974: Independent Study

• Coordinator: Peter Schmitthenner

Humanistic Traditions Concentration

• Students may take five of the six introductory period courses:

HUM 1114: The Classical World

HUM 1124: The Roman World and Early Christianity

HUM 1214: The Medieval World

HUM 1224: The Renaissance

HUM 1314: The Enlightenment and Romanticism

HUM 1324: The Modern World

• Up to six hours may be substituted from upper division Humanities courses, in consultation with an advisor.
• Coordinator: Peter Schmitthenner

Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minor

• The Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minor was developed by the Humanities Program in conjunction with faculty from participating departments. The minor allows students to gain a broad interdisciplinary understanding and appreciation of European culture between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries, although it allows for some degree of specialization. Students work in close association with an advisor who will help plan a coherent program tailored to the student's interests, but which also reflects the range and variety Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
• The requirements for the minor include the following two courses (6 semester hours):

HUM 1214: Introductory Humanities: The Medieval World

HUM 1224: Introductory Humanities: The Renaissance

• The remaining 12 semester hours of course work are drawn from a variety of offerings in humanities, art, English, history, philosophy, and foreign languages and literatures, including some special study and topics courses. At least 9 hours must be at the 3000 level or above.
• Coordinator: Margaret Hasselman

Pop Culture Minor

• The minor in Popular Culture provides an understanding of the broadly shared cultures made possible by mass production. Popular culture includes all widely practiced and distributed expressions: news; entertainment; religion; sports; popular art; and styles of decoration, dress, and architecture. Familiarity with the forces that shape its production and reception allows students to develop skills fundamental to life in a consumer-capitalist economy and citizenship in an information age. Minors examine the uses of mass culture by politicians, entertainment companies, consumer-marketers, religious authorities, educators, designers, engineers, and various groups of consumers themselves.
• Required courses include:

HUM 2504: Introduction to American Studies

HUM 3034: Theories of Popular Culture

HUM 4034: Functions of Popular Culture

• Minors choose the remaining 9 of the 18 hours for this minor from a list of courses drawn from departments across the university. At least one of those electives should be 3000-level or above. Up to six hours may be special-topics courses, special studies, or independent studies, as approved by the Minor Coordinator.
• Coordinator: Neal King

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (IDST)

1814 (BLST 1814): INTRO AFRICAN STUDIES
Introduces students to the study of sub-Saharan Africa-- history, politics, economics, arts, and cultures--and to Africa's place in the world. Required first course in the African (Area) Studies concentration. (3H,3C) I,II.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3004: IDST INTERNSHIP
Placement in a work setting, on or off campus, for an internship that will serve as a practical experience for eligible students. May be repeated for elective credit up to a maximum of 12 credit hours (1 academic credit earned for every 45 hours worked per 15 week semester); cannot be used for core or minor requirements. Junior or Senior standing and instructor consent required. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. I,II,III,IV.

3114: TOPICS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
Variable content, variable credit course that addresses a complex issue or problem through more than one discipline or intellectual domain. Places at the foreground the discussion of how several different methodological approaches inform our understanding of an issue or group of related issues. Often taught by teams of instructors in distinct, instructional modules or learning experiences. Three credit version is writing intensive. May be repeated with different content. Variable credit course. I,II,III.

3114H: HONORS TOPICS IN IDST
Variable content course that addresses a complex issue through more than one discipline or intellectual domain. Places at the foreground the discussion of how several different methodological approaches inform our understanding of an issue or group of related issues. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of nine credit hours. Membership in the University Honors Program is required. Pre: 1114. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4114: SENIOR RESEARCH SEMINAR
Senior seminar designed to integrate assumptions, theories, and methods of more than one disciplinary perspective. Includes exploration of interdisciplinary research methods, such as case study and ethnography. Includes developing a proposal for an interdisciplinary senior project. Senior standing required. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)

4224: SENIOR PROJECT
This seminar is designed to assist students to complete an interdisciplinary senior project. The project may be a thesis, undergraduate research, action-oriented project, or expressive project in the humanities or the arts such as a video, performance, or a photography or visual art exhibit. Pre: Senior standing and IDST 4114 or completion of a preliminary proposal through an approved independent study. (3H,3C)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

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Undergraduate Course Descriptions (HUM)

Introductory Courses: Introductory culture courses focus on the culture of a particular age and place through critical examinations of a wide range of human activities: the arts, philosophy, history, politics, religion, economics, science, and technology. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among these endeavors and their contributions toward shaping the values and aspirations of their, and our, age and culture. Humanities and the Arts courses explore relationships between the arts and other human endeavors. Classes emphasize writing and classroom discussion of issues raised in readings, lectures, and multi-media presentations, including music, drama, film, and slides of art and architecture. All introductory Humanities courses listed in this section are included in Area 2 of the University Core Curriculum.

1104 (AINS 1104): INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES
Introduces students to the richness and complexity of American Indian societies past and present. The course begins by considering the critical question of what it means to be "American Indian" or "Native American," comparing externally produced stereotypes with a wide variety of indigenous discourses and narratives. Through a special focus on specific indigenous groups and regions, the course examines American Indian experiences with and reactions to colonial confrontations, government policies, and cultural interchanges with non-Indians. (3H,3C)

1114: INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: THE CLASSICAL AGE
The world of classical Athens through its embodiments in the arts, philosophy, politics, history, literature, and religion. Emphasis on the interrelationships among the various forms of cultural expression and their contributions toward shaping the values and aspirations of the age. (3H,3C) I,II.

1124: INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: THE ROMAN WORLD AND EARLY CHRISTIANITY
The Roman world and early Christian culture. Emphasis on the interrelationships among the arts, literature, philosophy, history, religion, and their contributions toward shaping the values and aspirations of the age. (3H,3C) I,II.

1214: INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: THE MEDIEVAL WORLD
The medieval synthesis in Western European thought and the transition to the world of the Renaissance. Emphasis on the interrelationships among the arts, literature, philosophy, history, religion, and science, and their contributions toward shaping the values and aspirations of the age. (3H,3C) I,II.

1224: INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: THE RENAISSANCE
The interrelationships among the arts, literature, philosophy, history, religion, and science of the Renaissance in Western Europe, and how they reflect and contribute to the shaping of the values and aspirations of the age. (3H,3C) I,II.

1314: INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: ENLIGHTENMENT AND ROMANTICISM
Major notions and cultural expressions of the Enlightenment and of Romanticism. Emphasis on the interrelationships among the arts, literature, philosophy, history, religion, and science. (3H,3C) I,II.

1324: INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: THE MODERN WORLD
The shifts in thought and values over the past century in the Western imagination. Emphasis on the interrelationships among the arts, literature, philosophy, history, religion, and science, and their contributions toward shaping the values and aspirations of the age. (3H,3C) I,II.

1604: INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS
Explores the verbal, visual, and aural arts of several important periods in Western history, setting them in the context of their times. Introduces the structural principles of each art form. (3H,3C) I,II.

1704: INTRODUCTION TO APPALACHIAN STUDIES
Traces the idea of Appalachia in American and world consciousness and its expression in the humanities and arts. Through comparison with other cultural groups, explores humanistic problems of cultural identity, assumptions, change, and manipulation. (3H,3C)

1914: EXPLORATIONS IN TRADITIONAL ASIAN CULTURES
An introduction to salient cultural characteristics of the major premodern Asian civilizations of the Middle East, India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. Differing visions of the human condition represented by these traditions are compared in case studies incorporating historical, literary, philosophical, and artistic works. (3H,3C)

1924: EXPLORATIONS IN MODERN ASIAN CULTURES
An introduction to the cultural modernization of major Asian societies since the eighteenth century. The cultural transformation of the Middle East, South Asia, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia are exemplified and compared in case studies that incorporate modern Asian historical, literary, philosophical, sociopolitical, and artistic works. (3H,3C)

2004: RESEARCH STRATEGIES AND LIBRARY RESOURCES
Focuses on familiarity with specific research tools and construction of logical, efficient methods to research a major paper. Open to all students and tailored to their majors. Concept of library as a learning laboratory. (3H,3C)

2104 (AINS 2104) (COMM 2104): ORAL TRADITIONS AND CULTURE
Examination of the world's great oral traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Emphasis on performance contexts, relationships among multicultural traditions, including American Indian oral traditions, and the relationships among orality, literacy, technology, media, and culture. (3H,3C)

2204: HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS: THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Explores the theory and the experience of the creative process. Studies both essays on the process of creative activity and examples of its product. Includes a personal creative project. (3H,3C) I,II.

2214: EXPERIENCES IN THE ARTS
Guided exposure to selected works of art, including painting and sculpture, literature, and the performing arts as well as participation in arts events; exploration of ways in which individual works of art embody and help explain human experience. May not be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C) I,II.

2444 (CLA 2444) (ENGL 2444): ANCIENT GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY
Survey of Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and modern interpretations. In English. No knowledge of Ancient Greek or Latin required. Not for credit toward a Latin Minor. (3H,3C) I,II.

2454 (CLA 2454) (ENGL 2454): ANCIENT GREEK AND LATIN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
A variable content course devoted to the study of major works of Ancient Greek and Latin literature in English translation. May be repeated for credit with different content. In English. No knowledge of Ancient Greek or Latin required. Not for credit toward a Latin Minor. (3H,3C) I,II.

2504: INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN STUDIES
Methodology and tools of American Studies, emphasizing interrelations among social, cultural, and technological history, values, and artistic creation. Intensive study of a specific topic or period in American culture since 1850. (3H,3C) I.

2714 (FR 2714): INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION
French culture and civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to literature, film, art, architecture, and theatre in the context of French cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) I.

2724 (GER 2724): INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION
German culture and civilization from the earliest period to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to literature, film, art, architecture, music, and theatre in the context of German cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) I.

2734 (RUS 2734): INTRODUCTION TO RUSSIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION
Russian culture and civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to Russian literature, art, architecture, music, film, and threatre in the context of Russian cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

2744 (SPAN 2744): INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION
Introduction to Spanish culture and civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. Interdisciplinary approach combining the study of literature, the arts, architecture, music, theatre, and film in the context of Spanish cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

2754 (SPAN 2754): INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH-AMERICAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION
Spanish-American culture and civilization from the discovery of the New World to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to literature, film, art, architecture, music, and theatre in the context of Spanish-American cultural history. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3014: HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS: RENAISSANCE AND EARLIER
Focuses on interdisciplinary topics involving interrelationships among various arts and/or artists (to the end of the Renaissance). (3H,3C)

3024: HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS: POST RENAISSANCE
Focuses on interdisciplinary topics involving interrelationships among various arts and/or artists (from the end of the Renaissance). (3H,3C)

3034 (COMM 3034): THEORIES OF POP CULTURE
Relationship of popular culture to communication; ways to classify, analyze, and evaluate popular culture; history of main themes with emphasis on the United States; cultural evolution of the electronic revolution. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) I.

3204 (COMM 3204): MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Exploration of communication in various cultural groups through the medium of performance. Emphasis on understanding cultural differences and similarities in styles of communication, aesthetics, worldviews, and values. (3H,3C) II.

3464 (EDHL 3464) (GEOG 3464) (HD 3464) (NE 3464) (SOC 3464) (UAP 3464): APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES
The concept of community in Appalachia using a multidisciplinary approach and experiential learning. Interrelationships among geographically, culturally, and socially constituted communities, public policy, and human development. Must have completed one 2000-level course in any cross-listing department. (2H,3L,3C) II.

3684 (HIST 3684): CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE SOVIET UNION AND THE SUCCESSOR STATES
History and main characteristics of cultural life and the arts in the former Soviet Union, with emphasis on film, music, literature, and the relationship between elite and popular culture. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

4004 (AINS 4004): TOPICS IN AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES
A variable topics course in which students will engage an interdisciplinary methodology to pursue a critical and in-depth examination of various topics concerning and pertinent to American indigenous peoples. This course is repeatable for up to 6 hours credit with different topics. Must meet prerequisite or have permission of the instructor. Pre: AINS 1104. (3H,3C)

4034 (COMM 4034): FUNCTIONS OF POPULAR CULTURE
Popular culture as a humanistic discipline; emphasis on archetypes, formulas, and genres; the function of ideas, images, and icons on the popular imagination. Senior standing required. (3H,3C) II.

4104: EXPLORATIONS IN ADVANCED HUMANITIES TOPICS
In-depth study of special interdisciplinary topics. Topics vary but involve a close and extensive study of the interrelationship between important cultural ideas and movements, and formative myths and values, and their expression in several of the following forms: literature, philosophy, religion, art, music, drama. May be taken only once for credit. (3H,3C)

4324 (REL 4324): TOPICS IN RELIGION AND CULTURE
Selected topics from the religions of the world such as time and the sacred, preliterate religions, women and religion, religion and science, mysticism. May be taken three times for credit with different topics. Pre: 3 REL credits. (3H,3C)

4404: APPALACHIAN FOLK CULTURE
Examination of informal learning systems and traditional aesthetic expressions in Appalachia. Investigation of world view and cultural premises as expressed in traditional artifacts. (3H,3C)

4414: CRITICAL ISSUES IN APPALACHIAN STUDIES
Examination of dominant value conflicts in contemporary Appalachia, focusing on questions of exploitation of human and natural resources. Comparative study of Appalachia, other mountain cultures worldwide, and the Third World. Pre: 1704. (3H,3C)

4554: SCIENCE CAPSTONE SEMINAR
Seminar for advanced undergraduates majoring in the natural sciences. Students and faculty representing several natural science disciplines (including biochemistry, biology, chemistry, geology, physics) participate in the preparation, presentation, and discussion of topics representing a wide range of interdisciplinary scientific interests. Pass/Fail only. (3H,3C) Invitation of student's major department required.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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Foreign Culture Courses (HUM)

In conjunction with the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, the Humanities Program has developed several interdisciplinary courses that examine the characteristics of various cultures as manifested in their arts, literature, and thought. These courses are included in Area 2 of the University Core Curriculum.

2714 (FR 2714): INTRO. TO FRENCH CULTURE & CIVILIZATION
French culture and civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to literature, film, art, architecture, and theatre in the context of French cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) I

2724 (GER 2724): INTRO. TO GERMAN CULTURE & CIVILIZATION
German culture and civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to literature, film, art, architecture, music, and theatre in the context of German cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) I

2734 (RUS 2734): INTRO. TO RUSSIAN CULTURE & CIVILIZATION
Russian culture and civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to Russian literature, art, architecture, music, film, and theater in the context of Russian cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II

2744 (SPAN 2744): INTRO. TO SPANISH CULTURE & CIVILIZATION
Introduction to Spanish culture and civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. Interdisciplinary approach combining the study of literature, the arts, architecture, music, theatre, and film in the context of Spanish cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

2754 (SPAN 2754): INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH-AMERICAN CULTURE & CIVILIZATION
Spanish-American culture and civilization from the discovery of the New World to the present. Interdisciplinary approach to literature, film, art, architecture, music, and theatre in the context of Spanish-American cultural history. In English. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

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