College of Liberal Arts and Human SciencesDepartment of Interdisciplinary StudiesOverviewInterdisciplinary 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)Michael K. Herndon, Director of Undergraduate StudiesAdvising Coordinator: C. S. Slusser 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 RequirementsWith 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:
IDST Program Degree OptionsFor 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. IDST Cross-Program Degree Option In Leadership and Social Change (IDLR)S. Johnston, Academic Coordinator, Residential Leadership CommunityIDST 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.
Study AbroadIDST 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 ProgramEligible 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 MajorsFor 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): IDST Concentrations and MinorsThe 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) Humanities ProgramsPeter L. Schmitthenner, Director 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 OptionsAll 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 MinorThe 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.
And at least three of the following courses: HUM/COMM/AINS 2104: Oral Traditions and Culture *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 American Studies ConcentrationThe 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 MinorThe 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):
Director: Anita Puckett Asian Area Studies MinorThe 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 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 Classical StudiesFor 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): 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: 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. 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). Cross-cultural Humanities track
This track enables students to explore non-Western or non-dominate cultures within the Humanities context. Coordinator: Peter Schmitthenner Humanistic Traditions ConcentrationThe course of study for the Humanistic Traditions Concentration requires at least 15 hours (five courses) in Humanities (HUM). This concentration offers a sustained and broad investigation of the human cultural experience over different time periods and cultures. Students may take five of the six introductory period courses:
Up to six hours may be substituted from upper division Humanities courses, in consultation with an advisor. Coordinator: Peter Schmitthenner Medieval and Renaissance Studies MinorThe 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):
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 MinorThe 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:
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 TOP Undergraduate Course Descriptions (IDST)1114: INTRODUCTION TO INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESIntroduces the concept of interdisciplinarity. Explores the ways of knowing particular to disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields of inquiry. Emphasizes the integration and application of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to examine and resolve an issue or group of issues. (3H,3C) 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 INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 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. 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 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): INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Programs of Study Air Force ROTC | Apparel, Housing & Resource Management | Army ROTC| Communication English | Foreign Languages and Literatures | History | Human Development | Interdisciplinary Studies International Studies | Music | Navy ROTC | Philosophy | Political Science | School of Education Science and Technology in Society | Sociology | Theatre Arts |