Interdisciplinary Studies

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College of Arts and Humanities

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

 

Bachelor of Arts

American Studies Concentration

Comparative Cultures Concentration

Environmental Studies Concentration

Global Studies Concentration

 

Minors

Civilizations

Environmental Studies

Human Studies

Science, Technology and Society

Thematic Project

 

Faculty

Anne Choi, Department Chair

Jenney Hall, Patricia Kalayjian, Vivian Price

Program Office: SCC 130, (310) 243-3649, (310) 243-3640

Emeriti Faculty

Patricia Cherin, Myrna C. Donahoe, Catherine Jacobs

 

Program Description

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) is a broad-based, liberal arts and sciences major that focuses on developing exemplary skills in written and oral communication, textual analysis, critical thinking, research methods, and the ability to bring a wide range of resources to bear in approaching complex problems.  Because it combines knowledge systems across the meta-disciplines of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, an IDS major is great preparation for both the workplace and for entry into graduate or professional schools. IDS is part of a national network of Programs for Accelerated College Education (PACE) that are designed for working, adult students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time while they maintain a full-time job. While all admitted students are welcome, IDS/PACE students are primarily transfers who enter CSUDH with 60 units and junior-class standing. 

Features

IDS/PACE offers major concentrations in four areas of study: American Studies, Comparative Cultures, Environmental Studies, and Global Studies. As a PACE program, IDS courses are scheduled at times that function well for working people, including week nights and weekends, as well as in hybrid and online formats. For students whose schedules require that they attend classes only on the weekends, IDS offers a full Weekend College format.

Academic Advising

Interdisciplinary Studies provides each student with a faculty advisor, a person who will assist the student in choosing classes, in defining a direction for the program of studies, and in coping with problems associated with both traditional and nontraditional areas of university life. The faculty advisor will expect to meet with each of his or her students at least once each semester to discuss progress-to-date and to plan the next semester's course of study. Students are encouraged to see their mentors more often during the school year as problems, concerns and new ideas arise.

Preparation

While an associate of arts degree before entering IDS/PACE is not necessary, we advise you to complete most of your lower division General Education requirements before transferring. Applicants will qualify for admission to IDS/PACE if they have completed 60 transferable semester units, have a grade point average of "C" (2.0) or better and have completed the General Education Basic Skills courses (The "Golden Four:" Speech, Composition, Critical Thinking, and a transferable math) with grades of "C" or better. The maximum number of transferable units from a community college is 70 semester units. Always check the University Catalog for current transfer requirements.

IDS/PACE is open to all students who are admitted to the University. Working students who find that the regular programs of the campus do not meet their specific needs should contact the IDS/PACE Office for an appointment with a faculty advisor.

Career Possibilities and Graduate School

With its focus on critical thinking and writing and comprehensive course offerings, IDS/PACE graduates have the skills and knowledge to promote in workplace and successfully pursue graduate school. Our graduates have gone on to attend graduate school in Social Work, Public Health, English, Psychology, Public Administration, Business, Museum Studies, and Law.

Graduation with Honors

An undergraduate student may be a candidate for graduation with Honors in Interdisciplinary Studies provided he or she meets the following criteria:

  1. A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;
  2. A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper division requirements in the major;
  3. Recommendation by the faculty in the department or program in which the honors are to be awarded.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree

See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

Elective Requirements

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.

General Education Requirements (55-62 units)

See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

See the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" in the University Catalog.

Minor Requirements

Single field major, no minor required.

Major Requirements (45 units)

Each Area of Concentration consists of a minimum of 45 semester units that are grouped in a unique structure.

Common to each of the Areas of Concentration is the following:

  • Every IDS major is required to take IDS 300, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies, during the student's first academic year in the major; each major is required to take a Senior Seminar, IDS 490, in their final academic year in the major;
  • There must be a minimum of 39 semester units of upper division course work, including the introductory course (IDS 300) and Senior Seminar (IDS 490);
  • A minimum of 21 semester units of courses used to fulfill the Area of Concentration must be appropriate Interdisciplinary Studies courses;
  • A minimum of 24 units of course work must be completed after the student has entered the Interdisciplinary Studies program and has agreed on the Area of Concentration with his/her Interdisciplinary Studies mentor;
  • A minimum of nine semester units selected from each of three main areas of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences;
  • A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses used to complete an Interdisciplinary Studies Area of Concentration; The completed program is then reviewed by IDS/Faculty who must approve the program before it is submitted to meet graduation requirements.

Area of Concentration in American Studies (45 units)

Degree Roadmap

In addition to IDS 300 and IDS 490, 27 semester units are chosen by the student with the assistance of the faculty advisor. These courses form a closely related cluster or sequence of courses that cross the lines of several disciplines and provide a focused, interdisciplinary study of the United States from a variety of perspectives from multiple time periods.

Twelve additional elective units of are chosen by the student with the assistance of the faculty advisor.

Area of Concentration in Comparative Cultures (45 units)

Degree Roadmap

In addition to IDS 300 and IDS 490, 27 semester units are chosen by the student with the assistance of the faculty advisor. These courses form a closely related cluster or sequence of courses that cross the lines of several disciplines and provide a focused, interdisciplinary study that compares and contrasts cultures across various borders - such as those of time, social institutions, and geography.

Twelve additional elective units of are chosen by the student with the assistance of the faculty advisor.

Area of Concentration in Environmental Studies (45 units)

Degree Roadmap

In addition to IDS 300 and IDS 490, at least 21 semester units are chosen principally from the natural sciences, providing a focused Area of Concentration in Environmental Studies.

Twelve additional elective units of are chosen by the student with the assistance of the faculty advisor.

Area of Concentration in Global Studies (45 units)

Degree Roadmap

In addition to IDS 300 and IDS 490, 27 semester units are chosen by the student with the assistance of a faculty advisor. These courses form a closely related cluster or sequence of courses that cross the lines of several disciplines and provide a focused, interdisciplinary study of the complex relationships that underpin today's global economy.

Twelve additional semester units of courses that may relate less directly to the Area of Concentration are chosen by the student with the assistance of a faculty mentor.

 

Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies (15 units)

Interdisciplinary Studies offers four minors, plus a Thematic Project, which may serve in lieu of a minor. All minors require a minimum of 15 semester units, at least six units of which must be from Interdisciplinary Studies Courses, and at least 12 units of which must be upper division.

Each student's minor is reviewed and approved by an IDS faculty member prior to submission to meet graduation requirements.

At least three of the courses (9 units) used by the student to complete the minor must be taken after the student has chosen the minor and has been advised by an Interdisciplinary Studies mentor.

A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses used in Interdisciplinary Studies minors.

Minor in Civilizations (15 units)

The Minor in Civilizations consists of a minimum of 15 semester units that allow the student to study the development of ideas and institutions of Western Civilization or of a non-Western culture.

 

Minor in Environmental Studies (15 units)

The Minor in Environmental Studies consists of a minimum of 15 semester units of courses which must form an integrated theme in Environmental Studies.

 

Minor in Human Studies (15 units)

The Minor in Human Studies consists of a minimum of 15 semester units of courses, which must include at least three semester units of METHODS or three semester units of THEORY courses.
At least 12 units of the minor must form an integrated theme in
an appropriate area relevant to human studies.

 

Minor in Science, Technology and Society (15 units)

The Minor in Science, Technology and Society consists of a minimum of 15 semester units of courses, which must include at least one course dealing with the impact, philosophy or history of science and/or technology. At least 12 units must form an integrated theme in an area relevant to the relationship of science and/or technology with society. 

 

Minor in Thematic Project (15 units)

The Thematic Project is an individually designed and substantial body of work on a particular theme that leads to a research project. The Thematic Project normally consists of four parts.

  1. The Proposal (1 unit)
  2. Course work as needed (variable unit requirement)
  3. Fieldwork/Research (variable unit requirement)
  4. Final Product (variable unit requirement)

Each project is individually designed by the student and his/her Thematic Project Advisor.

 

Course Offerings

The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. For course availability, please see the list of tentative course offerings in the current Class Schedule.

Lower Division

IDS 295           Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies (3).

A broad study of an issue or a concept in Interdisciplinary Studies that is of special interest to faculty and students. Topics vary (e.g. Special Topics: Labor and the Environment, Environmental Ethics, Global Sustainability; Environmental Literature; Water in the American West). Repeatable course. Three hours of lecture per week.

Upper Division

IDS 300          Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (3).

Provides an introduction to the theories and practices of interdisciplinary studies in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Course includes research methods, writing for the various disciplines, and development of analytical and synthesizing skills necessary for success in Interdisciplinary Studies.

IDS 312         Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Humanities: Promise of the West (3)

Prerequisite: HUM 200 or equivalent

Each topic for this course examines an important issue in the Humanities, using a methodology incorporating multiples disciplines and placing the content in a historical and cultural context.

IDS 318          Interdisciplinary Approaches to Cultural Pluralism: Immigration in the United States (3)

Each topic for this course examines an important social issue in the Social Sciences, using a methodology incorporating multidisciplinary approaches, cultural diversity, and social interaction. Repeatable for credit with different topics.

IDS 320          Interdisciplinary Topics in Human Studies (3).

Provides an in-depth study of a topic in human behavior and attitudes. The topic will be examined using interdisciplinary perspectives. Examples of topics include class and careers, immigration and cultural impact and poverty. Repeatable course. Three hours of seminar per week.

IDS 326          Perspectives in Human Studies (3).

Special Topics course using nonstandard times and/or days to explore issues in the human behavior and attitudes. Repeatable course.

IDS 330          Interdisciplinary Topics in Civilizations (3).

Provides an in-depth analysis of a major topic in the history of ideas and institutions through the study of the topic in relation to the disciplines relevant to the topic. Sample topics include archetypal patterns in literature and history of modern thought. Repeatable course.

IDS 336           American Studies in the Humanities (3)

Provides an in-depth analysis of an issue, region, perspective, or historical era of the United States from a comparative, multidisciplinary humanities perspective. Courses incorporate some of the following disciplines: literature, history, film, philosophy, art, and drama. Repeatable with different topics.

IDS 350           Interdisciplinary Topics in Environmental Studies (3)

Prerequisite: Lower division General Education sciences

Provides an in-depth examination of major concepts in environmental science, including ecology, evolution, diseases, loss of biodiversity, global warming, and the public policies needed to address complex contemporary problems. Courses involve methods of scientific inquiry. Repeatable with different topics.

IDS 380          Portfolio Preparation (1).

Prerequisite: Completion of 30 units in residence prior to assessment.

Supervised preparation of a Portfolio to Assess Prior Learning. CR/NC grading.

IDS 382          Assessment of Prior Learning (1-11).

Prerequisite: Completion of 30 units in residence prior to assessment.

Evaluation of Portfolio of Prior Learning. Prior learning is evaluated for credit by faculty experts in various departments. Credit may be used as elective units or, on approval of Department Chair, as part of requirements for a major or a minor. CR/NC grading. Repeatable course.

IDS 397          Writing Adjunct (2).

Prerequisites: ENG 100 and ENG 101 or IDS 107.

Individualized instruction in expository writing taught in conjunction with papers assigned in other courses. Individual tutorial sessions and classroom lectures and workshops are employed. CR/NC grading. Repeatable course.

IDS 398          Writing Adjunct (Competency Certification) (2).

Prerequisite: IDS 397.

Individualized instruction in expository writing taught in conjunction with papers assigned in other courses. Individual tutorial sessions and classroom lectures and workshops are employed. In-class essay writing and Cooperative Essay Exam. CR/NC grading.

IDS 490          Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Seminar (3).

Students draw from their interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies to address contemporary issues and review and apply theories and information from previous classes.

IDS 491          Thematic Project: Proposal (1).

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Supervised development of a proposal which describes the Thematic Project. Proposal will define a problem, outline means to solve problem and describe the final product resulting from the project. Completed proposal contain advisor's justification and will be approved by committee. CR/NC grading.

IDS 492          Thematic Project: Fieldwork/Research (1,2,4).

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Supervised activity in fieldwork and/or research necessary to carry through a thematic project. Repeatable course.

IDS 493          Thematic Project: Final Product (1,2,4).

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Supervised activity in preparation of the final product necessary to carry through a thematic project. Repeatable course.

IDS 494          Independent Study (2,3).

Independent pursuit of a topic or project which is proposed by the student. Study must be interdisciplinary and must be approved, in advance, by faculty member supervising study. Repeatable course.

Infrequently Offered Courses

The following courses are scheduled on a "demand" basis. Students should consult the department office for information about the next schedule offering.

IDS 360          Special Studies in Civilizations (1-3).

Prerequisites: Upper division status and permission of instructor.

This course will investigate one or more special topics in Western and/or Non Western civilizations. Instruction will usually include off-campus activity such as, but not limited to, foreign travel. Repeatable course.