Integrative Studies

INST 100 FRESHMAN SEMINAR - 5 hrs
Each seminar uses the approach of one or more disciplines to explore a different topic related to the theme of human nature. Topics in the past have included Food for Thought, Twenty-First Century Sounds, Death and Dying, Consumerism in America and Art, and the Arts Alive and Well.

INST 105 GROWING UP IN AMERICA - 5 hrs
This course examines the ways historical and social developments of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries have shaped our lives. Readings are drawn from history, literature, sociology and other disciplines. Films, lectures, music and art supplement the readings.

INST 110 COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE: THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY - 5 hrs
This course examines the relationship between individuals and their societies through the lenses of literature. Readings include short stories, novels, poetry, plays and creative nonfiction. The readings develop themes such as growing up, women and men, money and work, peace and war, and varieities of protest. Thematic selections are chosen primarily from recent American and British literature, including works from a variety of contemporary ethnic traditions.

INST 150 ISSUES IN THE WESTERN EXPERIENCE - 5 hrs
A study of how the past shapes the issues confronting individuals and societies today. Explores ideas and institutions of past and present Western societies in the context of cultural traditions and values, political systems, economic conditions, and social structures. Students learn to explore the interactions between past, present, and future as they examine major themes such as justice and freedom, faith and reason, war and nationalism.

INST 120 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND POLITICAL LIFE - 5 hrs
This class will focus on integrating the information, skills, and concepts necessary to provide each student with the tools to engage actively in the public sphere and political life from the local to the global level. While we often think of voting as the primary way we can become involved in politics, this course will investigate what it means to be a citizen and why politics seems to be part of our human nature. Intrinsic to our role as citizens is active participation which will take the form of service-learning in this course.

INST 130 PSYCHOLOGY AND HUMAN NATURE - 5 hrs
A study of the human being from a range of psychological perspectives. Acquaints students with the philosophies, theories, methods, and major findings of psychology and encourages students to explore the relationships between psychology and other disciplines. Small-group discussions allow for elaboration of classroom material. Required for teacher licensure and Nursing majors.

INST 160 WORLD GEOGRAPHY AND HUMAN SOCIETY - 5 hrs
A study of the relationship between where people live and the way they live. Topics, drawn from historical, economic, cultural, medical, and political geography, include the geography of economic development, world population patterns, changing natural environments, and the geography of politics. Students learn to use maps as tools for comprehending the world.

INST 170 INEQUALITY IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN SOCIETY - 5 hrs
A study of the influence identity, power, and change have on everyday life in contemporary America, with emphasis on social hierarchies based on race, class and gender. Students observe their social environment through the use of tools, concepts, and perspectives of sociology. Focuses on how social inequalities affect people, how individuals cope with social inequality, and how they attempt to improve their place in society.

INST 180 ENCOUNTERING CULTURAL SYSTEMS - 5 hrs
A study of human beings within cultures and the tools for studying cultures other than our own, both Western and non-Western. Provides students with a perspective from which to understand both their own and other cultures and a basis for examining crucial human concerns. Brings together political science and economics in the context of sociology and cultural anthropology.

INST 240 SCIENTIFIC THINKING AND DOING, AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH, TOPICS TO BE ANNOUNCED - 5 hrs
For sophomore students: An interdisciplinary introduction to scientific thought and practice. Topics vary among sections but share the common themes of the scientific method, �hands-on� inquiry based laboratory experiences, and critical thinking. The course is team-taught emphasizes how various scientific disciplines contribute to the solution of scientific questions, especially the question of human nature. In combination with the upper level INST science courses which emphasize societal and ethical aspects of science, the science INST requirement seeks to promote scientific literacy. Students who take this course will only need one upper level I S Science. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructors.

INST 250 PHILOSOPHY AND HUMAN NATURE - 5 hrs
An examination of the philosophical problems arising from the attempt to understand human nature, such as: free will and the possibility of determinism; the nature of the self and survival after death; the nature of justice; the nature and foundations of morality; the nature of the good life; and the implications of the existence of (and of various conceptions of) God. Course requirements include a writing component.

INST 260 HUMAN NATURE IN THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION - 5 hrs
An examination of the human condition from the perspectives of the Christian tradition, including the Hellenistic and Hebraic backgrounds of the Pauline-Augustinian doctrinal mainstream and interpretations growing from that theological mainstream. Uses the perspective of biblical theology to study themes such as creation and human origin, image of God, sin, the problem of evil and suffering, freedom of the will, salvation, community, sexuality, death and immortality. Course requirements include a writing component.

INST 270 COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE: RELATIONSHIPS AND DIALOGUES - 5 hrs
The intermediate course in the writing sequence; stylistically and thematically complex readings present views of relationships, love and romance, marriage and partnerships in literary and other texts from classical times to the present, including works from a variety of cultures. Composition builds on the expository skills developed in freshman courses and emphasizes analysis and comparison/contrast. Prereq: credit for INST 100 or 105 or 110. Honors students must register for an Honors section.

INST 290 ECONOMICS AND SOCIETY - 5 hrs
The course examines the fundamental principles of both micro- and macro-economics in the context of their effects on individuals and societies. Topics covered include: scarcity and opportunity cost, demand and supply, elasticity, market structures and market failures, national income determination, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, and international economics. The course uses the principles of economics to explore human and social themes such as poverty, income distribution, economic discrimination, crime, education, and environmental degradation. Open only to Continuing Studies students pursuing one of the B.A. degrees in Liberal Studies. Does not fulfill any I.S. requirement for other students.

INST 300 COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE: THE DILEMMA OF EXISTENCE - 5 hrs
The culminating course in the writing sequence; longer and more advanced readings respond to the great concerns of human existence: good and evil, justice and injustice, community and alienation, life and death. The course focuses on authors central to the European tradition such as Sophocles, Dante and Shakespeare. However, readings also include contemporary writers and writers outside of the European tradition. Composition builds on skills developed in the freshman and sophomore courses and emphasizes synthesis. Prereq: credit for INST 270 and 90 quarter hours completed.

INST 310 ART FORMS: IMAGES AND IDEAS - 5 hrs
An examination of how the processes and products of the visual arts embody human nature. Students will consider the nature of artistic creativity and the role of the artist in society, view significant visual art objects, and learn about artistic production through the perspective of history. Although the course emphasizes the development of Western art, students will also view works reflecting the rich heritage of art throughout the world. Art majors must register for INST 320, INST 330, or an INST 320 or 330 approved substitute.

INST 320 MUSIC AND HUMAN NATURE - 5 hrs
An introduction to the Western European concert music tradition from the listener�s viewpoint, emphasizing music�s relation to the human being and society. Students learn the vocabulary for discussing the basic elements of music, practice listening skills, and use an historical approach to become familiar with principal stylistic eras. Course requires attendance at music events outside the classroom. Music majors must register for INST 310, INST 330, or an INST 310 or 330 approved substitute.

INST 330 THEATRE AND HUMAN NATURE - 5 hrs
This course investigates the process of creating theatre and explores the ways in which theatre artists use the medium to reflect, celebrate, and challenge the human condition. Plays that wrestle with important social and moral issues will be analyzed and debated. Course requires attendance at theatre events outside the classroom. Theatre and musical theatre majors must register for INST 310 or INST 320 or an INST 310 or 320 approved substitute.

INST 340 CHEMISTRY AFFECTS OUR LIVES - 5 hrs
Studies of the benefits and risks of chemical processes. Focuses on the society/science interface from perspectives of the economy, physical health, ethics, and culture. Discussion groups allow for elaboration of classroom material.

INST 350 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE: BEING IN NATURE - 5 hrs
A presentation and discussion of some economic, health, ethical and cultural concerns from the viewpoint of life science. Uses the study of the biological human, the place of humans in the ecosystem, and the effect of changing environments (e.g. rural to urban) on human beings to explore the theme of being in nature. Students must complete several laboratory and field experiments.

INST 360 ENERGY, SCIENCE AND SOCIETY - 5 hrs
A study of the role of energy in our lives. Discussion of the physics of energy precedes a look at its uses, consequences for humanity, and the impact on resulting energy and environmental policies. Course requirements include a writing component.

INST 400 EARTH SCIENCE AND HUMANKIND - 5 hrs
A study of the impact of earth science upon human life, and of human life upon the physical Earth, including volcanoes, earthquakes, water and energy resources, pollution, deforestation, and global change such as global warming. Students use essays, debates, and discussion groups to practice written and oral communication skills.

INST 410 OUR PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE - 5 hrs
A study of the evolving human understanding of the universe and our place in it through the study of astronomy. Places the explorations of modern astronomy in the historical context. Students participate in several observational and experimental activities. Course requirements include a writing component.

INST 380 HUMAN NATURE IN WORLD RELIGIONS AND PHILOSOPHIES - 5 hrs
An examination of human nature from the viewpoint of several Asian religions and philosophies. Designed as a complementary sequel to INST 250 or INST 260, the course deals with basic questions about the purpose and meaning of life and the nature of the Ultimate or God. Topics include views of reality, definitions of human nature, the nature of right and wrong, the causes of evil and suffering, paths of salvation, and the interdependence of religion and culture. Course requirements include a writing component.

INST 381 ASPECTS OF WORLD MUSIC - 5 hrs
A view of human nature through the lens of the world�s music. Connections between music and society in cultures chosen from the following�Native America, Africa, Black America, Eastern Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, Japan, Indonesia, and South America�will be studied outside the context of the Western European concert music tradition. Students develop a vocabulary for describing each culture�s music and a set of approaches for studying music in a sociocultural context. Course requirements include a written project and attendance at music events outside the classroom.

INST 382 AFRICAN CULTURES AND COLONIALISM - 5 hrs
A study of African cultures, with emphasis on selected geographic areas and ethnic groups. Focuses on cultural encounters, their effects, and the relationship of culture to human nature by examining precolonial African civilization, the world view of colonizers, the impact of Western colonialism on Africa, and the African recovery of independence. Exploration of several perspectives is encouraged through the use of several disciplines (chosen from among history, literature, religion, political science, sociology, economics, and the arts). Course requirements include a writing component and a final project that requires synthesis.

INST 383 MODERN INDIAN CULTURE AND LITERATURES - 5 hrs
This course uses literature as a major, though not the sole means, to introduce students to modern India after its independence in 1947. The course is interdisciplinary in approach. Literary readings are put in context by using two other focal points, India�s religions such as Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism, and its experience of colonization by the British to understand its varied and complex present-day culture but also to compare it to their own. It seeks to show students how such a comparative exploration can help one gain a deeper understanding of one�s own culture and individuality as well as better understand human nature.

INST 384 APPROACHING JAPAN THROUGH ITS ARTS - 5 hrs
This team-taught course begins with the premise that Japan is a nation whose post-modern, high-tech exterior clothes a deeply traditional civilization, divergent in some ways from Euro-American experience and values. Students will approach Japan by encountering the visual arts, music, literature, cinema, language, and athletic traditions. They will seek an understanding of common themes, motives, and forms that indicate in Japanese perceptions of the world and of human nature. Course requirements include a final written project and attendance at events outside the class meeting time.

INST 490 INTERNSHIP - 1-15 hrs
Internship associated with the Integrative Studies Symposium designed by the intern and the Symposium chairperson through a learning contract process. Registration must be approved by the chairperson of the Integrative Studies Program.