Interdisciplinary Courses

INTDSC 1000 Special Topics: 3 semester hours

Topics may vary from semester to semester, however, they will all focus in the cultural heritage of Great Britain with material taken from art, theater, literature, and selected topics in philosophy.

INTDSC 1003 University Studies: 1 semester hour

This course, required of all new freshmen in the College of Arts and Sciences, is designed to assist students in making the transition to the university experience and to UMSL by giving students the knowledge and tools needed to succeed as a scholar. The course will also familiarize students with the relationship between their education and their career and personal goals, and will assist in developing positive connections with faculty, staff, and peers at UMSL. Students will learn about faculty expectations, support services, and student life, as well as academic disciplines. The course counts toward the 120 credit hours needed for graduation.

INTDSC 1010 Research and the Information Landscape: 1 semester hour

This course will help students navigate and critically evaluate different types of information in the classroom and in their personal lives. Students will develop practical library and Internet search skills and explore the why, where, and how of information organization. Topics may include information equality, academic publishing, generative AI, and information history.

INTDSC 1011 Introduction to Disability Studies: 3 semester hours

This course introduces the theory and scholarship of the interdisciplinary field of Disability Studies. Disability will be addressed as a matter of identity, culture, language, writing, power, education, politics, literature, art, and more. This course counts toward the Global Perspectives graduation requirement.

INTDSC 1012 History of Disability: 3 semester hours

This course explores the history of disability from various perspectives, moving from antiquity to present day. Perspectives will include: the individual, society at large, the family, sexuality and disability, educational systems, and legal and ethical issues. Students will explore how these perspectives can drive public policy and service delivery systems. Students will gain knowledge and a foundational understanding of current legislation, Independent Living Philosophy, advocacy, empowerment, and self- empowerment that will enable them to create an organized and efficient independent living plan. This course counts toward the Global Perspectives graduation requirement.

INTDSC 1234 Science Literacy: 3 semester hours

This course introduces students to terminology, concepts, and methods in the sciences. It will help them enhance their scientific literacy and creativity, so that they can communicate with confidence about how science pertains to their daily lives. Students will also explore how science has influenced American history and society and how it could impact our future.

INTDSC 1500 Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Preparation: 1 semester hour

Prerequisites: Consent of the faculty coordinator for the BA in Organizational Leadership. This course is designed to help students identify areas of learning they may want to have evaluated for college-level equivalency. It will also guide students through the preparation and compilation of components that will be required for the evaluation of a portfolio of prior learning. This course is required for students to apply for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) via portfolio review.

INTDSC 1999 Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present: 3 semester hours

Same as HIST 1999. An introduction to the humanities, social science, and science disciplines through a sweeping overview of natural and human history from the Big Bang to the present. Course will include lectures from faculty in various Arts and Sciences units, films, and group discussions.

INTDSC 2001 Introduction to Organizational Leadership: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 2001. This course surveys current research and case studies of leadership with a strong focus on self-awareness and introspection as drivers of organizational leadership success. It invites students to consider leadership as a process more than a product.

INTDSC 4001 Organizational Leadership Capstone: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 4001. Prerequisites: SOC 2001 or INTDSC 2001. This course will help students achieve and demonstrate proficiency in organizational leadership. Students will apply insights gained from previous coursework into individual and group projects that identify and address real-world leadership challenges.