Interdisciplinary Studies

This course is designed to help students achieve greater success in college and in their future lives. Students will learn and practice proven strategies in the areas of reading, writing, and note taking as well as test taking and managing finances.  Taught in a discussion-oriented environment, this course helps students develop effective self-management and interdependence skills to improve their academic, professional, and personal success.
(Normally offered each semester.)

The Archway Seminar is a course designed to introduce first year students to the intellectual practices that must be cultivated and routinely exercised to make the most of a liberal education. Through a topic of intrinsic interest, students will practice and develop their capacity for critical and analytical thought, their ability to conduct and report research on a given topic, and their ability to collaborate in solving problems. In addition, students will exercise their ability to express themselves orally and in writing. The instructor/advisor will help students become independent learners who understand the intent of Nebraska Wesleyan's general education program.
No Pass/Fail.

The Archway Seminar introduces students to the intellectual practices that must be cultivated and routinely exercised to make the most of a liberal education. By exploring an interdisciplinary topic, students develop their capacity to think analytically, conduct research, communicate orally and in writing, and collaborate in solving problems. No P/F.
Offered in University College only.

Through an examination of the origin of cosmos, this course will address how science and religion conflict, are independent of each other, may be in dialogue with one another, or may be integrated or consistent with one another. We will lay the groundwork for the course through an examination of a section from Ian Barbour's book, which lays out the different ways in which science and religion can interact. Next, since science and religion are sets of beliefs formed in certain ways, we will briefly look at how beliefs in general are and, perhaps, ought to be formed. We will then look at some ancient attempts to make sense of the cosmos through both supernatural and natural explanation. The final third of the course will be devoted to contemporary issues about the intersection of religion, science, and our views of the cosmos.

This course serves as a required step in the Identity Thread of the Integrative Core. In the course, we will explore fundamental premises about human identity within different world cultures, and study ways in which the development of modernity has challenged and remolded those views. The ultimate aim of the course is to present major questions that the study of identity poses, and explores a variety of approaches to investigating these questions. The course will prepare students for other courses they will take within the thread. Credit may not be earned for more than one of the "Identity" courses of IDS 1200, IDS 1200FYW, or IDS 1210.

This course serves as the first step in the Identity thread of the Integrative Core. In the course we will explore fundamental premises about human identity within different world cultures, and study ways in which the development of modernity has challenged and remolded those views. We will use the lens of identity to explore a number of issues that are at the forefront of modern life. The ultimate aim of the course is to present major questions that the study of identity poses, and explore a variety of approaches to investigating these questions, using writing as a primary tool for this investigation. The course will develop student writing skills, and prepare students for other courses they will take within the thread.The course will prepare students for other courses they will take within the thread. Credit may not be earned for more than one of the "Identity" courses of IDS 1200, IDS 1200FYW, or IDS 1210.

This course serves as the core requirement in the Identity Thread of the Integrative Core.  In the course, we will explore fundamental premises about human identity within different world cultures, and study ways in which the development of modernity has challenged and remolded those views.  The ultimate aim of the course is to present major questions that the study of identity poses, and explores a variety of approaches to investigating these questions.  The course will prepare students for other courses they will take within the thread. Credit may not be earned for more than one of the "Identity" courses of IDS 1200, IDS 1200FYW, or IDS 1210.

This course introduces students to the most important worldwide human health issues, and examines possible solutions. These issues will be examined from multiple perspectives, including biological, environmental, socioeconomics and political. Specific topics will include infectious diseases, nutrition, reproductive health, and non-communicable diseases from childhood to old age. Students will work with case studies that explore global health metrics, ethics and human rights, policies, and practices in a variety of countries. IDS-1500 will complete a reflective assignment related to their evolving perspective on global human health.

A topical course designed to investigate relevant subject matter not included in any standard courses. The title and the content will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

This is a research course. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic and review research methods. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special Projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

For grant recipients of the Nebraska Wesleyan University Student-Faculty Collaboration Research Fund for scholarship or research in collaboration with, or mentored by, faculty. Students carry out active, experiential learning apropriate to the students' disciplines and present the results of their projects in a university-wide local research symposium.
Pass/fail only.
A course fee will be assessed.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Committee.

This course prepares students to apply for National Prestige Scholarships such as Fulbright, Critical Language, Goldwater, Truman, Hollings, etc. Course work includes assignments such as writing and revising personal statements and research proposals and participating in mock interviews.
No Pass/Fail.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Design Labs is an intensive on-campus internship that bridges the humanities and science (technology) by offering real world design and marketing experience that challenges the status quo. Apply at: labs.iondesignco.com.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission only.

4 hours - fall or spring semester
3 hours - summer or winter term
This course introduces students to the major institutions, ethnic communities, and systems of Chicago. Students interact with community organizers, performers, political leaders, and business owners. Students visit neighborhoods, encounter the vast diversity of the city, and experience the connection between world events and urban living.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture Faculty Liaison.

Students participating in approved exchange programs abroad enroll in IDS 2700E Study Abroad-Exchange Program to maintain continuing student status and advance enrollment for the following semester. As official records are received, final determination of credit is made, and course titles, credits, and grades are posted on the permanent transcript in lieu of IDS 2700E Study Abroad-Exchange Program. May be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Director of International Education.

Students participating in approved non-exchange programs abroad enroll in IDS 2700N Study Abroad-Nonexchange to maintain continuing student status and advance enrollment for the following semester. As official records are received, final determination of credit is made, and course titles, credits, and grades are posted on the permanent transcript in lieu of IDS 2700N Study Abroad-Nonexchange. May be repeated. Students pay an administrative fee.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Director of International Education.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other standard courses or to provide study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

This is a research course. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic and review research methods. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Supervised work on an approved project involving subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. Projects are normally developed individually, but may be arranged for organized groups. Registration should designate the area of work.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Student instructors work closely with faculty instructors in the Archway Seminars planning seminar sessions, facilitating class discussion, and responding to seminar assignments. In addition, student instructors will meet as a group to discuss and evaluate their experiences, and to participate in student development activities. Three hours of lecture per week (the meeting of the Archway Seminar). One hour of discussion per week or as needed.
Pass/Fail oriented.
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.
Prerequisite(s): Selection as a student instructor for an Archway Seminar (approved by the Associate Provost for Integrative and Experiential Learning) and junior or senior standing.

Students enrolled in this course will serve as Peer Mentors to students in a section of the IDS-1000. Students who take on this role will ideally be students who have participated in the Success Seminar, or students who have demonstrated significant growth in their academic and personal well-being during their time at NWU. P/F Oriented.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

See Thread Coordinator.

4 hours - fall or spring semester
3 hours - summer or winter term
This course introduces students to the major institutions, ethnic communities, and systems of Chicago. Students interact with community organizers, performers, political leaders, and business owners. Students visit neighborhoods, encounter the vast diversity of the city, and experience the connection between world events and urban living.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture Faculty Liaison.

For grant recipients of the Nebraska Wesleyan University Student-Faculty Collaboration Research Fund for scholarship or research in collaboration with, or mentored by, faculty. Students carry out active, experiential learning apropriate to the students' disciplines and present the results of their projects in a university-wide local research symposium.
Pass/fail only.
A course fee will be assessed.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Committee.

In this thread culmination experience course, students will recognize significant connections among their thread courses, reflect on their experiences in exploring the core questions and learning objectives in those thread courses, and synthesize their answers to those questions in the context of their personal and professional lives.
Offered in University College only. Credit may not be earned for both IDS-4800LD and IDS-4800RS.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of all other Integrative Core requirements.

In this thread culmination experience course, students will recognize significant connections among their thread courses, reflect on their experiences in exploring the core questions and learning objectives in those thread courses, and synthesize their answers to those questions in the context of their personal and professional lives.
Offered in University College only. Credit may not be earned for both IDS-4800LD and IDS-4800RS
Prerequisite(s): Completion of all other Integrative Core requirements.

Independent field research for all majors.

For grant recipients of the Nebraska Wesleyan University Student-Faculty Collaboration Research Fund for scholarship or research in collaboration with, or mentored by, faculty. Students carry out active, experiential learning apropriate to the students' disciplines and present the results of their projects in a university-wide local research symposium.
Pass/fail only.
A course fee will be assessed.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Committee.