IDS 1112H - Honors Interdisciplinary Studies: The Modern World

Communications Department

Credit(s): 6
Contact Hours: 92
Effective Term Spring 2015 (495)

Requisites

(Prerequisite ENC 1101 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite appropriate score on the college placement test) or
Prerequisite ENC 1101H with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite IDS 1101H with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite IDS 1111H with a minimum grade of C or
Permission of the Program

Course Description

This survey course emphasizes interdisciplinary study of the modern era with emphasis on history, philosophy, religion, science, technology, literature, and aesthetics. This Honors cultural studies course will include collaborative learning opportunities and an emphasis on the analysis and synthesis of central questions and ideas related to the period. (Note: Students who complete Honors Interdisciplinary Studies: The Modern World will receive credit toward the completion of the general education program for the following courses: ENC 1102H and HUM 2233H. Each student will be required to write a minimum of 8,000 words. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements outlined in the General Education Requirements.)

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will evaluate the historical, philosophical, scientific, technological, literary, and aesthetic contributions of the modern era by:
    1. outlining the chronology of major events and developments in modern history, philosophy, science, technology, literature, and aesthetics.
    2. analyzing and appraising recurring themes and their cultural impact.
    3. exploring and examining selected works of history, philosophy, literature, and art of the period.
    4. examining how economic, political, scientific, and technological changes contributed to the rise of modern culture.
    5. explaining how philosophical transformations shaped the culture of the modern period.
    6. assessing the relationships between social movements of the period and related aesthetic movements in modern literature, art, architecture, music, and theater.
  2. The student will exhibit a mastery of skills necessary for an interdisciplinary approach by:
    1. developing consciousness in looking at, thinking about, and writing about modern cultural production.
    2. forming judgments and articulating these judgments through writing and speaking about the relative merits of various works of modern art.
    3. developing a sense of historical chronology within the culture and between cultures.
    4. locating connections between developments in history and aesthetics within the culture and between cultures.
    5. mastering new vocabulary as it is presented in class and in specific assigned readings.
  3. The student will develop the prewriting techniques, organizational strategies, and composition skills appropriate for expository writing by:
    1. outlining multi-paragraph writings that:
      1. begin with a limited topic.
      2. contain a restricted thesis.
      3. express clearly the writer's purpose.
      4. control the size and scope of paragraphing and content development.
      5. demonstrate logical development.
    2. writing multi-paragraph essays that:
      1. apply appropriate organizational techniques—analysis and classification, coordination and subordination, informal plans and formal outlines.
      2. use appropriate patterns of organization—spatial, chronological, and logical (deductive and inductive).
      3. organize ideas and details relevant to the thesis into a clear plan which facilitates exposition for an audience of peers.
    3. acquiring composition skills that:
      1. include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
      2. exhibit unity and coherence.
      3. contain specific, precise details which sufficiently support the topic sentence.
      4. use Standard American English.
      5. employ sentence variety and appropriate diction.
      6. convey interdisciplinary connections.
      7. demonstrate critical evaluation of relevant sources.
      8. focus on argument rather than description or process.
  4. The student will evaluate critically both primary and secondary sources for credibility and reliability by:
    1. summarizing main ideas extracted from the information.
    2. synthesizing main ideas to construct new concepts.
    3. determining whether new knowledge has an impact on the individual’s value system and taking steps to reconcile differences.
    4. validating understanding and interpretation of the information through discourse with other individuals, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners.
    5. assessing assumptions or hidden political or cultural bias held by secondary sources.
  5. The student will acquire a mastery of research skills necessary for effective research writing by:
    1. applying the parenthetical and bibliographic documentation skills necessary to produce effective research papers.
    2. conforming to MLA or APA guidelines regarding documentation.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will demonstrate mastery of 70% of the above stated objectives. The writing will meet the criteria of at least Level 4 of the SPC Analytical Rubric for Writing.

History of Changes

C&I 6/14/2011, BOT 10/2011, Effective 20112(0450). Submitted as 1104H, SCNS approved as 1112H.
C&I Approval: 05/16/2014, BOT Approval: 10/21/2014, Effective Term: Spring 2015 (495)