IDIS Courses
For information on IDIS course offerings and scheduling for
fall 2008, view the Fall
2008 IDIS course list.
IDIS 350
Conflicting Theories of Global Warming
Is global warming human-induced or part of a natural cycle? Global
warming is a real and measurable phenomenon with potentially disastrous
consequences for humanity and civilization as we know it. We are being
told by the media that it is solely the result of greenhouse gases
being released in increasing amounts by human burning of fossil fuels.
The science behind this claim, however, is less than conclusive.
Offered in fall 2008.
Reconciling Religion and Science
Can an individual reconcile his or her beliefs with mainstream science?
Contemporary American society has seen a struggle between mainstream
science and those who are skeptical of scientific explanations, instead
relying on their religious beliefs to explain nature. This course
will involve readings and discussions of the ideas of theologian-scientists
who have found that science and religion can be partners, not foes.
Offered in spring 2008.
Surviving in a Diseased World
How can infectious diseases be controlled in light of existing medical
technology, global political issues, threats of bio-terrorism, and
global interconnected travel? This course will examine the significant
infectious diseases that have occurred throughout history with particular
emphasis on how these diseases have changed Earth's demographic, cultural,
and social structures. The course will present an overview of emergent
infectious diseases and how the medical field and political institutions
have responded to combating them. Also included is an overview of
the threats posed from bio-terrorism and issues of national security.
Offered in spring 2008.
IDIS 160
Science,
Technology, and Society Courses
This category of courses examines models of research, the development
of science and technology, and the application and subsequent impact
of the developments on society and the environment. Courses focus
on scientific disciplines as they apply to technology and society.
Examples include: "Energy and Its Implications", "Energy
of Life", "Social Transformation", and "What on
Earth?".
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
IDIS 150
Campus Social Problems
In this First-Year Colloquium, students will engage in critical thinking
class discussions that prepare them to develop a strategic comprehensive
prevention program on campus. Students will historically explore modalities
that have been used in the past to intervene with these social problems
as well as study current science-based approaches that have been effective
in the reduction of certain social problems. Students will have the
opportunity to earn a national certification in peer education.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
Contested Science
In this course, students will explore the dynamic process and factors
involved in the emergence and establishment of new scientific ideas,
and the cultural, social, economic, and political forces that have resisted
and challenged these ideas. Case-studies will range from historical
episodes to recent controversies over evolution and global warming.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
Energy Today and Tomorrow
Energy is required for life. Human beings have come to rely on energy
for maintaining economic growth and improving living standards. In a
physical world where mineral resources are virtually finite, the pattern
of energy use must change. This course focuses on the allocation and
use of energy resources including the physical and geographical characteristics,
the economic market forces, and the geopolitical forces that influence
energy resources.
Offered in spring 2007 and previous semesters.
Equal Protection and Justice
In this First-Year Colloquium, students will explore the concept of
equality through constitutional interpretation, history, and sociology.
The concept of equality will be examined through landmark court rulings
as well as historical and sociological trends.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
Experiencing Appalachia
In this course, students will draw from history, environmental sciences,
economics, and folklore studies to engage in an examination of Appalachian
regionalism. By focusing on four broad time periods dating from the
late 18th century through the contemporary world, students will develop
a deeper understanding of Appalachia in fact and fiction.
Offered
in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
Exploring Leadership/ Learning
to Lead
In this First-Year Colloquium, students will experience leadership.
They will explore their own leadership potential and values as they
study leadership challenges facing diverse communities and find the
tools needed to promote and practice principled change as engaged citizens.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
Maryland State Government and Politics
In this course, students will explore the state of Maryland through
its political, historical, geographical, and legal perspectives. Maryland
will be examined through its various political eras, its geographical
impact, as well as its historical and legal trends.
Offered in fall 2008.
Personal Security and Privacy in
the Age of Information
In this First-Year Colloquium, students will explore the economic, historical,
technological, and human factors as they relate to personal security
and personal privacy. The central theme of technology is the "glue"
that ties all the other topics together. This technology theme enables
the student to better understand the importance of privacy and security
in the age of information.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
Science and Music
In this course, students will learn basic concepts of physics as applied
to sound and vibration. This knowledge will then be used to explain
how the major musical instruments which constitute the western orchestra
work, as well as traditional instruments from various world cultures,
and why they evolved to their present form. Demonstrations of instruments
and music will be an integral part of the course.
Offered in spring
2008.
The Science of Happiness
In the United States, we have a right to the "pursuit of happiness".
This colloquium will explore, at an introductory level, the recent research
and theories on the topic of happiness and well-being. The findings
of Positive Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Economics will
be examined and integrated into this fascinating area. Through reading,
presentations, data collection, and guest lectures, students will learn
about the scientific approach to answering questions about the meaning
and origins of happiness.
Offered in spring 2008 and previous semesters.
Start Your Own Business
Starting and managing a business is not just about money. Entrepreneurship
involves developing ideas, exploring opportunities and potential problems,
identifying the requirements for success, and seeking sources of venture
capital. This course will use a variety of approaches to heighten students'
awareness of entrepreneurship, including games and simulations.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
Techno-Philosophy
Technological transformation is the dominant feature of contemporary
existence, and is in need of critical engagement across the full spectrum
of human endeavor. A primary focus will be how technology shapes and
has always shaped experience in general and consciousness in
particular.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
War: Theories of Justice
Citizens of a democracy have a duty to participate in their country's
major decisions, including the crucial decision whether and how to wage
war. Responsibly fulfilling that duty requires knowledge of modern war
and understanding ethical standards. This course aims at assisting students
to develop their own engaged citizenship. Students will study the history
of war theory , its codification into international law as prompted
by historical and political events, depictions of just and unjust war
in literature and film, and application of just war theory and law to
current American conflicts.
Offered in fall 2008 and previous semesters.
