Interdisciplinary Studies

Foundational design course, covering the theories, processes, vocabulary, and techniques common to visual design disciplines. Students will develop and apply their knowledge through analysis, critique and individual and collaborative exercises and projects.

Quick sketching methods for ideation and visual problem solving for designers, animators, illustrators and makers. Terminology, techniques and conventions of rapid visualization are covered, with hands-on practice with line, shape, form, perspective, lighting, shade and shadow.

An exploration and application of the historical, cultural symbolic personal and professional uses of color through individual and collaborative projects. Topics include the properties and theory of color; creating color relationships and harmonies; and
optical, psychological and spatial uses of color in various media and design disciplines.

An introduction to concepts, theories, definitions, methodologies, and social policy related to the history, culture, concerns, and conditions of the field of Ethnic Studies. Employs critical race theory, intersectionality, and Indigenous methodologies to analyze and articulate cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, and patterns of interaction between various racial and ethnic groups.

This course examines Pacific Islander migrations to the United States mainland including the history, culture, and politics of Hawai'i and U.S. Pacific territories. It explores indigenous cultures and American experiences of Pacific Islanders from Guam, American Samoa, Palau, Marshall Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.

Museums display, collect, preserve, and interpret art, historical, and scientific objects. Exploration of museums from multiple perspectives: architecture, collections, exhibitions, and economic realities involved in museum sustainability. History of museums in the United States. Promotion of museums as a community resource with open access to everyone. Visits to local museums.

This interdisciplinary course introduces the scriptural, symbolic, and artistic traditions of the world's major faiths: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The class also considers how knowledge of these religious systems can serve to advance world peace.

An introduction to the United Nations, including the UN Charter's mission to achieve international peace, and the function of the organization's six administrative bodies. In addition to studying the theory and practice of international diplomacy, students evaluate the successes and challenges of collective security, peacekeeping attempts, and technological cooperation.

An interdisciplinary survey of literary and cinematic works of fiction, drama, non-fiction and poetry that investigates unity in diversity in the shifting trajectories of American identities and interrelationships. Groups featured to assess their interactive contributions to American cultures include Native-, European-, African-, Latin-, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders.

A human sexuality course that integrates content and methodology from the disciplines of biology, ethics, health education, history, jurisprudence, LGBTQI+. women and gender studies, psychology, and social justice. Covers the anatomical, physiological and psychological stages of development across the life span, including the role of gender, patterns of sexual arousal and response, and the paraphilias.

Survey of Asian cultures of modern to contemporary period, especially Arabic-Islamic, Indian, Chinese and Japanese cultures. Emphasis on literature, philosophy, religion, and the arts. Provides an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach to the differences and underlying unity of Asian cultures.

An interdisciplinary survey of Muslim identity and the origins, principles, and practices of Islam, comparing and contrasting them with those of other major religions. Focus on the historical development and current practices of Islam and its impact on philosophy, art, music, architecture, gender, media, popular culture, and politics.

This interdisciplinary survey of South West Asia and North Africa (the Middle East) introduces students to the historical, cultural, and religious diversity of the region, highlighting contributions in various disciplines, including science, art, music, and literature. It also examines U.S. involvement, representation, media, current political discourse and activism in the region and in diaspora.

An interdisciplinary examination of differences/similarities in women's lives in the Muslim/Arab world, including the diaspora, and among minorities in the Middle East/Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). Analysis includes diversity, colonization, nationalism, religion, gender, sexuality, family, law, literature, music, art and film.

An interdisciplinary approach toward development of literacy in multiple popular traditions of poetry, including in social justice movements, by incarcerated people, and through alternative media. Includes scrutiny of published poems from multiple cultural traditions, a focus on community, and the cultivation and public presentation of new poems.

An introduction to concepts, theories, methodologies and social policy related to the history, culture, concerns, and conditions of the field of Ethnic Studies. Employs Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and Indigenous Methodologies to analyze and articulate cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, and patterns of interaction between various racial and ethnic groups.

This course examines Pacific Islander migrations to the United States mainland including the history, culture, and politics of Hawai'i and U.S. Pacific territories. It explores indigenous cultures and American experiences of Pacific Islanders from Guam, American Samoa, Palau, Marshall Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.

A survey of traditional and contemporary art across Oceania (Pacific Islands). Emphasis on literature, dance, music, visual arts, film, and museums. Using an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach, the course explores the underlying unity of Pacific cultures, including their engagement with both western and non-western societies, colonization, and diasporic communities.

A multi-disciplinary examination of works of art, music and literature inspired by both personal and global trauma with an emphasis on the transformative power of testimony, story telling, and the creative process.

Integrates study strategies, critical analysis and communication skills in preparation for lifelong success in academic, professional and personal development. Includes time management, critical thinking, personal and educational values, written and spoken communication, informational literacy, research skills, equity and social justice, navigation of educational systems, online learning, health, and financial literacy.

A consciousness-raising analysis and evaluation of race-based oppression on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the U.S. Emphasis on expanding knowledge about racism, increasing awareness of one's own socialization and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change.

A consciousness raising analysis and evaluation of sexism on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the United States. Expanding one's knowledge about sexism, increasing personal awareness of one's own sexism and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change are emphasized.

A consciousness-raising analysis and evaluation of homophobia and heterosexism (discrimination based on perceived or real sexual orientation and identity) oppression on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the U.S. Emphasis on expanding knowledge about heterosexism, increasing awareness of one's own socialization and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change.

A consciousness-raising analysis and evaluation of ableism (disability-based oppression) on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the U.S. Emphasis on expanding knowledge about ableism, increasing awareness of one's own socialization and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change.

A consciousness-raising analysis and evaluation of class oppression and classism on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the U.S. Emphasis on expanding knowledge about class, class oppression and classism, increasing awareness of one's own socialization and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change.

A consciousness-raising analysis and evaluation of transphobia and gender oppression on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the U.S. Emphasis on expanding knowledge about transphobia and gender diversity, increasing awareness of one's own socialization and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change.

A consciousness-raising analysis and evaluation of age-based bias, discrimination and oppression (adultism and ageism) on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the U.S. Expanding knowledge about adultism and ageism, increasing awareness of one's own socialization and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change are emphasized.

A consciousness-raising analysis and evaluation of antisemitism and anti-Arabism on individual, institutional, and cultural levels in the U.S. Emphasis on expanding knowledge about antisemitism and anti-Arabism, increasing awareness of one's own socialization and assumptions, and the application of this knowledge and awareness for individual and social change.

General work experience course designed for students considering careers in social justice, public service and the nonprofit sector. Through supervised internships at justice-oriented and community-based organizations, students can increase their skills working with the public sector and their knowledge of career options and pathways, including the skills necessary for work in this sector. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

In this interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies introduction to Native American Studies, students engage with indigeneity, oral tradition, arts, self-determination and sovereignty, spirituality, sustainable practices, and resilience. Critical analysis of historical resistance to settler-colonialism and activist struggles against structural discrimination. Applying knowledge produced by Native Americans on relevance of the past to contemporary issues.