IDS -Interdisciplinary Studies


IDS 105A Systems Approach to the UniverseUNITS: 3
Systems approaches to problems in physical, social, and behavioral sciences and technology. Concepts of general systems (interactions between systems functioning). Emphasis in interdisciplinary problem-solving methods and critical questioning.


IDS 201Environmental EthicsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring, Global Knowledge, Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Interdisciplinary consideration of ways in which field of study coupled with personal/cultural values contribute towards either solving or compounding environmental problems; provides framework for process of making ethical decisions.


IDS 211Eating through American HistoryUNITS: 3 - Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Examination of cultural and scientific forces that have shaped our relationship with food. Science and politics of dietary recommendations. Influence, over time, of economic, social and political conditions on food preparation, preference and nutritional knowledge. Role of religion, family, tradition and personal experience in shaping eating attitudes and behaviors. Roles played only by women in American food culture.


IDS 220Coastal and Ocean FrontiersUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Interdisciplinary approach to current issues, scientific concepts, management strategies and future trends concerning the coasts and the oceans. Required weekend field trip.


IDS 260Changing Paradigms of Leadership, Learning, and ServiceUNITS: 4 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Interdisciplinary examination of leadership, learning, and service-and their inter-relatedness-in light of the evolving scientific worldview of western civilization. Service-learning enhanced seminar supports students in connecting course material and community-based experiences to their personal lives and their roles as citizens. Peer-led reflection sessions, seminars with guests, field-trips, and other enhancement opportunities during required weekly two-hour learning lab; service hours scheduled by students. Serves as training course for students interested in leadership roles in service-learning and civic engagement at NCSU.


IDS 295Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Detailed investigation of an interdisciplinary topic. Topic and mode of study to be determined by faculty member and/or teach team.


IDS (NR) 303Humans and the EnvironmentUNITS: 3 - Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Interactions among human populations in the biophysical system and the environment. Emphasis on current issues, ecological principles and their relationships to basic biophysical processes; considers food, population dynamics, public land and common resources, renewable natural resources, pollution, water resources, energy and non-renewable resources.


IDS 305Peace in the Global VillageUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only, Global Knowledge, Humanities
Examination of peace in multidisciplinary terms-anthropological, psychological, political, philosophical, environmental and religious; consideration of human propensity for cooperation as well as aggressiveness; dialogue-lectures, case studies, workshops and round table presentations on past and present human groupings that succeeded in attaining peace; possibilities for peace in the future.


IDS (FTM) 414Textiles and SocietyUNITS: 3 - Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Historical and sociological study of the textile and apparel industries since the Middle Ages with emphasis on 1850-present. Changes in industry composition, corporate structure, production technology, work organization, and labor-management relations. Impact on communities, workers, and the environment. Long range trends and implications.


IDS 415Peruvian Amazon Ecology and EthnologyUNITS: 2 - Offered in Summer
A field/lecture course, located on the Amazon, near Iquitos, Peru, is presented by a team of scientists and specialists in ornithology, ecology, entomology, and anthropology. Coursework is divided into pre-trip readings, onsite field experiences and lectures; and post-trip reflection and application. This course is designed for, but not restricted to precollege teachers and informal educator, e.g., in museums and parks, as a general introduction to tropical systems. Additional travel and trip costs are required beyond registration fees as well as appropriate immunization.


IDS 490Interdisciplinary Methods and IssuesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Interdisciplinary Studies Self-Design Majors, Senior standing
Capstone seminar for students in the IDS self-design major. Intensive study of student's area of concentration, leading to a major research paper.


IDS 495Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies - Offered in Fall and Spring
Examination of selected topics of an interdisciplinary nature.


IDS 496Topics in Film and Interdisciplinary StudiesUNITS: 3
Detailed examination of film within interdisciplinary contexts. Specific topics will vary from semester to semester.


IDS 498Independent Study in Interdisciplinary Studies - Offered in Fall and Spring
Independent investigation and discussion of a selected topic of an interdisciplinary nature.