Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)

IS 0089. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

IS 0300. University Student Success. 3 Hours.

This course explores the psychology of learning and success. It examines factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics covered include information processing, memory, strategic learning, self-regulation, goal setting, motivation, educational and career planning, and learning styles. It will cover techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, text marking, library and research skills, preparing for examinations, and utilizing learning resources. Included are courses in college orientation, the development of students, and academic skills that apply to all disciplines. IS 0300 is required of all Eagle Access students.

IS 1100. University Foundations. 1 Hour.

University Foundations serves as an introduction to higher education and is designed to assist first-year students become engaged members of the A&M-Texarkana academic community. This course assists students in acquiring essential academic success skills and developing a better understanding of learning processes. Focus is placed on the benefits of higher education and the expectations and values of the university. Students will examine factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. No prerequisites. Required of all full-time year students new to the university, and students must successfully complete this course before enrolling in any upper division courses.

IS 1300. The Human Experience. 3 Hours.

The Human Experience introduces students to humanities-based inquiry by guiding students through an exploration of important ethical and moral issues across all elements of the human experience. Through the deep focus on a connecting theme, students will engage in holistic discussions of topics addressing fundamental questions.

IS 325. American Culture: An American Perspective. 3 Hours.

This is an examination of selected historical aspects of American Culture, utilizing on-line primary sources. Students will be engaged in reading, discussing, and analyzing primary sources in five selected areas of American culture.

IS 395. Living in the 21st Century. 3 Hours.

Through reading, lecture, discussing, multimedia presentations, and research, the student will explore the major national and international issues that provide the challenges and opportunities for achieving success in a chosen career and in attaining life goals. Although course topics may vary, they include human diversity and multiculturalism, science, society and technology, economy and environment, human values, and professional ethics. (Formerly IS 495).

IS 489. Individual Study. 3 Hours.

This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

IS 490. Strategies for Actions Research. 3 Hours.

As the summative course of the BAAS program, this course requires that students develop a research project with instructor approval. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the BAAS degree program, individualized plans of research will be designed for each participant. Students will complete the following: (1) develop a research agenda on an approved topic; (2) conduct both a literature review and an action research plan of the topic within the context of a specified setting; and (3) complete both an oral and a written report. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

IS 497. Special Topics. 3 Hours.

Instructors will provide an organized class designed to cover areas of specific interest. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

IS 501. Interdisciplinary Studies Seminar. 1 Hour.

This course provides orientation to advanced interdisciplinary study by addressing the conceptual foundations and benefits of an interdisciplinary degree, in concert with tools for career exploration and development. Students will devise an official, customized degree plan integrating their areas of study, and begin a regimen of "readings" related to the anchor discipline. The course also provides a strong foundation for graduate scholarly inquiry and academic writing, using an interdisciplinary approach. Students begin work on their portfolios with preliminary information on artifact collection and portfolio concepts. The course is offered fall and spring terms. Pre-requisite: IS major and first semester of program entry.

IS 518. Thesis. 6 Hours.

This course affords students the opportunity to undertake individual research. It is graded on a (S) Satisfactory or (U) Unsatisfactory basis. (6 SCH).

IS 589. Individual Study. 1-3 Hours.

This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

IS 590. Capstone Portfolio I. 1 Hour.

Portfolio I is the first course of a two-course sequence required for all MSIS majors. IS 590 addresses the goal and benefits of portfolios at the graduate level, the overall framework and components for developing an educational portfolio, and artifact collection and annotation. Portfolio I cannot be taken concurrently with IS 591 Capstone Portolio Part II. Typically offered Fall/Spring. Prerequisite: IS 501. Cross-listed with AHED 590. Credit for both IS 590 and AHED 590 will not be awarded.

IS 591. Capstone Portfolio II. 1 Hour.

This course is the second course of a tw-course sequence required for all MSIS majors. The MSIS capstone portfolio satisfies the comprehensive assessment requirement for the degree and provides authentic, more direct evidence that a student has mastered program outcomes. This course provides instruction and guidance ont eh final compilation of the portfolio, including selecting and arranging artifacts that demonstrate mastery of program outcomes and other graduate student learning outcomes, concept mapping, and writing reflective narrative. Typically offered fall/spring. Prerequisite: IS 590, withing 12 SCH of program completion and in good academic standing.

IS 595. Research Literature and Techniques. 3 Hours.

This is a review of research studies produced by investigators in student's major field with emphasis on investigative and verification techniques employed. Students will demonstrate competence in using systematic research techniques by investigation and formal reporting of a problem.

IS 596. MSIS Research Project. 3 Hours.

This is an independent/directed study course wherein the student refines and completes a final project for the MSIS degree. The instructor and an outside evaluator will work with the student during the semester, with the student submitting rough drafts of the project throughout the semester. The student will be evaluated by their mentor and two additional faculty. The faculty will look for evidence that the student has mastered the learning outcomes expected in the MSIS program.

IS 597. Special Topics. 3 Hours.

Instructors will provide an organized class designed to cover areas of specific interest. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.