Interdisciplinary Studies Course Descriptions

Course descriptions are listed numerically. Prerequisites, if any, are indicated in italics above the course descriptions. These prerequisites have been established to assure an adequate and uniform background for students in advanced classes. Franklin University reserves the right to alter course offerings or course content without notice. Not all courses are offered every trimester.

IDST 100
Introduction to Portfolio (1 cr. hr.)

Prerequisite(s): Learning Strategies (PF 321).
This course will introduce students to the concept of portfolio as a means of communicating ideas to a range of audiences. Using LiveText, a leader in e-portfolio software, students will design their own portfolios, learn about criteria for excellent portfolio design, share and critique portfolios, and discuss the importance of tailoring portfolios for particular audiences.  The goal of the course is to empower students to use the portfolio tool to reflect academic and personal growth, illustrate the interconnection of personal and academic knowledge, and ultimately to create and maintain an effective electronic curriculum vita.

IDST 300
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): College Writing (COMM 120) and Introduction to Portfolio (IDST 100).
This course introduces terms and definitions essential to Interdisciplinary Studies and explores the application of multiple disciplinary insights to construct a comprehensive perspective on a complex problem or issue. Students will use cognitive maps to codify academic, professional, and personal knowledge and will use portfolio software to illustrate connections and conflicts among knowledge areas. The course will culminate in the illustration of how diverse knowledge can be systematically and successfully applied to complex problems both inside and outside of the workplace. The course will stress the importance of informed and varied perspectives in today’s complex world.

IDST 495
Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all Interdisciplinary Core and Focus Area courses.
As part of the Capstone experience, students will define a complex, real world problem, possibly in their local communities. Then, using skills and knowledge of interdisciplinary practices, and leveraging information and approaches from their own specific focus areas, students will study a problem from the perspective of several disciplines, generate interdisciplinary insights, illustrate disciplinary connections and conflicts, evaluate assumptions and concepts in the context of this specific problem and, ultimately, construct a new understanding of a problem and recommend solutions or responses. Students will be encouraged to present their responses to business or community leaders where such new perspectives or insights might be implemented. Students will be required to finalize a comprehensive e-portfolio of work that reflects work completed in the program, specifically examples of learning experiences that reflect program outcomes, which might be shared with current or prospective employers.

IDST 499
Independent Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies (1-4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA, at least 16 credit hours completed at Franklin, related coursework completed with a minimum grade of “B” and permission of the Program Chair.
Independent studies courses allow students in good academic standing to pursue learning in areas not covered by the regular curriculum or to extend study in areas presently taught. Study is under faculty supervision and graded on either a Pass/No Credit or a letter grade basis. (See the “Independent Studies” section of the Academic Bulletin for more details.)