Interdisciplinary Programs

Courses

African-American Studies (AFR) 

AFR 101  Intro to African Amer Studies  3 cr  

An interdisciplinary investigation of the origins, experiences, conditions, accomplishments and contributions of people of African ancestry in the United States.

College of Arts/Sciences (CAS) 

CAS 100  First Yr Exp -  2 cr  

A course for first-year students majoring in the College of Arts & Sciences that assists with maximizing the student's potential to achieve academic success and to adjust responsibly to the individual and interpersonal challenges presented by college life. Taught in small groups, the course provides an introduction to the nature of higher education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the University.

CAS 190  Special Topics -  1-3 cr  

This variable content course deals with selected topics from any of the disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences. Topics will focus on current and relevant issues and may contain a service-learning component. The course may be repeated for credit when the topic varies for a maximum of six credit hours.

Gerontology (GRN)

GRN 272  Gender and Aging  3 cr  

This course examines the dynamics of gender and aging within society from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will be introduced to controversies in gender over the life course. These include, but are not limited to, definitions and cultural boundaries, gender in childhood, gender and relationships, gender in education and the workplace, gender and sexuality, as well as gender in late life.

GRN 290  Special Topics -  3 cr  

This designation is used for interdisciplinary courses on aging on a variety of subjects. This course does not replace any course in a single discipline. May be repeated as long as the topic changes, to maximum of six semester hours.

GRN 435  Health Disparities Life Span  3 cr  

This course examines differences in health status across the life span. The course will focus heavily on racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in health applying a social determinants' of health framework. Issues that will be considered include how income, education, neighborhood conditions, access to health care, and other community factors shape opportunities to be healthy. The course is cross-listed as SY 435 and GRN 435 and has been approved as an elective for the Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology and the interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology.

Prerequisite: SY 109 Minimum Grade of D  
Cross-Listed: SY 435  
GRN 490  Special Topics  3 cr  

This course is designated for upper division students and graduate students, particularly those pursuing studies for the Certificate of Gerontology. The course content focuses on interdisciplinary treatments on various topics on aging. This course does not replace any course in a single discipline. (Examples of special topics: Trends and Issues in Gerontology; Leadership and Advocacy in Gerontology; Housing and Lifestyle Changes over the Life Course). May be repeated as long as the topic changes, to maximum of six semester hours.

Prerequisite: SY 372 Minimum Grade of D  
GRN 494  Directed Studies  1-3 cr  

Under the guidance of a faculty member, the student will pursue directed research on readings of an approved topic in Gerontology. May be repeated as long as the topic changes, to a maximum of six semester hours. Requires permission of Director of Gerontology.

Prerequisite: SY 372 Minimum Grade of D  
GRN 496  Internship - Gerontology  3,6 cr  

This course is to provide a practicum experience in gerontology in a setting selected by the student and approved by the Program Director. The course emphasis is on the experiential learning process and outcomes. The undergraduate student will apply theoretical concepts in specific areas of interest related to aging and intergenerational relations. Interns will meet as a group three times during the semester for orientation, professional development, and evaluation activities. The 3-hour internship requires 100 contact hours; the 6-hour internship requires 200 hours. Permission of Director of Gerontology is required.

Prerequisite: SY 372 Minimum Grade of C  
GRN 535  Health Disparities Life Span  3 cr  

The main purpose of this seminar is to provide students with an understanding of how social factors contribute to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic and gender disparities in health and health care. We will examine how dyadic relationships such as interpersonal forms of discrimination, marriage, and social ties may contribute to health disparities. We will also examine the ways in which neighborhood and community context, as well as inequalities in socioeconomic status materially shape health and access to health care services. The course is cross-listed as GRN 435/535 and SY 435/535 and has been approved as an elective for the Undergraduate/Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and the interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology.

Cross-Listed: SY 535  
GRN 594  Dir St in Gerontology -  1-3 cr  

Under the guidance of a faculty member, the student will pursue directed research or readings of an approved topic in Gerontology. May be repeated as long as the topic changes, to maximum of six credit hours. Requires permission of the Director of Gerontology.

GRN 596  Internship - Gerontology  3,6 cr  

This course is to provide a practicum experience in gerontology in a setting selected by the student and approved by the Program Director. The course emphasis is on the experiential learning process and outcomes. The graduate student will apply theoretical concepts to leadership roles, conducting research and influencing social and health care policies related to aging and intergenerational relationships. Interns will meet as a group three times during the semester for orientation, professional development, and evaluation activities. The 3-hour internship requires 100 contact hours; the 6-hour internship requires 200 hours. Permission of Director of Gerontology is required.

Prerequisite: SY 523 Minimum Grade of B  
GRN 597  GRN Teaching Apprenticeship  1-3 cr  

Directed Studies/Apprenticeship that focuses on teaching Gerontology. The student will work directly with a member of the Gerontology graduate faculty to learn pedagogy, innovation in teaching, and course content that will equip the student for future teaching assignments. Many PhD programs offer both Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships. Gerontology students need to show evidence that they have had some teaching-related experience to compete strongly for the TA position. This course is also appropriate for students who anticipate careers in teaching within the field of Gerontology (aging or intergenerational studies). Arrangements must be made prior to registration. Permission of the Program Director is required.

Prerequisite: SY 372 Minimum Grade of C  

Gender Studies (GS) 

GS 101  Intro to Gender Studies  3 cr  

This course provides an interdisciplinary, multicultural overview of the concept of gender and gender roles in patriarchal society. This course examines the social construction of gender in our society and how that has shaped such areas as economics, politics, cultural/social values, and the impact upon women and men in historical and contemporary terms.

GS 290  Sp Tp-#MeToo, Black Lives Matter & Beyond  3 cr  

Study of selected topics with an area in gender studies. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

GS 301  Moving Beyond Diversity  3 cr  

This course explores ways of fighting injustice and dismantling systemic oppression for those who are being disproportionately impacted generationally. The course offers a framework for activism that focuses on creating a culture that stands up for what is right by fighting against normalizing cycles of perpetuated injustices. Students will examine diverse perspectives that center on the capacity to mobilize solidarity for those efforts, strategies, and practices that negate performative allyship with systems-changing action for today?s realities.

GS 302  Black Women and Activism  3 cr  

This fully online three-hour credit course is interdisciplinary in nature and addresses the need to recognize and validate contributions made by Black women that sought and continue to uplift Black America throughout the late 19th and early 21st centuries. This cadre of activism will be contextualized through both womanist and feminist theories. Central to these works will be an examination for how multiple oppressions have shaped Black women?s lives throughout their ongoing efforts to redefine self and bring empowerment to their communities through racial solidarity and advancement as a people. These women?s underlying resistance strategies and intellectual discourse for offsetting the negative effects of racism and other oppressive measures will be mirrored through the use of race and gender as a socio-political construct. A postmodern response depicted through the lens of contemporary Black feminists for how both mainstream feminism and Black America have responded to these heroic forms of activism will be analyzed. These activists? contributions will unfold through the following curricula foci: 1) early roots of nationalism, 2) the emergence of both Black Feminist and Womanist Thought, and 3) political movements involving Black women activists. Additional cornerstones for learning will include participating in a posting process that involve sharing research and writing projects which in return will facilitate lively discussions on today?s black women activism from their own respective domain (e.g. music, spirituality, film, arts and letters, judicial system, the intellectual and socio-political arenas).

GS 304  #Me Too, Black Lives Matter &  3 cr  

The velocity of national protests fighting for human rights across the constitutional continuum of justice, dignity, and safety have evolved into an epidemic throughout American infrastructures. This course will plunge into the #MeToo Era, Black Lives Matter, and Woke Movements. Significant visibility for how social constructs of gender, race, and sexuality intersect with these protesters? outcries will be examined. Further considerations will be given to exposing those accused of sexual violence on various fronts as well as existing allegations of wrongful deaths will be a part of the course curriculum. An added dimension to the curriculum will include also focusing on political strategies and an operative activism model that are being used to effectively penetrate these existing cultures of power and dominance.

GS 390  Special Topics  3 cr  

Advanced study of selected topics with an area in gender studies. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

GS 490  Special Topics  3 cr  

Advanced study of selected topics within an area in Gender Studies. May be repeated for credit when content varies for a total of six hours.

GS 492  Gender Studies Seminar -  3 cr  

Advanced study of selected topics in Gender Studies. May be repeated for credit when content varies for a total of six hours.

GS 494  Directed Studies  1-3 cr  

Directed research under the guidance of a Gender Studies faculty member. Requires permission of instructor. Student is restricted to taking a maximum of six hours of Directed Studies.

Prerequisite: GS 101 Minimum Grade of D  
GS 496  Internship -  3-6 cr  

Practical learning through occupational or community work with an approved agency dealing with gender-related issues. Readings and final report supervised by gender studies faculty. Special Permission required.

Prerequisite: GS 101 Minimum Grade of D  

Interdisciplinary Progs (IDS)  

IDS 290  Special Topics  1-3 cr  

A study of selected topics of an interdisciplinary nature. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Requires permission of instructor.

IDS 490  Special Topics  1-3 cr  

Advanced study of selected topics of an interdisciplinary nature. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Requires permission of instructor.

IDS 590  Sp Top  1-9 cr  

Specialized topics not generally listed in the course offerings. Requires consent of Graduate Director.

International Studies (IS) 

IS 100  Global Issues  3 cr  

This course introduces students to the basic structural components of the global system, including the nation-state system and the world economy, and explores the major schools of thought in such areas as security, economic prosperity and development, international law, gender and environmental studies. The course helps students understand the complex and interlinked issues facing global society, and current problems, and view the U.S. within a broader global context.

IS 193  Study Abroad  1-6 cr  

This course is an introductory International Studies course taught as part of a faculty-led study abroad program. Topics and credit hours vary based on availability.

IS 200  People-Nations -  3 cr  

Variable content course focusing on particular nation or region of the world. Course offers a multi-disciplinary introduction to the people, society and politics. May be repeated for credit when content varies up to a total of 6 hours.

IS 210  Global Engagement Orientation  1 cr  

This course introduces students to international global issues, allows students to identify opportunities for active engagement in these issues, and provides the framework for successful completion of the Global Engagement Certificate.

IS 290  Special Topics -  3 cr  

Study of selected topics within a particular Area Studies Concentration. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisite: IS 100 Minimum Grade of D  
IS 293  Study Abroad  1-6 cr  

This course is an introductory International Studies course taught as part of a faculty-led study abroad program. Topics and credit hours vary based on availability.

IS 363  Crime and Politics in LatinAm  3 cr  

An examination of the violent crime epidemic affecting many parts of Latin America, with specific focus on the themes of democratic transition, political economy, and foreign relations with the United States. Same as PSC 363 and CJ 363.

Prerequisite: (PSC 130 Minimum Grade of C or CJ 105 Minimum Grade of C or IS 100 Minimum Grade of C)  
Cross-Listed: CJ 363, PSC 363  
IS 371  Studies in Russia  3-6 cr  

This course will cover specific topics in the history, politics, and culture of modern Russian civilization. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

IS 372  Studies in E. Europe & C. Asia  3-6 cr  

This course will cover specific topics in the history, politics, and culture of modern Eastern European and Central Asian civilizations. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

IS 390  Sp Top-  1-3 cr  

Advanced study of selected topics within a particular concentration. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

IS 391  Study Abroad -  18 cr  

Study of selected topics within a particular Area Studies Concentration. May be repeated.

IS 393  Study Abroad  1-6 cr  

This course is an advanced International Studies course taught as part of a faculty-led study abroad program. Topics and credit hours vary based on availability.

IS 410  Global Engagement Capstone  1 cr  

Global Engagement Capstone is required for students completing the Global Engagement Certificate (GEC), and is a one hour course designed to help students reflect on the 16 hours of coursework and nine hours of globally engaged activities they have completed. Students will create a portfolio during the course, which will be presented to students and affiliated faculty at its conclusion.

Prerequisite: IS 210 Minimum Grade of P  
IS 473  International Law  3 cr  

This course covers major issues, cases and topics in public and private international law. Course coverage includes individuals and corporations, diplomatic relations, jurisdiction, human rights, economic relations, treaties, environmental law, and more.

Prerequisite: (IS 100 Minimum Grade of C or PSC 130 Minimum Grade of C or CJ 105 Minimum Grade of C or CJ 205 Minimum Grade of C)  
Cross-Listed: CJ 473, PSC 473  
IS 489  Leadership and World Leaders  3 cr  

An overview of the definitions, characteristics, and typologies of leadership, with a focus on lives and legacies of global influential political leaders over the past century.

Prerequisite: PSC 130 Minimum Grade of D or PSC 250 Minimum Grade of D or IS 100 Minimum Grade of D  
Cross-Listed: PSC 251, PSC 489  
IS 490  Special Topics  3 cr  

Advanced study of selected topics within a particular Area Studies Concentration. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisite: IS 100 Minimum Grade of D  
IS 491  Seminar on Terrorism  3 cr  

Study of a terrorism from a sociopolitical perspective with an emphasis on causes, policy, tactics and operational characteristics and counter-terrorism operations. Cross-listed with CJ 491 and PSC 491.

Prerequisite: CJ 105 Minimum Grade of C or CJ 205 Minimum Grade of C or PSC 130 Minimum Grade of C or IS 100 Minimum Grade of C  
Cross-Listed: CJ 491, PSC 491  
IS 492  Seminar -  3 cr  

Advanced study of selected topics in international studies from a comparative perspective. May be repeated for credit when content varies.

Prerequisite: IS 100 Minimum Grade of D  
IS 493  Study Abroad  1-6 cr  

This course is an advanced International Studies course taught as part of a faculty-led study abroad program. Topics and credit hours vary based on availability.

IS 494  Directed Studies  1-3 cr  

Directed research in the field of international studies. May be repeated or credit up to a total of 9 hours. Prerequisite: permission of IS Director

IS 495  Senior Seminar - W  3 cr  

The course seeks to provide an interdisciplinary and cross-regional overview of the fields and research opportunities within international studies.

Prerequisite: EH 102 Minimum Grade of C  
IS 496  Prof St Internship -  3-9 cr  

Practical learning experiences through occupational or professional work with an approved international organization, governmental agency, or international business Prerequisite: Permission of IS Director

IS 499  Senior Honors Thesis  3 cr  

The course covers major theoretical perspectives in organizational psychology based on empirical research and case studies. Students will explore learning theory, group dynamics, and change in different types of learning organizations.

Prerequisite: (EH 102 Minimum Grade of D or EH 105 Minimum Grade of D)  
IS 591  Study Abroad  12 cr  

Graduate level international exchange programs for University of South Alabama students.

Museum Studies (MUM)  

MUM 201  Intro to Museum Studies  3 cr  

This course is designed to provide a general introduction to museum history, practice, and the role of museums in contemporary society. The class will explore a range of museum positions, curatorial practices, collection management, museum administration, and the academic and public roles museums play in society.

Prerequisite: EH 102 Minimum Grade of C  
MUM 290  Special Topics -  3 cr  

Different subjects or themes in museum studies as announced. This course may be repeated twice when content varies, for a maximum of nine credit hours. Prerequisite: To be announced.

MUM 390  Special Topics -  3 cr  

Different subjects or themes in museum studies as announced. This course may be repeated twice when content varies. for a maximum of nine credit hours. Prerequisite: To be announced.