Interdisciplinary Courses (L & S) (INTER-LS) < University of Wisconsin-Madison

INTER-LS 101 — FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

3 credits.

Interdisciplinary topics in the biological sciences for first-year students.

INTER-LS 102 — FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR IN THE HUMANITIES

3 credits.

Interdisciplinary topics in the humanities for first-year students.

INTER-LS 103 — FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR IN LITERATURE

3 credits.

Interdisciplinary topics in literature for first-year students.

INTER-LS 106 — FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

3 credits.

Interdisciplinary topics in the social sciences for first-year students.

INTER-LS 107 — FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES AND NATURAL SCIENCES

3 credits.

Interdisciplinary topics in the social and natural sciences for first-year students.

INTER-LS 110 — FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR IN THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

3 credits.

Interdisciplinary topics in the humanities and social sciences for first-year students.

INTER-LS 121 — APPROACHES TO CRITICAL THINKING AND WRITING

3 credits.

Focus on learning to argue and express one's ideas. Learn how to construct a thesis that convinces through evidence. The arts provide an inevitable jumping-off point for critical judgments.

INTER-LS 130 — CRC FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR: FOUNDATIONS OF A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

1 credit.

Explores multiple dimensions of a liberal arts education and its value in today's world. Introduces University resources and promotes community building inside the residence hall and across campus. Engage directly with faculty from diverse fields on campus and with others in the Chadbourne Residence Hall.

Requisites: None

Course Designation: Level - Elementary
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Formulate an individual understanding of the liberal arts.
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Explore, analyze, and evaluate conceptions of the liberal arts.
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Participate in reasoned, well-organized, and sustained discussions.
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Understand problems and issues in their social, cultural, and historical contexts.
Audience: Undergraduate

5. Engage in personal and cultural self-criticism and problem solving.
Audience: Undergraduate

6. Design and create a project that demonstrates depth of knowledge and mastery of a research topic.
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 139 — BELONG, EXPLORE, BECOME: DISCOVERING YOUR UW PATHS

1 credit.

Examine self, community, and the liberal arts education while progressing through a major exploration framework - critically engage with the concepts of belonging and transitions, and explore questions of identity, community, and connectedness; explore UW schools/colleges, departments, majors, opportunities and resources; make connections between coursework and lived experiences outside of class to strengthen strategic exploration. Using readings, discussions, in-class activities, and out-of-class assignments, proceed through a framework with the goal of developing knowledge, confidence, and tools to navigate the University's opportunities and resources.

Requisites: None

Course Designation: Level - Elementary
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify and summarize the core elements of belongingness.
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Analyze and critique in a scholarly manner material related to college student transitions.
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Identify and meaningfully engage in learning opportunities that explore interests.
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Employ reflective practices to appraise own skills and monitor self-defined goals.
Audience: Undergraduate

5. Design and create a project that demonstrates depth of knowledge and mastery of strategic exploration.
Audience: Undergraduate

6. Examine and meaningfully engage with component parts of a liberal arts education.
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 144 — SUCCESS IN YOUR MATH COURSE

1 credit.

Introduction to research-based best practices for success in college-level math courses. Practical application in the areas of study skills, goal setting, time management, and notetaking; hands-on practice with problem-solving strategies.

Requisites: Concurrent enrollment in MATH 96 or 112

Course Designation: Level - Elementary
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Define and set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) Goals.
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Analyze feedback provided on math assessments accurately.
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Describe and use effective study skill strategies for college-level math courses.
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Articulate and practice the philosophy underlying Growth Mindset.
Audience: Undergraduate

5. Demonstrate effective notetaking strategies and concept map construction.
Audience: Undergraduate

6. Apply problem solving strategies to relevant content questions.
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 145 — HOW TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE

1 credit.

Introduction to current research on learning and guides how to apply that knowledge in your academic experience and course work. Covers research and its practical application in the areas of study skills, time management, academic writing, motivation, and self-direction. Promotes strong foundational skills to succeed at a higher education institution.

Requisites: None

Course Designation: Level - Elementary
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Articulate and practice self-regulated learning
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Interpret rubrics, assignments, and feedback accurately
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Describe and use effective strategies for college-level knowledge acquisition
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Articulate and practice introductory college-level skills used in writing academic papers and reports
Audience: Undergraduate

5. Identify necessary steps to undertake long-term projects, and develop actionable plans to ensure that projects are completed on time and accurately
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 157 — BRADLEY ROUNDTABLE SEMINAR

1 credit.

Promotes a successful transition from high school to college life, encourages collaborative learning between students, faculty, and staff, and prepares students to become integrative scholars and active participants in the university community and beyond.

Requisites: None

Course Designation: Level - Elementary
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: Yes, for 2 number of completions

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Develop specific skills/strategies to adapt to a wide variety of challenges and situations presented by the transition to college.
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Improve oral communication skills through reasoned, well-organized and sustained discussions of important issues or questions, including the ability to explain and evaluate different or opposing perspectives evenhandedly and dispassionately.
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Examine questions and make decisions with consideration for the cultural perspectives and worldviews of others and self-critical appreciation of cultural and personal values.
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Make connections among diverse subject areas and modes of thinking.
Audience: Undergraduate

5. Apply the major areas of knowledge to the solution of individual and community problems.
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 210 — L&S CAREER DEVELOPMENT: TAKING INITIATIVE

1 credit.

Interdisciplinary course in career development that connects the liberal arts and sciences degree to academic and career preparation, practical job skills, goal-setting, critical thinking and reflection. Designed for second year students, but open to all students.

INTER-LS 215 — COMMUNICATING ABOUT CAREERS

3 credits.

Explores the meaning and value of a liberal arts and sciences education for careers in the global, technological, and multicultural workplace of the 21st century. Through a series of individual and collaborative research and communication assignments, learn to critically analyze the career and education implications of a diverse and digital workplace, and to critically reflect on strengths and values to prepare to connect college work with lifelong career success. Practice academic skills of analyzing scholarly articles, constructing written essays, presenting formal speeches, and crafting digital presentations, as well as career skills of building resumes, writing cover letters, using social networking tools, and interviewing.

Requisites: Satisfied Communications A requirement

Course Designation: Gen Ed - Communication Part B
Breadth - Social Science
Level - Elementary
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand, evaluate, and communicate arguments about the nature of work in contemporary global, digital, and multicultural society, with respect to a specific target career community.
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Develop and communicate a compelling personal career narrative about your path through a liberal arts and sciences education, with respect to a specific target career community.
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS/INTER-AG 250 — UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

1-3 credits.

Participation in research or creative endeavor led by faculty or instructional staff. May include participation in research discussion groups, critiques of readings, and preparation of written or oral reports.

INTER-LS 257 — BRADLEY PEER MENTOR COURSE

2 credits.

Provides training and support for Peer Mentors of the Bradley Learning Community. Helps improve leadership and facilitation skills for Peer Mentors, whose primary service obligations include co-facilitating a section of the Bradley Roundtable seminar and arranging programming for the Bradley Learning Community. Introduces new techniques for working with small groups. Special attention will be paid to the research on the developmental and academic needs of first-year college students Encourages students to develop their professional skills. Serves as an opportunity for guided reflection, as part of the community-based learning model.

Requisites: Consent of instructor

Course Designation: Level - Intermediate
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: Yes, for 2 number of completions

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Develop leadership skills and initiative.
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Improve oral communication skills through reasoned, well-organized and sustained discussions of important issues or questions, including the ability to explain and evaluate different or opposing perspectives evenhandedly and dispassionately.
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Examine questions and make decisions with consideration for the cultural perspectives and worldviews of others and self-critical appreciation of cultural and personal values.
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Make connections among diverse subject areas and modes of thinking.
Audience: Undergraduate

5. Apply the major areas of knowledge to the solution of individual and community problems.
Audience: Undergraduate

6. Improve group facilitation skills.
Audience: Undergraduate

7. Study and understand the developmental needs of first-year college students.
Audience: Undergraduate

8. Understand civic responsibility and the impact of their community engagement upon themselves and the residents.
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 260 — INTERNSHIP IN THE LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

1 credit.

Earn academic credit connected to your work experience with outside internships, regardless of your major. Using online tools, collaboratively analyze and discuss internships with respect to the goals of a liberal arts and sciences education.

INTER-LS 300 — TOPICS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE LETTERS, ARTS, AND SCIENCES

3 credits.

Reflect on principles of liberal education, and apply those principles to your own learning experiences.

Requisites: Sophomore standing

Course Designation: Level - Intermediate
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: Yes, unlimited number of completions

Last Taught: Fall 2020

Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand and apply principles of liberal education to the student's own learning experience
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Demonstrate the ability to reflect upon and communicate with others about a liberal education.
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 301 — METHODS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

3 credits.

Gain a broad understanding of the diverse areas of social science research from various disciplinary perspectives, through a series of lectures, readings, and essay assignments. Includes problem definition, evidence gathering, data analysis, and results presentation.

Requisites: Sophomore standing

Course Designation: Breadth - Social Science
Level - Intermediate
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2023

Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify and explain diverse methods of social science research from various disciplinary perspectives
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Examine and describe how social scientists gather evidence, analyze data and present results
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 302 — PROBLEMS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

3 credits.

Gain an in-depth understanding of one particular application area of social science research through a series of lectures, readings, and essay assignments. Includes problem definition, evidence gathering, data analysis, and results presentation.

Requisites: Sophomore standing

Course Designation: Breadth - Social Science
Level - Intermediate
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: Yes, for 2 number of completions

Last Taught: Spring 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Outline one particular application area of social science research -- a contemporary issue or problem -- from a focused set of disciplinary perspectives
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Describe and define a social issue or problem
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Examine how social scientists gather evidence and analyze data and present results
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 315 — PARADIGMS AND PROCESS IN ACADEMIC INQUIRY

2 credits.

Designed specifically for the research fellow, provides a structure for thinking about research that avoids reducing research to a single mode of thought and practice, and is thus inclusive of the range of approaches to research reflected in INTER-LS/INTER-AG 250. Will address specific topics that relate to the day-to-day activities of doing research, and addresses issues of what does it mean to think like a researcher, to act like a researcher, to talk like a researcher?

INTER-LS 601 — APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES PROBLEM PROPOSAL

3 credits.

Select a particular application area of social science research -- a contemporary issue or problem area related to one's own career or community experiences and goals-- through a series of readings, group discussions, research activities, and writing assignments. Design a research review project that will summarize and analyze the most promising social science research paths to a solution of this issue or problem. Key steps include: problem definition, literature review, and thesis development.

Requisites: INTER-LS 301 and 302

Course Designation: Breadth - Social Science
Level - Advanced
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Gain an in-depth understanding of the applied research review process in the social sciences
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Define a contemporary problem area in the social sciences
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Conduct a literature review of recent and relevant social science research
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Develop a thesis about the potential trajectory and impact of that research
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 602 — APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES PROBLEM ANALYSIS

3 credits.

Build on previous work in a particular application area of social science research -- a contemporary issue or problem area related to one's own career or community experiences and goals -- through a series of readings, group discussions, research activities, and writing assignments. Complete a research review project that will summarize and analyze the most promising social science research paths to a solution of this issue or problem. Key steps include: organization of findings, equity/diversity analysis, and final narrative presentation.

Requisites: INTER-LS 601

Course Designation: Breadth - Social Science
Level - Advanced
L&S Credit - Counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S

Repeatable for Credit: No

Last Taught: Fall 2024

Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the applied research review process
Audience: Undergraduate

2. Gather and organize recent research findings around a contemporary problem area
Audience: Undergraduate

3. Evaluate that research with respect to equity and diversity issues
Audience: Undergraduate

4. Assemble a narrative about the potential trajectory and impact of that research
Audience: Undergraduate

INTER-LS 700 — PUBLIC HUMANITIES: THEORIES, METHODS, CASES

3 credits.

Introduction to a range of methods, theories, and cases that represent the emerging field of the public humanities. Explore the range of opportunities that exist outside of academia. Focus on the limits, audiences, and outcomes of research in the humanities, including the possibility of translational research.