Undergraduate Course Descriptions
IDS 179 Reflections on the Self: “What does it mean to be human?” (4 credits)
This is the first of three interdisciplinary course that, together with the fourth-year capstone course in the major, comprise ODU’s core seminars. All sections of this seminar will address the question, ‘What does it mean to be human?’ through the study of the holistic nature of humans as embodied, social, spiritual, emotional, and rational beings. While each section will approach that question from a unique perspective, all sections share common learning outcomes and a common text or texts. IDS 179 stresses the importance of a liberal arts education and seeking knowledge while helping students develop and refine the skills needed to succeed in college. Students are encouraged to take this course the fall semester of their first year. This course is reserved for first-time freshmen only and transfer students with 17 or fewer transfer semester credits. Pre- or co-requisite: ENG 101.
IDS 279 Reflections on the Common Good: “What does it mean to belong to a community?” (4 credits)
This is the second of three interdisciplinary courses that, together with the fourth-year capstone course in the major, comprise ODU’s core seminars. All sections of this seminar will extend the reflection on self in IDS 179 to address the question, ‘What does it mean to belong to a community?’ Students will examine the role of individuals belonging to multiple and increasingly diverse communities. Students will have the opportunity to translate knowledge into action through a community service component. While each section will approach the question of the seminar from a unique perspective, all sections share common learning outcomes and a common text or texts. Prerequisite: IDS 179 or appropriate transfer status. Pre- or co-requisite: ENG 102.
IDS 379 Reflections on Justice: “How shall we live?” (4 credits)
This the third of three interdisciplinary courses that, together with the fourth-year capstone course in the major, comprise ODU’s core seminars. All sections of this seminar will extend the discussion of self and community/common good to address the question, ‘How shall we live?’ Students will examine the nature of justice in terms of our obligations to ourselves, to others, and to the divine. While each section will approach the question of the seminar from a unique perspective, all sections share common learning outcomes and a common text or texts. Students are encouraged to take this course during their third year. Prerequisite: IDS 279 or appropriate transfer status.
IDS 479 Reflections on Truth: “What have we learned?” (4 credits)
Senior capstone course in discipline.
