UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 1
Interdisciplinary Studies
Department Information
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Staff
(251) 460-6263
Chair
Dr. Joycelyn Finley-Hervey
Academic Advisor
Diane F. Harvey, MS
Academic Advisor
Pamela James
Academic Advisor
Melanie McLain
Secretary
Lisa Allen
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies website
http://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/scesp/interdisciplinary/index.html
An undergraduate degree can be earned through the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Adult Degree Program,
Interdisciplinary Degree Program, and Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. These programs are designed to give
students a variety of options in earning a Bachelor’s degree tailored to meet their needs and interests. In addition to offering
traditional lecture courses both day and evening, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies offers an online opportunity for
students to complete their Bachelor's degree in the Interdisciplinary Studies Major. These courses are the same as those offered
during the day in content, quality, and quantity of work required.
Credit
Hours
General Education Requirements (41 Credit Hours)
Area I - Written Composition
2 courses
EH 101,
EH 102
6
Any (1) of*
EH 215, 216, 225, 226, 235, or 236
3
Any (1) of
ARH 100, 103, 123;
ARS 101;
DRA 110;
MUL 101
3
1 course
CA 110
3
Any (1) of
EH 215, 216, 225, 226, 235, or 236;
ARH 100, 103, 123;
ARS 101;
DRA 110;
MUL 101;
AFR 101;
AIS 105;
CLA 110;
LG 111, 112, 131, 132, 151, 152, 171, 172,
211, 212, 231, 232, 251, 252, 271, 272;
LGS 101, 102, 106, 107, 121, 122, 141, 142,
201, 202, 206, 207, 221, 222, 241, 242;
PHL 110, 121, 131, 231, 240
3
BLY 101/101L, 102/102L, 121/121L,
122/122L;
8
Area II - Humanities, Fine Arts, Oral Communication
Area III - Natural Sciences and Math
2 courses w/ labs
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INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 2
CH 101/101L, 103/103L, 131/131L, 132/132L;
GEO 101/101L, 102/102L;
GY 111/111L, 112/112L;
PH 101/101L, 104/104L, 114/114L, 115/115L,
201/201L, or 202/202L
Any (1) of
MA 110, 112, 113, 115, 120, 125, 126, 227,
237, or 238
3
Any (1) of*
HY 101, 102, 135, 136
3
3 courses
AIS 201;
AN 100, 101;
CA 100, 211;
ECO 215, 216;
GEO 114, 115;
GS 101;
IS 101;
PSC 130;
PSY 120, 250;
SY 109, or 112;
HY 101, 102, 135, 136
9
Area IV - History, Social and Behavioral Sciences
*As part of the General Education Requirements, students must complete a 6-hour sequence in Literature or History
Areas Of Study
Adult Degree Program (BA or BS)
Adult Degree Program (BA or BS)
Hospitality and Tourism Management (BS)
Interdisciplinary Degree Program (BA or BS)
Courses
AIS 105 Encounter with the Humanities
Adult Interdisciplnary Studies
(AIS)
AIS 101 Theories-Princ Adult Learning
3 cr
This course will assist students with clarifying education
goals, understanding effective learning methods, and
becoming acquainted with university resources, diversity,
and culture. It introdcues students to basic theories and
principles of adult education and development, with
emphasis on liberal education. The focus is to develop
written and oral skills to enhance student's critical thinking
and problem solving abilities. Assists students in defining
competencies needed for success in academic study,
professional leadership, and career opportunities. Students
will develop a working knowledge of Sakai and Skype.
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3 cr
Introduction to the various disciplines within the Humanities
with emphasis on the role each plays in a liberal arts
education. Identical with CLA 105. Credit cannot be received
for both CLA 105 and AIS 105. Core Course.
AIS 110 Encounter the Natural Sciences
3 cr
Introduction to the various disciplines within the natural
sciences with emphasis on the role each plays in a liberal
arts education.
AIS 115 Encounter the Social Sciences
3 cr
Introduction to the various disciplines within the social
sciences with emphasis on the role each plays in a liberal
arts education.
AIS 120 Encounter Fine Perform Arts
3 cr
Introduction to the various disciplines within the fine arts with
emphasis on the role each plays in a liberal arts education.
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AIS 125 Professional Conduct
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 3
3 cr
Introduces students to primary sources in ethical theory and
includes readings and discussions of theories of human
nature. Provides a basis for understanding one's rationale
for personal moral decisions and offers a foundation for an
approach to the ethics of business.
AIS 201 Seasons of Life
3 cr
An interdisciplinary media-assisted course in which students
study human development from the biosocial, cognitive,
and psychosocial perspectives with special emphasis on
the adult years. Through readings, audio, written exercises,
and class discussions, students explore the theories and
research findings of life span development which enable
them to reflect on their own lives as well as the lives of
others.
AIS 290 Sp Top -
1 TO 6 cr
A variable topics course treating special themes. May be
repeated for credit when course content varies.
AIS 294 Dir St -
1 TO 3 cr
Directed study of a topic consistent with the student's
individualized program under the supervision of a member
of the university faculty.
AIS 300 Found of Inter Research
3 cr
Designed for AIS students, this course examines principles
of qualitative and quantitative research methods and their
application to interdisciplinary studies in the social sciences.
Emphasis is on the development of functional literacy for
information expressed quantitatively and the thoughtful
integration of such information into academic and practical
research projects.
AIS 301 Intro Interdis Studies (ADP)
3 cr
This course introduces students to the field of
interdisciplinary studies adult development theory. The
course challenges students to connect education with
personal development, the workplace, and the community.
AIS 301 is required of all ADP students and must be taken
before AIS 380. Prerequisite: AIS 101 for students with less
than 64 credit hours, an approved graduation plan, and
junior or senior standing.
AIS 305 Issues in Human Services
3 cr
An interdisciplinary course for students who plan to work in
the helping professions (counseling, social work, nursing
etc.). Guest speakers from various disciplines present
information about their fields. Discussion topics include:
similarities and differences in the helping professions, the
helping relationship, empathic communication, multicultural
and legal issues, and stress and burnout management.
AIS 315 Women's Issues in Workpl-Comm
3 cr
This course will examine contemporary issues faced by
women in the workplace and the community from an
interdisciplinary perspective. Some of the topics to be
covered are gender communication issues, developing
a leadership plan, playing the game, power talk, conflict
management from a woman's point of view, international
development, and women, sexuality and labor.
AIS 320 Cultural Diversity
3 cr
An interdisciplinary exploration of issues related to
interactions between diverse groups in teams, communities,
and organizations. Reviews research from a variety
of disciplines, introduces the history and law of equal
opportunity in the U.S., and examines the costs and
benefits of diversity. Topics include prejudice, stereotyping,
affirmative action, barriers to mobility, discrimination,
marginalization, mentoring, cooperative teamwork, and
international issues.
AIS 350 Writing for Interdisc Resrch-W
3 cr
Builds on the foundation laid in freshman composition,
stressing critical thinking, analysis, and research. It aims to
prepare students for AIS 380 and other courses requiring
extensive research.
Pre-requisite: ACT English 27( or SAT Critical Reading 550
or University - EH101 Exempt P or EH 101 Minimum Grade
of C or EH 110 Minimum Grade of D or EH 190 Minimum
Grade of D or USA 010 Minimum Grade of S) and (EH 102
Minimum Grade of C or EH 105 Minimum Grade of C)
AIS 380 Research Methods/Thesis Dev-W
3 cr
This course prepares the student to design and conduct
a senior research project. Focuses on topic selection,
research methods, and proposal writing. AIS 380 is required
of all students wishing to complete a senior research thesis
and must be taken prior to AIS 430. A minimum grade of 'C'
is required to pass the course. Prerequisites: AIS 300; AIS
301; AIS 350; approved graduation plan.
Pre-requisite: AIS 300 Minimum Grade of C and AIS 350
Minimum Grade of C and (AIS 301 Minimum Grade of D or
IST 302 Minimum Grade of D)
AIS 401 Adults in Society
3 cr
Adults in Society is a media-assisted course that uses print
material, videos, written assignments, and class discussions
to explore issues which relate to adult development.
Using interdisciplinary approach, students will examine
the relationship of adults to their families, work and
communities.
AIS 405 Issues Ideas-Humanities
3 cr
Identification and analysis of current concepts and problems
in the humanities and their relation to the needs, values, and
operation of modern society.
AIS 410 Issues and Ideas-Nat Science
3 cr
Identification and analysis of current concepts and problems
in the natural sciences and their relation to the needs,
values, and operation of modern society.
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AIS 415 Issues Ideas-Social Sciences
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 4
3 cr
Identification and analysis of current concepts and problems
in the social sciences and their relation to the needs, values,
and operation of modern society.
AIS 420 Comm Dev and Leadership
3 cr
Presents the conceptual foundations of community
development and leadership, including basic concepts,
methods and literature. Student teams gain practical
application through researching an issue and designing a
community deliberation to address that issue. The course
lays foundations for further study and practice in the field.
AIS 425 Adult Education and Training
3 cr
This project-based course explores the interdisciplinary
nature of adult education and training. Students will examine
its history, philosophy, learning theories, current applications
in education institutions and business, and its future as an
international and technology-enhanced enterprise.
AIS 430 Senior Research Thesis - W
3 TO 6 cr
An in-depth research project in the student's concentration.
Provides an opportunity for the student to design a
comprehensive research project, analyze and synthesize
research data, and develop expertise in a particular subject.
AIS 430 is required for all students wishing to complete a
senior research thesis.
Pre-requisite: AIS 380 Minimum Grade of C
AIS 490 Sp Top -
1 TO 6 cr
A variable topics course treating special themes. May be
repeated for credit when course content varies.
AIS 494 Dir St -
1 TO 3 cr
Directed Study of a topic consistent with the student's
individualized program under the supervision of a member
of the university faculty.
AIS 499 Honors Senior Thesis - H - W
3 OR 6 cr
A substantial research project reflecting a commitment to
genuine scholarship in the student's field of study. Provides
an opportunity for the student to design a comprehensive
research project, analyze and synthesize research data, and
develop expertise in a particular subject. Fulfills the senior
project requirement for the honors program.
Pre-requisite: AIS 380 Minimum Grade of A
Hospitality/Tourism
Management (HTM)
HTM 200 Intro to Hosp & Tour Ind
3 cr
3 cr
This course focuses on the tools necessary for managing
food service operations in today's aggressive business
environment. Students learn how to position, manage, and
leverage a successful food service operation - commercial
and non-commercial - in a variety of venues. Using a
menu-driven approach, the course examines a variety of
management tools, best practices, and techniques.
HTM 215 Ecotourism
3 cr
Examine the interaction of ecotourism with social, natural
and cultural environments as well as the impacts of
ecotourism on the environment and global societies.
HTM 220 Events Planning and Management
3 cr
This course will introduce students to multiple componenet
of events management, including planning, marketing,
ticketing, budgeting, operations, and evaluation. Students
will engage in instruction, observation, and analysis in order
to apply knowledge and theory to a specific event. The
course will be delivered in a blended format.
HTM 315 Hospitality/Tourism Marketing
3 cr
This course is designed to provide a broad overview
of essential marketing, promotion, and sales principles
currently applied in the tourism and hospitality industries. It
provides an introduction to marketing theories, principles,
and concepts, and an exploration of the role of marketing
within a globalized hospitality organization. Students
will identify marketing strategies, differentiate services
marketing, explain the role of customer expectation,
analyze market segments, evaluate target marketing,
and demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate
using audio visual materials. The focus is on achieving a
competitive advantage in a global market. Students will
also examine the trends, issues and problems influencing
tourism and hospitality marketing in a dynamic intercultural
environment.
HTM 350 Intro to Hospitality Mgmt
3 cr
This course is an introduction to hospitality management,
including an overview of management in the hospitality
industry and professional opportunities. The concepts and
practices of hospitality management are examined and
discussed. The scope and forms of hospitality organizations
(e.g. food and lodging, resorts, tourism enterprises,
conventions, events, attractions, etc.) are reviewed, as well
as local and global trends within these organizations.
HTM 496 Internship I
This course provides students with a comprehensive
introduction to the many entities that make up the hospitality
industry, such as hotels, restaurants, clubs, cruise lines, and
casino hotels. Students will learn about hospitality careers,
the importance of service, and how hotels and restaurants
are organized, as well as an overview of today's hot issues,
including ethical challenges and management concerns.
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HTM 210 Food & Bev Serv Mngt
3 cr
This pre-internship course examines the impact of business
environments on personal and career effectiveness in
the Hospitality field. Topics include effective business
communication, ethical decision making, and leadership
development.
Pre-requisite: HTM 200 Minimum Grade of D and HTM 350
Minimum Grade of D
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HTM 498 Internship II
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 5
3 cr
This Internship II course provides students an opportunity
to receive supervised, relevant, and practical experience in
work that is related to the objectives of the Hospitality and
Tourism Management (HTM) program.
Pre-requisite: HTM 200 Minimum Grade of D and HTM 350
Minimum Grade of D and HTM 496 Minimum Grade of C
Interdisciplinary Studies (IST)
IST 210 Introduction to Disablility
3 cr
This course will provide students from any discipline the
opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to
effectively work with people with disabilities in a variety of
settings. Disablility is examined as a type of diversity. Topics
include: the history and sociological context of disability; the
impact of disability on the individual and family; advocacy
and civil rights; current trends in services and supports for
children and adults with disabilities; and respectful language
and interaction. Students will actively engage in readings,
discussions, and writing on disability issues.
Pre-requisite: EH 102 Minimum Grade of C or EH 105
Minimum Grade of C
IST 300 Global Orientn-Ed Abroad-UGrad
1 cr
Study Abroad applicants will prepare for their study abroad
experience through an examination of selected countryspecific reading as well as cross-cultural orientation
materials. Travel safety, University of South Alabama
policies and procedures for study abroad, and advice for
cultural adjustment will be covered during the course. IST
300 satisfies the requirements of LG 394.
IST 302 Intro Interdis Studies (IDP)
3 cr
Provides students an introduction to the field of
interdisciplinary studies and an opportunity to critically
reflect on the experience of self, education, and career and
the relationship among these three phenomena. IST 302 is
required of all IDP students and must be taken before IST
496 or AIS 380. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
IST 310 Global Leadership 21st Century
3 cr
This course helps prepare students to assume global
leadership roles in their careers and the community at large.
Students explore leadership theories and principles as well
as investigate leadership qualities among historical and
contemporary individuals. In addition, students confront
present-day global issues and argue viewpoints orally, as
well as through persuasive and technical papers. Students
are expected to complete an interdisciplinary project based
on global issues.
Pre-requisite: ACT English 27( or SAT Critical Reading 550
or University - EH101 Exempt P or EH 101 Minimum Grade
of C or EH 110 Minimum Grade of C or EH 190 Minimum
Grade of C or USA 010 Minimum Grade of S) and (EH 102
Minimum Grade of C or EH 105 Minimum Grade of C)
IST 495 Prof Leadership Development
3 cr
Students will examine their skills, abilities, personality,
attitudes, values, interests, and behaviors within the context
of current scholarship on leadership to increase awareness
of their leadership competencies.
Pre-requisite: ACT English 27( or SAT Critical Reading 550
or University - EH101 Exempt P or EH 101 Minimum Grade
of C or EH 110 Minimum Grade of C or EH 190 Minimum
Grade of C or USA 010 Minimum Grade of S) or (EH 102
Minimum Grade of C or EH 105 Minimum Grade of C)
IST 496 Prof Studies - Internship
3 cr
The purpose of the internship is to give the interdisciplinary
studies student supervised practical experience in a setting
related to the student's concentration.
Pre-requisite: IST 302 Minimum Grade of D or AIS 301
Minimum Grade of D
IST 498 Internship II-Capstone Exp-W
3 cr
This post-internship course provides the student an
opportunity to reflect on and critically evaluate the internship
experience, particularly as it relates to the interdisciplinary
course of study. Students will prepare reports, write papers,
make presentations, and engage in group discussion that
critically considers the internship of the previous semester.
Pre-requisite: (AIS 496 Minimum Grade of C or IST 496
Minimum Grade of C) and AIS 300 Minimum Grade of C and
AIS 350 Minimum Grade of C
IST 500 Global Orientn-Ed Abroad-Grad
0 cr
This is a predeparture academic and orientation process
course for all graduate students who plan on studying
abroad in terms following their participating in this course.
All sections of this course would be web enhanced and use
eCompanion to facilitate the application, academic advising,
predeparture advising, and activities related to getting
students ready for participation in their actual program
abroad.
Faculty
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INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 6
CONNORS, JAMES J.
MS, University of Alabama
BS, University of South Alabama
PHD, University of South Alabama
FINLEY-HERVEY, JOYCELYN A.
BBA, Eastern Michigan University
MBE, Eastern Michigan University
PHD, University of Michigan-Ann Arb
AA, Washtenaw Community College
MANDERS, JEANETTE E.
BS, Spring Hill College
MED, University of Georgia
PHD, University of Georgia
MILLNER, VAUGHN S.
PHD, Auburn University
BS, University of Alabama
MS, University of South Alabama
WILSON, CYNTHIA L.
BS, Millsaps College
MS, Texas A & M U-Commerce
PHD, University of Alabama
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