These courses introduce students to interdisciplinary thinking and perspectives through a variety of modes. They may be offered in fall, spring, or summer terms. Grading method varies–can be credit/no credit or letter graded, as identified by instructor.

What we think of as “mathematical” ideas may be viewed by other cultures within the contexts of art, navigation, religion, record-keeping, games, or kin relationships. This course treats mathematical ideas investigated by cultures such as North and South American Indians, Africans, and various peoples of the Pacific Islands, and analyzes them through Western mathematics (developed in Europe, the Middle East, and India). The course helps the student understand what mathematics is, both to Western culture and to other cultures, and how cultural factors influenced the development of modern mathematics. (Also listed as Mathematics 103.) (2A) Offered once per year.

What is study abroad’s purpose? What role does it play in students’ learning and development? How does a semester abroad differ from a semester at home? Using readings, discussions, and a variety of exercises, students in this course explore these and other questions about study abroad. In the process, they develop ideas for their own study abroad experiences and identify what they need to do to further prepare. They also connect their plans to Beloit College’s Integrated Learning Outcomes (ILOs) and anticipate study abroad’s relationship to their post-study abroad studies and other activities. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: sophomore or junior standing and intention to study abroad.

Research on study abroad learning outcomes indicates that the lessons of study abroad do not “take” without opportunities for reflection and meaning-making. Using a variety of exercises and assignments, this course aims to allow returned study abroad students to learn from their experiences and convey these lessons to others. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: a study abroad experience.

You’ve got something to say, but you can’t find a way to communicate your perspective? Why wait for the play? Street theatre, psychodrama, and guerrilla theatre can offer exciting possibilities to create dialogue in your community. Taking Action is created for students who are interested in using theatrical techniques to take a message to the masses. The course will cover improvisational acting; Augusto Boal’s Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, and Legislative Theatre; Jacob Levy Moreno’s psychodramatic techniques; as well as other international trends in street and psychotherapeutic performance. Taking Action is a performance course that asks students to turn political and personal issues into action. The focus is on developing a persuasive message that has the possibility to incite discussion and eventually bring about change. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to create activist performances in the surrounding college and Beloit communities. Prerequisite: Theatre and Dance 106.

In this course students analyze the efficacy and ethical challenges of their own leadership efforts, as well as those of local community and historical leaders. A variety of approaches are employed, including interviewing local leaders, field trips, case studies, team building for problem solving, and practice in various forms of communication, written, oral, Web, and/or visual. Resources include classic and popular texts, films, guest speakers, and biographies. Prerequisite: all students in the seminar are required to be involved, either currently or within the past year, in some leadership capacity on or off campus, through employment, clubs, sports, student government, social action, or another venue.

This course examines the ways in which psychology can enhance our understanding of the American legal system, assist in the solution of legal problems, and contribute to the development of a more humane and just legal system. Topics considered include criminal responsibility, mental health law, eyewitness identification, children’s testimony, prediction of violence, jury decision-making, psychological consequences of incarceration, and capital punishment. Contributions of other disciplines (e.g., sociology, politics, communications) also will be addressed. (Also listed as Psychology 239.) Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

This course enables students to engage critically with the complex urban environments in which they live and study by combining classroom work with explorations of the city beyond the university. Depending on the course location, these explorations will use techniques ranging from observations, field notes, mapping exercises, and visits to various sites of cultural, historical, and social significance to informal interviews, volunteer placements in local organizations, and research projects. Possible topics to be explored include tradition vs. modernity, gender, poverty, movements of people from rural to urban spaces, the effects of globalization, the human impact on the environment, and social problems. Topics course. Prerequisite: acceptance to a Beloit College study abroad program with a Cities in Transition course.

Designed as an interdisciplinary capstone experience for seniors from any inter/discipline, this course asks students to examine, reflect on, and articulate the values associated with a liberal arts education, both for themselves and those they encounter in their lives beyond Beloit College. Through course readings and assignments, in-class discussions, and meetings with Beloit College alumni, local employers, and Career Works staff, students are provided with the conceptual frameworks, intellectual space, and practical information to move between the esoteric (e.g., what will make my life worth living?) to the downright practical (e.g., how do I write a cover letter?). Each student will develop their own personal narrative and mission statement, evaluate and enhance their professional online presence, learn and practice techniques of networking, all the while sharing their unique curricular and co-curricular experiences to emphasize for all class members the breadth and adaptability of liberal arts training for a lifetime of learning. (CP) Prerequisite: senior standing.

An interdisciplinary seminar on a global theme. Students will read and discuss relevant literature, undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, and present their results to the seminar. Required of all international relations majors, this course may also count as the capstone for some interdisciplinary studies minors. (CP)

Interdisciplinary studies independent study provides the means for students to work on exploratory cross-disciplinary topics with a pace, scope, and format to be worked out between the individual student and the instructor(s) and approved by the Interdisciplinary Studies committee and the registrar. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

Work with faculty in classroom instruction. Graded credit/no credit.

Course and curriculum development projects with faculty.