Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (Online)

INDS 2000-30I

Course: INDS 2000-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: INDS
CRN: 32498

Course Description

This course provides a foundational exploration of interdisciplinary studies, enabling students to gain an understanding of the concepts, theories, and practices essential for interdisciplinary collaboration. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to bridge the gap between various academic disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of complex real-world problems. (Fall, Spring, Summer - As Needed) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

  1. Repko, A. F., Szostak, R., Buchberger, M. P. (2020). Introduction to interdisciplinary studies (3rd ed.). 
    1. ISBN-10: 1544379404
    2. ISBN-13: 978-1544379401
  2. All other required content will be provided in the section overview and specific assignments via Canvas. 

Learning Outcomes


By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts, theories, and practices of interdisciplinary study. (SUU ELO 10.1)
  2. Students will evaluate the strengths and limitations of taking an interdisciplinary approach in addressing complex real-world problems. (SUU ELO 4.4)
  3. Students will formulate research questions related to their respective disciplines. (SUU ELO 8.1)

Course Requirements

Communication
  • Reach out with questions or extension requests before deadlines.
  • Use professional and respectful language in all communications.

Timely Submissions
  • Submit all assignments by Sunday at 11:59 PM (MT).
  • Initial discussion posts are due Friday at 11:59 PM (MT).
  • Late assignments require prior approval or extenuating circumstances.
  • Discussion boards are not accepted after the weekly deadline.

Adherence to Course Calendar
  • Follow the syllabus and course calendar closely.
  • Stay engaged in weekly assignments, quizzes, and discussions.

Academic Integrity & AI Policy
  • Submit original work and cite all outside sources.
  • Do not reuse prior work without permission.
  • Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) is only allowed when explicitly stated in assignment instructions and must be cited. Unauthorized use will be treated as academic misconduct.
  • Grammarly and spelling tools may be used for proofreading only, not content creation.
  • Violations of SUU Policy 6.33 may result in penalties ranging from a warning to dismissal.

Course Outline

The course begins in Module 1 with a welcome and introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies. Students review the syllabus, complete a pre-course evaluation and self-assessment, participate in a “getting to know your peers” discussion, and take a syllabus quiz.

In Module 2, students explore the foundations of Interdisciplinary Studies through Chapters 1 and 2, considering both the real-world value of IS and the rise of modern disciplines. Activities include a discussion on the value of IS in the real world, a personal reflection assignment, and a concept quiz.

Module 3 focuses on defining Interdisciplinary Studies (Chapter 3). Students join a discussion on definitions, complete an assignment comparing inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary approaches, and take a concept quiz.

In Module 4, students are introduced to the Interdisciplinary Studies “Cognitive Toolkit” (Chapter 4). They analyze real-world problems using the toolkit, create an e-portfolio introduction with IS content, and complete a concept quiz.

Module 5 examines academic disciplines (Chapter 5). Students analyze disciplines from epistemic, social, and organizational perspectives, complete an assignment breaking down discipline elements, and take a concept quiz.

In Module 6, students consider the “DNA” of Interdisciplinary Studies (Chapter 6). They discuss assumptions, reflect on their own disciplines, and take a concept quiz.

Module 7 turns to critical thinking about disciplinary perspectives (Chapter 7). Students compare disciplinary versus interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving through discussion, assignments, and a quiz.

In Module 8, students evaluate disciplinary insights (Chapter 8). Activities include applying critical thinking to daily decisions, analyzing a scholarly article, and completing a concept quiz.

Module 9 focuses on integration and results (Chapter 9). Students explore the value of comprehensive understanding, design integration strategies for complex problems, and take a concept quiz.

In Module 10, students are introduced to an interdisciplinary research “road map” (Chapter 10). Discussions focus on the role of research in careers, with assignments applying rubric criteria and a concept quiz.

Module 11 covers identifying relevant disciplines and gathering information (Chapter 11). Students complete a critical thinking assignment (“Professor Blatz”) and a concept quiz.

In Module 12, students analyze insights and reflect on the research process (Chapter 12). They identify issues in their disciplines, complete related assignments, and take a concept quiz.

Module 13 brings together the semester’s learning in application and mind mapping. Students brainstorm research topics, participate in an “idea tree” group activity, and submit a final mind map for their research questions.

Finally, in Module 14, students submit their research questions, participate in a reflection discussion on what impressed them most about IS, complete a post-course self-assessment, and submit their final research questions as the capstone assignment.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Work:
  1. Unexcused late assignments will be docked 5% for each day the assignment is late.
    1. For example, the highest score possible for an assignment submitted 3 days late is 85%.
  2. Assignments are not accepted after 14 calendar days (2 weeks) past the original assignment deadline.
  3. Assignments will not be accepted after the Tuesday after the last assignment is due (ie. the Tuesday of finals week). All late work must be submitted on or before this day.
  4. Discussion board content created and posted after the assignment deadline will not be accepted. 
  5. If something comes up and you are unable to turn something in by the deadline, contact me before the assignment deadline, and we can make arrangements for an extension. 

Makeup Work & Extra Credit: 
Make-up work is not provided, and extra credit will be offered to the entire class when applicable. 

Attendance Policy

This course does not have any required live class sessions. However, students are expected to actively engage in the course by logging in and participating multiple times per week. Regular participation is essential to staying up-to-date with course announcements, discussion boards, and new content.

To ensure you don't miss any important updates, please turn on notifications for announcements and submission comments. All work must be submitted by the specified deadlines, and it is your responsibility to manage your time effectively to keep up with the course schedule.

Proactive communication is key to your success in this course. If you have any questions or concerns about the material, deadlines, or technical issues, please reach out to me as soon as possible. Additionally, I encourage you to engage with your peers in discussions and group activities to enhance your learning experience.

If you anticipate any issues that might impact your ability to complete coursework on time, please contact me as early as possible so that we can discuss your situation and consider possible arrangements.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.