Interdisciplinary Studies - Social Sciences

ISSS 4320 Social Entrepreneurship (3 semester credit hours) This course is about providing those interested in entrepreneurial ventures with primarily a social focus with the skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish their goals. The course will be seminar style and require a practicum. Topics include entrepreneurship in the nonprofit sector, entrepreneurship in political campaigns, new public management and the role of entrepreneurship in government and public services, urban planning, and geographical information sciences as a tool all entrepreneurs can use in the creation of new opportunities. (3-0) R

ISSS 4358 National and International Security (3 semester credit hours) Investigates problems associated with national and international security in the post-Cold War world. Includes analysis of the use of military force, nuclear arms, terrorism, international treaties, and the economic dimensions to national security. (3-0) R

ISSS 4359 Science, Technology and Society (3 semester credit hours) This course explores the relationship between science and democracy, then moves to an analysis of the impact of information technologies, including speculation about advances in artificial intelligence and related advances including robotics, on culture and other human institutions. The impact of biotechnology, advances in medicine and other issues are also explored. The role of ethics in the development and deployment of these technologies will be an important component of the course. Also, the presence of anti-scientific mindsets and prejudices, as manifested by various groups and diverse ideological perspectives, is examined. (3-0) R

ISSS 4377 Alternative Approaches to National Security (3 semester credit hours) There is a pressing need to reconsider how nations can best achieve security in the face of drastic changes in the international arena in the last decades of the twentieth century. The Cold War has ended, the Soviet Union has collapsed, yet regional conflicts abound, ethnic antagonisms threaten the peace, and international terrorism is still a real danger. At the same time, important progress has been made in arms reduction, international cooperation, and the spread of democracy. In the light of these changes, this course explores a variety of alternatives to the traditional threat or use of massive military force as a means for achieving national and global security. (3-0) R

ISSS 4V86 Special Interdisciplinary Topics in the Social Sciences (1-9 semester credit hours) May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 semester credit hours maximum). ([1-9]-0) R

ISSS 4V97 Independent Study in Interdisciplinary Studies (1-6 semester credit hours) Independent Study under a faculty member's direction. Credit/No Credit only. May be repeated for credit (6 semester credit hours maximum). Instructor consent required. ([1-6]-0) R