Academic Departments & Programs
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Institute of the Liberal Arts Department
This major is for independently minded, motivated students, who have a desire to study an individualized topic that draws on two or more disciplinary methodologies.
The history of Emory's ILA, which dates back to the 1950s , has included various programs in innovative interdisciplinary education and research, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The ILA has always had a strong commitment to faculty collaborations that cross disciplinary boundaries, and to public and experimental forms of scholarship. As an institute committed to the exploration of forms of knowledge that are enriched by dialogue across disciplines and departments, the ILA seeks to be a catalyst for intellectual conversations aimed at understanding the cohesion and potential of the liberal arts, and the significance and social responsibilities of science and scholarship in the 21st century.
Recent students in the ILA have used the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) and American Studies (AMST) Majors to focus on an array of student-designed topics, from art history and politics, to biases in the treatment in U.S. high school history texts of the WWII internment of Japanese Americans.
When they declare, majors are assigned faculty co-advisors, generally including the DUS or one of the core IDS faculty, and a faculty member from any department with specific expertise in the student's area of interdisciplinary research. The co-advisors will work closely with each student to complete an IDS or AMST proposal that specifies relevant courses as major requirements, subject to revisions to be approved by both co-advisors.
Undergraduate interdisciplinary study proceeds on the hypothesis that some, if not all, subjects require methodologies, evidence, or texts drawn from more than one discipline, if they are to be understood deeply. Three pillars structure each student's experience in the undergraduate programs of the ILA:
- a critical perspective on the history, inter-relationship, and contested nature of disciplinary boundaries, specifically with reference to social structures of education and higher education
- a focus on writing as a crucial dimension of fully engaged reading, understanding, and public scholarship
- vibrant co-teaching as a model and embodiment of interdisciplinary inquiry and learning at the undergraduate level
- Academic Department Website
- http://ila.emory.edu
Concentrations
Faculty
- Director
- Robyn Fivush
- Director of Undergraduate Studies
- Peter Wakefield
Courses
American Studies 100-Level Courses
-
Fall, spring. Variable topics related to the U.S. and the Americas that combine interdisciplinary perspectives and methods from the humanities and social sciences.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- FSEM
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
American Studies 200-Level Courses
-
An interdisciplinary, historically grounded introduction to scholarly approaches to the U.S. and the broader Americas, with emphasis on issues of class, ethnicity, gender, and cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: ENGRD 223 Rhetorical Grammar (1 credit), which can be taken simultaneously.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- ENGRD 223 as corequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
An interdisciplinary, historically grounded introduction to scholarly approaches to the U.S. and the broader Americas, with emphasis on issues of class, ethnicity, gender, and cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: ENGRD 223 Rhetorical Grammar (1 credit), which can be taken simultaneously.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- ENGRD 223 as corequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
This course introduces students to the history of people of Asian ancestry in the United States, including immigrants, students, professionals, and refugees from East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Thematically, it investigates timely issues facing the Asian American community today.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSCE / HSC
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- HIST 228
- EAS 228
-
An introduction to the study of popular culture--movies, pulp fiction, music, and television--in the context of historical analysis.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- HIST 253
-
An introduction to the study of popular culture--movies, pulp fiction, music, and television--in the context of historical analysis.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSCW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- HIST 253W
-
Seminars arranged around current issues and controversies in American culture. May be repeated as topic changes. .
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Seminars arranged around current issues and controversies in American culture. May be repeated as topic changes .
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
American Studies 300-Level Courses
-
Explores the variety of traditional musical cultures in the United States, their historical and geographical influences on each other, and their influences on contemporary popular music.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAPE / HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- HIST 359
-
Examines the history if the sport from its nineteenth-century beginnings to the present day, including its engagement with changing social realities and persistent social myths.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Examines the history if the sport from its nineteenth-century beginnings to the present day, including its engagement with changing social realities and persistent social myths.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
This course examines the interaction of race relations and ordinary leisure of movie-going from 1895-1996. Attention to the business of distribution and the content of film shown in segregated venues.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
African Americans, Indians, Irish, and Jews in recent American history. Explores patterns of immigration and the limits of assimilation. Also treats anti-ethnic reactions such as racism and anti-Semitism.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSCE / HSC
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- HIST 348
-
Specialized courses in American culture and history. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Specialized courses in American culture and history. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Intermediate level workshop in writing and researching Southern Georgia's Civil Rights history.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSCW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- HIST 387RW
- ENGCW 385RW
- AAS 387RW
-
The "South" has played a central role in our national imagination.This course explores the ways in which certain stereotypes suchas Southern Bell, Mammy, Southern Gentleman, Jezebel, and Uncle Tom remain relevant across the decades.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- AAS 388
American Studies 400-Level Courses
-
An advanced interdisciplinary treatment of American culture issues, historical events or eras, or literature. The ILA and AMST programs support interdisciplinary inquiry of the Americas across Emory College of Arts and Sciences; this course will be frequently cross-listed with other departments.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
An advanced interdisciplinary treatment of American culture issues, historical events or eras, or literature. The ILA and AMST programs support interdisciplinary inquiry of the Americas across Emory College of Arts and Sciences; this course will be frequently cross-listed with other departments.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
IDS 491 senior seminar serves as the capstone experience for all each class of interdisciplinary undergraduate scholars. Students write and present a portion of their senior project, read contemporary debates about interdisciplinarity, and design a shared unit of interdisciplinary study.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- IDS 491
-
IDS 491 senior seminar serves as the capstone experience for all each class of interdisciplinary undergraduate scholars. Students write and present a portion of their senior project, read contemporary debates about interdisciplinarity, and design a shared unit of interdisciplinary study.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- IDS 491W
-
Fall, spring. Prerequisite: permission of the director of undergraduate studies. Open only to honors candidates in their senior year. Independent research, culminating in the thesis. .
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Fall, spring. Prerequisite: permission of the director of undergraduate studies. Open only to honors candidates in their senior year. Independent research, culminating in the thesis.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Credit variable. Prerequisite: permission of the director of undergraduate studies. Opportunity to integrate the theory and practice of studying American culture and history.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 6
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Credit variable. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and the director of undergraduate studies. Study of an area not covered in regular course offerings.
- Credit Hours
- 2 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Credit variable. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and the director of undergraduate studies. Independent research and writing on a topic associated with the area of concentration in the major, undertaken with faculty supervision.
- Credit Hours
- 2 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Interdisciplinary Studies 100-Level Courses
-
Variable topics using interdisciplinary approaches from the humanities and social sciences. Topics represent current interests of the instructor.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- FSEM
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Interdisciplinary Studies 200-Level Courses
-
IDS 200 examines the origins and development of distinct disciplines in contemporary universities through the lens of what counts as evidence in different fields of human knowledge.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
IDS 200 examines the origins and development of distinct disciplines in contemporary universities through the lens of what counts as evidence in different fields of human knowledge.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- ENG 223 as corequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
IDS 201 examines the origins and development of distinct disciplines in contemporary universities through the lens of what counts as evidence in different fields of human knowledge.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
IDS 201 examines the origins and development of distinct disciplines in contemporary universities through the lens of what counts as evidence in different fields of human knowledge.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- ENG 223 as corequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
IDS205 addresses: What is the nature of scientific evidence? How does it compare to other types of evidence? What counts as evidence in science? In other disciplines? What are the histories of the answers to these questions? How do they affect our everyday lives? Co-requisite: ENGRD 223
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- SNT
- Requisites
- ENGRD 223 as corequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
IDS205 addresses: What is the nature of scientific evidence? How does it compare to other types of evidence? What counts as evidence in science? In other disciplines? What are the histories of the answers to these questions? How do they affect our everyday lives? Co-requisite: ENGRD 223
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- SNTW
- Requisites
- ENGRD 223 as corequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Through readings, and discussions led by faculty from the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities, this course provides a panoramic survey of sustainability; critical integration of these interdisciplinary approaches yields a strong foundational understanding of sustainability.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Introduces a wide range of approaches to cultural inquiry and an array of research techniques through the close examination of the university as an intellectual, political, historical, economic, educational, and social institution.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
History of the use of visual images in Western culture. Study of tools necessary to read images, including still and moving images, performance, and display.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
History of the use of visual images in Western culture. Study of tools necessary to read images, including still and moving images, performance, and display.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- ENGRD 223 as corequisite
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
On Recent Discoveries by Emory Researchers (ORDER) engages graduate and postdoctoral students to teach their research to undergraduates. Recommended for sophomores; open to others. Refer to Course Atlas for specific topics of a given semester, articulated by the teacher-scholar team.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
On Recent Discoveries by Emory Researchers (ORDER) engages graduate and postdoctoral students to teach their research to undergraduates. Recommended for sophomores; open to others. Refer to Course Atlas for specific topics of a given semester, articulated by the teacher-scholar team.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
This course surveys intellectual traditions of leadership and engages students in the form of leadership that is public scholarship. In addition to introducing students to forms and questions of leadership through readings in literature, philosophy, and history, the course will also introduce students to influential leaders who have a special relationship with Emory and the ILA.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Introduction to the African humanities and social sciences through in-depth study of three African regions. Explores major historical trends and their impact on culture, including the slave trade, colonialism, and postcolonial international contacts. Content is drawn from literature (both written literature and oral traditions), film, history, religion, anthropology, sociology, and art.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- AFS 263
-
An introduction to interdisciplinary analysis through topics that are best understood through multiple methodologies and forms of evidence. The ILA and IDS program support interdisciplinary inquiry across Emory College; this course will frequently be cross-listed with other departments.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
An introduction to interdisciplinary analysis through topics that are best understood through multiple methodologies and forms of evidence. The ILA and IDS program support interdisciplinary inquiry across Emory College; this course will frequently be cross-listed with other departments.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
A side-car course brings together a subset of students from two courses that overlap in methodologies, topics, etc., to create a short interdisciplinary course that runs simultaneously with its two sponsoring courses. One credit, S/U only. Schedule and format arranged by sponsoring professors.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Interdisciplinary Studies 300-Level Courses
-
This course examines medicine in Germany from 1933 to 1945 and the extreme examples of the excesses of modern medical culture it provides.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- GER 315
- JS 315
- HIST 315
-
This course examines medicine in Germany from 1933 to 1945 and the extreme examples of the excesses of modern medical culture it provides.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSCW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- GER 315W
- JS 315W
- HIST 315W
-
A seminar centered on detailed study of Freud's major writings on dreams, with goals of illuminating Freud's theory of the mind and understanding the nature of dreams, including our own.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Highly focused courses, drawing on multiple disciplines of the humanities and social sciences; may be repeated for credit when topics vary.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Highly focused courses, drawing on multiple disciplines of the humanities and social sciences; may be repeated for credit when topics vary.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Required of AMST and IDS majors spring semester of junior year, this course focuses intensively on the design and initiation of the senior research process. Students' projects are honed, refined, workshopped--bibliography, outline, budget, etc. Students are readied for required senior year research.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
A seminar for Sustainability Minors in which capstone research projects and professional development portfolios are completed. Shared readings and project presentations will support broad integration of the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the minor.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Interdisciplinary Studies 400-Level Courses
-
On Recent Discoveries by Emory Researchers (ORDER) engages graduate and postdoctoral students to teach their research to undergraduates. Recommended for seniors. Refer to Course Atlas for specific topics of a given semester, articulated by the teacher-scholar team.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
On Recent Discoveries by Emory Researchers (ORDER) engages graduate and postdoctoral students to teach their research to undergraduates. Recommended for seniors. Refer to Course Atlas for specific topics of a given semester, articulated by the teacher-scholar team.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
As part of the Honors Program, students must complete a graduate level course. Because the ILA does not offer graduate courses, we have developed this proseminar to meet this requirement for those students who are unable to register for a graduate course in their area of study.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Prerequisite: prior approval of director of undergraduate studies for IDS.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 6
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Examination of interdisciplinary issues at an advanced level; typically appropriate for seniors. This course number is used for piloting new courses or cross-listing.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Examination of interdisciplinary issues at an advanced level; typically appropriate for seniors. This course number is used for piloting new courses or cross-listing.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Prerequisite: consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies for IDS.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
IDS 491 senior seminar serves as the capstone experience for all each class of interdisciplinary undergraduate scholars. Students write and present a portion of their senior project, read contemporary debates about interdisciplinarity, and design a shared unit of interdisciplinary study.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- AMST 490
-
IDS 491 senior seminar serves as the capstone experience for all each class of interdisciplinary undergraduate scholars. Students write and present a portion of their senior project, read contemporary debates about interdisciplinarity, and design a shared unit of interdisciplinary study.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HAPW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- AMST 490W
-
Prerequisite: consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies for IDS.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 12
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Independent research and writing for students in the Honors Program.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Independent research and writing for students in the Honors Program.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GERs
- WRT
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
-
Independent research and writing on topic associated with concentrations of majors. Limited to majors.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Honors Program
Honors students, identified in their Junior year in their work in IDS 390 will take a minimum of one, and will be encouraged to take two semesters of IDS 495R or AMST 495R Honors Research. During the fall term the students will meet in a seminar-like setting on a weekly basis with the aim of producing a significant first draft of their future Honors project. This project will be further researched and revised during an (optional) spring semester of 495R.
Study Abroad
The IDS and AMST programs encourage study abroad and understanding of other cultures. In consultation with the director of undergraduate studies, study-abroad courses can be counted toward the IDS or AMST major concentration course requirements.
Internship
The IDS and AMST programs recognize that there can be real value to integrating the theory of academic studies with the practice of real-world experience, or in learning more about a prospective vocation through an internship. We therefore offer IDS 485R and AMST 496 as a permission-only variable credit courses every semester (including summer). Please contact for details.