Opens up a perspective on culture diversity in local and global contexts. Takes an interdisciplinary approach to consider how historically shaped intersections of race, class, gender, and ethnicity inform the contemporary and past experiences of individuals and groups in society. Considers social justice and (in)equality by studying themes such as racism; classism; migration; globalization and labor rights; human trafficking; Islamophobia; and environmental justice.

Opens up a perspective on cultural diversity in local and global contexts. Takes an interdisciplinary approach to consider how historically shaped intersections of race, class, gender, and ethnicity inform the contemporary and post experiences of individuals and groups in society. Considers social justice and (in)equality by studying themes such as racism; classism; migration; globalization and labor rights; human trafficking; Islamophobia; and environmental justice.

Studies youth-lead social movements from around the world as we develop essential skills for college success. Discusses social movements and social justice as well as examples of social movements like Black Lives Matter; H.I.J.O.s, UndocuQueer, 1960's Civil Rights movements and organizing on college campuses more generally. Topics that are difficult to talk about, like race, class, gender, sexuality, racism, and systemic injustice will be discussed.

Introduces students to the world of Interdisciplinary Studies. Draws on selected academic disciplines (such as sociology, history, political science, psychology, and cultural studies) to develop interdisciplinary frameworks applied to the study of complex issues in society that cannot be understood or solved through the lens of a single academic discipline. Course topic is identified by subtitle.

Traces cities back to their origins and ends with the present day where urbanization is happening faster than ever. Following a chronological order, we will examine how global forces and local communities are intimately connected. The course draws from various academic disciplines and introduces students to basic concepts such as density, zoning, gentrification, and urban renewal. The goal is to help students become informed thinkers critical or urban designs and suburban lifestyle.

Traces cities back to their origins and ends with the present day where urbanization is happening faster than ever. Following a chronological order, we will examine how global forces and local communities are intimately connected. The course draws from various academic disciplines and introduces students to basic concepts such as density, zoning, gentrification, and urban renewal. The goal is to help students become informed thinkers critical of urban designs and suburban lifestyle.

Applies interdisciplinary critical race and ethnic studies approaches to investigate how society is culturally and institutionally constituted by ideas like race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and nation.

Provides beginning interdisciplinary majors with the opportunity to develop a sense of agency and ownership of their educational pathway through the creation of an individualized degree plan. Students will familiarize themselves with the IDST program at MCLA and engage with themes such as: conceptualizations and definitions of interdisciplinarity; the history of academic disciplines and the emergence of interdisciplinary studies; the interdisciplinary research process.

Provides students with competencies in interdisciplinary research methods. Students will be introduced to the interdisciplinary research process and engage in research projects, applying disciplinary and interdisciplinary methods, theories, and concepts to the study of complex themes that cannot be understood through the lens of a single disciplinary lens. Course topics vary and are identified by subtitle (e.g. City & Social Space; Global Refugees of the 21st Century).

Studies themes related to a geographic area, nation, epoch, or selected social group in historical contexts. Students will critically engage with a variety of sources, such as written historical documents, oral histories, literary texts, music and cinematic representations of past and present human experience in local and global (particularly non-Western) contexts. Course topic identified by subtitle.

Deconstructs the global construct of race by focusing on the tangled connections between state, race, culture, and identity. Relying on materials from across disciplines, the course aims to deepen students' understanding of the complexity of race and racism and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. After a theoretical section, the course will explore the global dissemination of race and formations of racial identities, and will end with a case study on Sino-Africa engagement.

Explores the concept of environmental justice through interdisciplinary lenses, including historical, sociological, scientific, literacy, and philosophical perspectives. Examines the history of the EJ movement as a response to environmentalist movements that failed to consider differentiated impacts on people based on race, gender, and economic status. Historic and current case studies from around the world serve as concrete examples to enable us to grasp patterns and economic connections.

Explores complex and controversial topics in culture and society from the vantage point of at least two different academic disciplines (such as sociology, history, psychology, literature, and cultural studies) and through interdisciplinary perspectives. Course topic identified by subtitle.

Studies how understandings of mental health and illness are inextricably linked to society, culture, space, and time. Draws on theories, concepts, and insights from history, sociology, psychology, cultural anthropology, and media studies to study topics such as the history of mental illness; the influence of gender and social class on mental well-being; mental illness across cultures; and media representations of mental illness.

Seeks to understand the socio-cultural changes in China following economic reforms in the 1980s. Exploring topics such as youth culture, gender and sexuality, and rural migration, we will focus on the shifting relationship between the state and common people's cultural life. The course uses a multi-disciplinary approach and incorporates various interesting materials including cultural analyses, anthropological research, a mystery fiction, and founding notes of a utopic community.

Available only to senior interdisciplinary studies majors, this seminar requires students to carry out supervised research projects within their areas of study and to share the progress and results of their research with seminar participants.

Open to junior and senior IDST majors who wish to read in a given area or to study a topic in depth. Written reports and frequent conferences with the advisor are required.

Offers seniors field experience that actively and extensively draws upon the concepts, principles, and skills of at least two different disciplines. The internship must include a strong writing component in which the student interprets his/her field experience with reference to key ideas and themes of the relevant disciplines.