Academic Catalog

General Studies & Interdisciplinary Degrees

A general studies student has clear and defined career goals that do not need a traditionally prescribed disciplinary degree. The Bachelor of General Studies program is an undergraduate liberal arts degree available through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

To be eligible for the General Studies degree, a student must have completed college course work after high school graduation. This degree is typically not a suitable pathway for first-time freshmen. First-time freshmen should refer to the Exploratory major for assistance in completing general education requirements and clarifying their educational goals.

Associates

Bachelors

Masters

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Interdisciplinary Studies

IDS 099  BGS Senior Assessment  +  (0 Credits)  
The singular objective for this course is to provide assessment opportunities for graduating senior Bachelor of General Studies students. The course serves as the coordination point for program assessment.

  
Eligibility Rules: Senior Level Standing - 90 Semester Units  
  
  
IDS 150  Kansas Regents Honors Academy  +  (1-4 Credits)  

  
  
  
  
IDS 199  Topics in IDS (non Gen Ed)  (1-3 Credits)  
A study of a particular topic not otherwise available in the curriculum. The content of this course will vary from semester to semester, and students may potentially enroll more than once. This class is not available for General Education credit.

  
IDS 200  Kansas Regents Honors Academy  +  (3 Credits)  

  
  
  
  
IDS 326  Literature and the Environment     (3 Credits)  
A study of the literature of nature and the environment with special emphasis on literary and environmental texts that explore the ecological relationship between human culture, the creative imagination, and the natural world.

  
  
  
  
IDS 333  Exploration in the Humanities  +  (1 Credit)  

A one-hour intensive exploration of a topic in the humanities. The class may require travel and/or service learning, and it may require payment of an additional fee.


  
  
  
  
IDS 350  Diversity in the United States     (3 Credits)  

A study of the United States of America and its role in the world as a multicultural democracy, with specific emphasis given to cultural diversity as embodied in the ideal notion of pluralistic identity. Through the social sciences, humanities and arts, history, and international perspectives, the course will explore the principles and dynamics of diversity in the United States while promoting social responsibility and demonstrating civic competency.


  
  
  
  
IDS 390  Technology in Society  *  (3 Credits)  
An extensive study of technology and the impact that it has on human society. This course will examine, discuss, and explore the materials, processes, innovations, and applications of technology and the various perspectives and issues associated with the role of technology in society.

  
  
  
  
IDS 399  Topics in IDS (non Gen. Ed.)  (1-6 Credits)  
A study of a particular topic not otherwise available in the curriculum. The content of the course will vary from semester to semester, and students may potentially enroll more than once. This class is not available for General Education credit.

  
IDS 400  Bioethics  *  (3 Credits)  
An examination of ethical issues which result from our expanding biological knowledge such as animal rights, genetic testing, biological engineering, abortion, euthanasia, the impact of humans on the environment, and the just allocation of resources.

  
  
  
  
IDS 401  Ethical Issues in the Professions and Business  *  (3 Credits)  
An examination of ethical issues in the professional lives of people in science, education, medicine, law, and business arising from the challenge of maintaining personal integrity in the face of apparent conflicts of duty.

  
  
  
  
IDS 402  U.S. Human Geography: Issues For/21st Century     (3 Credits)  
A human geography of natural, social, cultural, economic, political, and other issues existing in late 20th century United States, with implications toward the 21st century.

  
  
  
  
IDS 405  Heritage: Society, Science and Culture Since 1700     (3 Credits)  

A study of the interrelationships and transformations of outlook, science, and technology, culture attributes, economic systems, and social structures in world civilizations over the past three centuries, with special attention given to the development of modern institutions and perspectives.


  
  
  
  
IDS 440  Conceptions of the Mind     (3 Credits)  
An integrative look at our historically changing conceptions of the mind, and how best to study and understand them. The course will cover elements of philosophy, psychology, neural science, computer science, linguistics, and their convergence intro the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science.

  
  
  
  
IDS 801  Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies     (1 Credit)  
The purpose of the course is to provide a multidisciplinary introduction to information-seeking skills, critical thinking skills, and analytical writing skills as a means of fostering intellectual growth, and enhancing employability in a world where integrated knowledge is a key resource.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
IDS 802  Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective     (3 Credits)  

A comparative, critical exploration of the nature, kinds, worth, and limits of human knowledge. Roughly equal amounts of attention are given to (A) the sciences, (B) the arts and humanities, and (C) a selection from a menu of such special topics as mathematical knowledge, epistemic relativism, moral knowledge, religious knowledge, and the role of the search for knowledge in well-lived human lives.


  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
IDS 803  Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society     (3 Credits)  
Origins and implications of the knowledge society involves understanding the historial origins and the current and future implications of the information revolution that is unfolding. As our society ushers in the information revolution, a deeper understanding of new ways of knowing will serve as a catalyst for the future. Substantial changes in the social, political, educational, and economic contexts are the destined targets of the information/knowledge shift. This course focuses on where these changes come from, what the likely changes will be, and the utility of such changes on the way we know, learn, and grow.

  
Eligibility Rules: Graduate level and has completed or currently enrolled in IDS801  
  
  
IDS 804  Information Literacy     (3 Credits)  

Information literacy develops the utilization of information in the graduate learning process. A fuller appreciation and recognition of the need for information, identification of needed information, networking and technical skills associated with locating the information, and critical consideration of information are addressed. Students should expect to be more thoughtful consumers of scholarly and applied research and current modern information technologies.


  
Eligibility Rules: Graduate level and has completed or currently enrolled in IDS801  
  
  
IDS 806  Applied Statistics     (3 Credits)  
This course introduces students to descriptive and inferential statistics and their applicability to decision making. Students will explore measures of central tendency and variability, probability theory, estimation and hypothesis testing, and regression models.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
IDS 810  Readings in Liberal Studies  +  (1-3 Credits)  
Directed readings on a specific topic in liberal studies.

  
Eligibility Rules: Permission for IDS810, Graduate level  
  
  
IDS 815  Introduction to Data     (3 Credits)  

The purpose of this course is to present a graduate-level introduction for using research and decision-making in order to prepare professionals to work with data in their chosen field.  This course will cover foundational concepts for understanding various types of data and aligning research questions with strategies for data analysis.  Students will learn to gather, analyze, manage, and communicate data in accordance with ethical and legal considerations.


  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
IDS 816  Writing and Visualizing Data     (3 Credits)  

Data visualization is becoming an essential skill required in the era of big data. The purpose of this course is to advance students’ knowledge and practical skills in visualizing and communicating data used in research and organizational or community decision-making. Students will learn to align data with visualization techniques and tell engaging data stories with their intended audience. 


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed or currently enrolled in IDS815  
  
  
IDS 820  Projects in Liberal or Professional Studies  +  (1-6 Credits)  
An applied and technique oriented offering in which students engage in qualitative and/or quantitative research projects, or other experience of significant academic value. Meant to fulfill the culminating experience requirements of Master of Liberal Studies degree students.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
IDS 880  Seminar in Liberal Studies  +  (1-3 Credits)  
Course will provide in-depth study of a particular topic in interdisciplinary studies at the graduate level. The course title and topic of study will be displayed in the class schedule.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
IDS 890  Internship in Liberal or Professional Studies  +  (1-6 Credits)  
This course is designed for students in their final stages of the Master of Liberal Studies program. Activities include practical experience in an organization which will allow the student to participate in a meaningful project.

  
Eligibility Rules: Permission for IDS890, Graduate level  
  
  
IDS 899  Thesis in Liberal Studies  +  (3 Credits)  
Thesis in interdisciplinary studies is a directed multi-disciplinary study resulting in a specific final research paper or project. Thesis is designed to provide empirical study in preparation for further academic work. Study results in a bound thesis. A student may enroll in this course a maximum of two times, up to 6 hours total.

  
Eligibility Rules: Permission for IDS899, Graduate level  
  
  

University Courses

UNIV 099  Prior Learning Portfolio  +  (1-3 Credits)  
This is an accelerated course that will help students identify areas of prior learning to be evaluated for college-level equivalency. The course will also guide students through the preparation and compilation of all components required for the evaluation for course credit(s) of a portfolio of prior learning by a disciplinary assessor in a department at FHSU. Examples of such work may include, but are not limited to, employer training programs, work experience, industry certifications , military service, independent study, studying open source software, volunteering, or completing community service. UNIV 099 may only be taken as pass/no credit and may not be applied to any degree requirement in the university.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed or currently enrolled in ENG102  
  
  
UNIV 100  Major and Career Exploration     (1 Credit)  
Course designed to aid college students in the career exploration process through self-awareness, academic awareness, and career awareness. This course is intended for students exploring or confirming major options.

  
  
  
  
UNIV 101  Freshman Seminar     (1 Credit)  

This course will emphasize the skills and knowledge that the first-time freshmen who are within one year of high school graduation will need to succeed in their transition to collegiate life. This course strives to provide habits and positive skills. In addition, this class will provide students opportunities to explore the various services which Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers, as well as how and where to obtain those services.


  
  
  
  
UNIV 103  Succeeding in College  +  (0-3 Credits)  
This course is designed to help students learn and improve skills and strategies that are essential to academic success. Through activities, application, and reflection, the material covered in this course should support and assist students in their other courses. The course will cover: stress management, appropriate communication, critical thinking, decision making, locus of control, money management, motivation and goal setting, note taking, procrastination, learning styles, and time management.

  
  
  
  
UNIV 105  Partnership Academic Success Skills     (1 Credit)  

Examines the cultural norms and values of university-level education in the partnership between Zhengzhou Sias University and Fort Hays State University that are essential for students’ academic achievement. The tools, methods, and concepts presented in this course are designed to enhance students’ overall understanding of learning strategies and engagement that are ideal for success both here and beyond.


  
  
  
  
UNIV 199  International Student Orientation     (0-2 Credits)  
The course is designed to help new degree-seeking international students maximize their academic potential through an orientation to FHSU and the United States. Emphasis will be focused upon, but not limited to, learning about the American education system, developing introductory research skills, learning immigration policies, and identifying university services and resources.

  
  
  
  
UNIV 200  Study Abroad  +  (0-19 Credits)  

A course for university study abroad experiences. Special fees may apply.


  
  
  
  
UNIV 201  National Student Exchange  +  (0-19 Credits)  

A course for university National Student Exchange experiences. Special fees may apply.


  
  
  
  
UNIV 301  Information Literacy     (3 Credits)  

The purpose of this course is to help undergraduate students effectively and responsibly gather, evaluate, and use information for scholarship and problem-solving, which is a university-level general education objective. The course is primarily for students who cannot meet the information literacy objective through a course in their major. This course will cover foundational information literacy concepts including research questions, types of information sources, search strategies, and the effective usage of information sources to support an argument. Students will learn to design and follow a research plan, create a research log, and write an annotated bibliography.


  
  
  
  
UNIV 400  Study Abroad  +  (1-19 Credits)  
A course for university study abroad experiences. Special fees may apply.

  
  
  
  
UNIV 401  National Student Exchange  +  (1-19 Credits)  
A course for university National Student Exchange experiences. Special fees may apply.

  
  
  
  
UNIV 402  Upper-Level Writing     (3 Credits)  

Students in this course will develop writing skills expected of college graduates ready to embark on their civic and professional lives.  They will learn how to analyze a writing task through a rhetorical lens, considering principles such as audience, purpose, and genre conventions.  They will practice writing within their chosen discipline/profession, and they will produce a researched persuasive document relevant to their field of study.


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed or currently enrolled in ENG102  
  
  
UNIV 800  Study Abroad  +  (1-19 Credits)  
A course for university study abroad experiences. Special fees may apply.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
UNIV 888  Placeholder No FHSU Course Registration (Graduate)  (0 Credits)  

A zero hour course: Used as needed to activate semesters with no FHSU registrations when workday needs to show relevant records: e.g. educational test results, educational exchange courses, transcript notes, or degree conferral.