Experimental Courses
Foreign Study
Freshman Interest Group Program
Groups Student Support Services Program
Honors College
Individual Readings and Research
Intensive Freshman Seminars (IFS)
Living Learning Centers
McNair Scholars Program
MEDIC-B Scholars Program
Special Skills Courses
TOPICS Program
Experimental Courses
Courses that are experimental in content or teaching technique are offered through the experimental curriculum designated by the prefix "X." Their purpose is to enrich the College curriculum by providing imaginative, innovative, and interdisciplinary teaching experiments that may be subsequently absorbed into the regular College curriculum. These courses may be counted toward an undergraduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences as electives inside the College. They do not fulfill distribution, foreign language, or major requirements. For additional information, consult the Schedule of Classes.
Course Descriptions
X211 Experimental Topics (1-3 cr.) Imaginative, innovative, and interdisciplinary courses designed to enrich the college curriculum. A student may count up to a total of 5 hours of credit in experimental topics courses (X211 and X311) with different topics toward graduation.
X311 Experimental Topics (1-3 cr.) Imaginative, innovative, and interdisciplinary courses designed to enrich the college curriculum. A student may count toward graduation no more than 5 credit hours in experimental topics courses (X211 and X311) with different topics.
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Foreign Study
F200 Foreign Study (0-8 cr.) P: approval of an assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This course listing may be used for course work from overseas study programs (including transfer credit from non-IU programs), when the content of the course is within the general area of arts and sciences but does not fall clearly within the discipline of any particular department in the College. It may be repeated up to the limit of 8 credit hours.
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Freshman Interest Group Program
To support the academic transition of first-year students, Indiana University offers the Freshman Interest Groups Program (FIGs). FIGs are groups of up to twenty first-semester freshmen who co-enroll in two or three courses together, usually live near each other in the residence centers, and take COAS X111- the FIG Seminar-together. The FIG Seminar is a 1 credit hour course designed to acquaint students with academic, intellectual, and cultural campus resources, as well as sharpen study skills and integrate material from FIG courses. FIGs provide a common academic frame of reference for students and consist of courses that help fulfill distribution and degree requirements or are thematically linked. A wide range of FIGs is offered first semester each year and all freshmen are invited to participate. Students admitted to the university will receive detailed information about the FIGs program during spring prior to their freshman year.
X111 Freshman Interest Group (1 cr.) S/F grading. Designed to help Freshman Interest Group (FIG) students make the academic transition to Indiana University, this course helps students sharpen study skills; introduces campus academic, cultural, and student service resources; and assists students in integrating course content from FIG courses. Students must be enrolled in the FIG program.
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Groups Student Support Services Program
The Groups Student Support Services Program is jointly funded and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and Indiana University. The program offers a variety of services, including personal counseling, academic counseling, tutoring, enrollment in specialized courses, and activities that foster academic enrichment. The Groups Program provides whatever reasonable support is needed toward the attainment of the bachelor's degree at Indiana University for individuals who are first-generation college students, are from officially determined low-income families, or are physically disabled.
Course Descriptions
J010 Introduction to Algebra (2 cr.) A review of pre-algebra mathematics. Topics include operations on integers and rational numbers, exponents, evaluating algebraic expressions and translating English statements into algebraic equations. Emphasis is on problem solving. Open only to Groups students. Credit may not be applied toward a degree. Fulfills no distribution or fundamental skills requirement in the College of Arts and Sciences.
J101-J102 Introduction to College Composition (2 cr.) For Groups students only. An introduction to the writing process. J101 can lead directly to freshman-level writing courses or, at discretion of instructor, to J102.
J110 Introductory Problem Solving (2 cr.) P: two years of high school algebra or permission of department. Emphasizes problem solving and the development of logical reasoning skills. Topics include elementary logic, set theory, measurement of geometric figures, and translating English statements into algebraic equations. Not counted toward any COAS distribution requirement nor toward the COAS fundamental skills requirement in mathematics.
J111 Introduction to College Mathematics I (3 cr.) A review of basic algebra. For Groups students only. Not counted toward any COAS distribution requirement or toward the COAS fundamental skills requirement in mathematics.
J112 Introduction to College Mathematics II (3 cr.) A continuation of J111 that includes functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. For Groups students only. Not counted toward any COAS distribution requirement or toward the COAS fundamental skills requirement in mathematics.
J113 Introduction to Calculus with Applications (3 cr.) NMMC A survey of calculus. For Groups students only. J113 can count toward the COAS fundamental skills requirement in mathematics or the COAS natural and mathematical sciences distribution requirement for Groups students. Credit not given for both J113 and MATH M119 or both J113 and MATH M211 or M215.
J200 College Colloquium (1-3 cr.) P: sophomore standing.
X113 Groups Student Success Seminar (1 cr.) This course is designed to help students make a smooth transition to their college education by focusing on leadership development and course content related to study skills as an integrated unit. Cultural/intellectual outings and networking opportunities will be a part of the course. X113 will be co-taught by accomplished sophomore, junior, or senior Groups students.
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Honors College
Ordinarily, enrollment in Honors College courses is limited to those who have been formally admitted to the Honors College Program.
Course Descriptions
H200 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar. Topics will vary. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
H203 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in the arts and humanities. Fulfills COAS TOPICS requirement for Arts and Humanities and is equivalent to COAS TOPICS E103. Credit not given for both HON H203 and COAS E103. May not be repeated for credit.
H204 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in social and historical studies. Fulfills COAS TOPICS requirement for Social and Historical Studies and is equivalent to COAS E104. Credit not given for both HON H204 and COAS E104. May not be repeated for credit.
H205 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in the natural and mathematical sciences. Fulfills COAS TOPICS requirement for Natural and Mathematical Sciences and is equivalent to COAS E105. Credit not given for both HON H205 and COAS E105. May not be repeated for credit.
H211 Ideas and Experience-Ancient (3 cr.) AHTI P: completion of the English composition requirement and consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focused on the intellectual heritage of the West. Acquaints students with great works from different historical periods, cultural settings, and disciplines. Selected works by writers such as Homer, Plato, Virgil, Augustine, Dante, Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Descartes, Voltaire, and Galileo will be read.
H212 Ideas and Experience-Modern (3 cr.) SHHS P: completion of the English composition requirement and consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focused on the sources of modern thinking in the works of authors such as Rousseau, Kant, Goethe, Wordsworth, Stendhal, Darwin, Marx, Dickens, Dostoyevsky, Nietzsche, Freud, Weber, Veblen, Einstein, Kafka, Sartre, and Camus.
H226 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) AHLA P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in Arts and Humanities (Literature and the Arts). Does not fulfill COAS TOPICS requirement.
H227 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) AHTI P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in Arts and Humanities (Traditions and Ideas). Does not fulfill COAS TOPICS requirement.
H228 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) SHSI P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in Social and Historical Studies (Social Inquiry). Does not fulfill COAS TOPICS requirement.
H229 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) SHHS P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in Social and Historical Studies (Historical Studies). Does not fulfill COAS TOPICS requirement.
H230 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) NMNS P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in Natural and Mathematical Sciences (Natural Sciences). Does not fulfill COAS TOPICS requirement.
H231 Interdepartmental Colloquia (3 cr.) NMMC P: consent of Honors College. Honors seminar focusing on topics in Natural and Mathematical Sciences (Mathematical Sciences and Cognition). Does not fulfill COAS TOPICS requirement.
H299 Honors Tutorial (1-3 cr.) P: consent of Honors College. Open to Honors College students who wish to pursue independent reading or individual or group research outside of existing departments or departmental courses. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
H300 Interdepartmental Colloquium (3 cr.) P: sophomore or junior standing and consent of Honors College. May be repeated with a different topic up to a maximum of 9 credit hours.
H400 Interdepartmental Colloquium (3 cr.) P: junior or senior standing and consent of Honors College. May be repeated with a different topic up to a maximum of 9 credit hours.
H488 C.I.C. Traveling Scholar Program (0 cr.) S/F grading. Students from other Committee on Institutional Cooperation (C.I.C.) institutions participating in the C.I.C. Traveling Scholar Program for Honors Undergraduates must enroll in this non-credit course in order to register for other classes at Indiana University Bloomington.
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Individual Readings and Research
X495 Individual Readings and Research (1-6 cr.) Independent study that cannot be accommodated through a department reading number is arranged through a faculty member willing to work closely with a student to direct a project. Proposals and recommendations of the faculty director must be presented to the COAS office prior to registration.
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Intensive Freshman Seminars (IFS)
Intensive Freshman Seminars (IFS) is a unique residential program open to all entering freshmen at Indiana University Bloomington that provides a bridge to a successful college career. For three weeks before the fall semester begins, students may enroll in one class chosen from a wide range of topics and taught by regular faculty, live in a centrally located residence hall, and become familiar with the IU computing and library systems. Students develop close and lasting friendships through IFS.
All seminars:
- Count as three credits toward any IUB degree.
- Allow one-on-one interaction with an outstanding faculty member.
- Are limited to 20 students.
- Emphasize discussion through the seminar format.
- Are designed to increase skills in reading, writing, and reasoning-the foundations for more advanced work.
- Include an introduction to the university's extensive computing services and world-renowned library resources.
Course Descriptions
The courses offered as Intensive Freshman Seminars change every year and are available only to matriculating students who elect to take part in the three week IFS program prior to beginning the fall semester. For more information on the IFS program and courses offered, please contact the IFS office at Maxwell Hall 150, (812) 855-3839.
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Living Learning Centers
Collins Living Learning Center
Students must check with the Collins Living Learning Center (LLC) academic coordinator each semester to determine if any LLC courses fulfill distribution requirements.
L100 Living Learning Center Freshman Seminar (1-3 cr.) P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Topical or "hands-on" introductions to specific disciplines. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L110 Living Learning Center Freshman Seminar (3 cr.) AHLA P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Topical or "hands-on" introductions to specific disciplines. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L115 Living Learning Center Freshman Seminars (3 cr.) AHTI P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Topical or "hands-on" introductions to specific disciplines. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L120 Living Learning Center Freshman Seminar (3 cr.) SHSI P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Topical or "hands-on" introductions to specific disciplines. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L125 Living Learning Center Freshman Seminar (3 cr.) SHHS P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Topical or "hands-on" introductions to specific disciplines. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L130 Living Learning Center Freshman Seminar (3 cr.) NMNS P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Topical or "hands-on" introductions to specific disciplines. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L135 Living Learning Center Freshman Seminar (3 cr.) NMMC P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Topical or "hands-on" introduction to specific disciplines. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L200 Living Learning Center Sophomore Colloquium (1-3 cr.) P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Interdisciplinary courses on subjects not normally covered by individual departments. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L210 Living Learning Center Sophomore Colloquium (3 cr.) AHLA P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Interdisciplinary courses on subjects not normally covered by individual departments. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L215 Living Learning Center Sophomore Colloquium (3 cr.) AHTI P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Interdisciplinary courses on subjects not normally covered by individual departments. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L220 Living Learning Center Sophomore Colloquium (3 cr.) SHSI P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Interdisciplinary courses on subjects not normally covered by individual departments. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L225 Living Learning Center Sophomore Colloquium (3 cr.) SHHS P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Interdisciplinary courses on subjects not normally covered by individual departments. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L230 Living Learning Center Sophomore Colloquium (3 cr.) NMNS P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Interdisciplinary courses on subjects not normally covered by individual departments. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L235 Living Learning Center Sophomore Colloquium (3 cr.) NMMC P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. Interdisciplinary courses on subjects not normally covered by individual departments. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L250 Community Service Media (2 cr.) This is an "applied humanities" course that introduces students to the history of how media have been used as tools for social change as well as involves students in a community media production project. The course includes a series of readings, lectures, discussions, visiting scholars, slides, films, and videos.
L300 Living Learning Center Junior-Senior Symposium (1-3 cr.) P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. The arts, sciences, and professions in their larger contexts. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L310 Living Learning Center Junior-Senior Symposium (3 cr.) AHLA P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. The arts, sciences, and professions in their larger contexts. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L315 Living Learning Center Junior-Senior Symposium (3 cr.) AHTI P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. The arts, sciences, and professions in their larger contexts. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L320 Living Learning Center Junior-Senior Symposium (3 cr.) SHSI P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. The arts, sciences, and professions in their larger contexts. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L325 Living Learning Center Junior-Senior Symposium (3 cr.) SHHS P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. The arts, sciences, and professions in their larger contexts. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L330 Living Learning Center Junior-Senior Symposium (3 cr.) NMNS P: membership in Living Learning center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. The arts, sciences, and professions in their larger contexts. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L335 Living Learning Center Junior-Senior Symposium (3 cr.) NMMC P: membership in Living Learning Center or consent of Collins academic coordinator. The arts, sciences, and professions in their larger contexts. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.
L400 Independent Group Study (1-3 cr.) Groups of two or more students may put together their own course of study on a topic of common interest, under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. This course may be repeated with different topics, for a maximum of 6 credit hours. (For Collins residents only.)
Q199 Residential Learning Workshop (1 cr.) Small discussion groups led by undergraduate students of the Living Learning Center will consider the topics of community, cooperation, and interactive learning as well as the structure and operation of the center in relation to the university as a whole. Students will complete a project contributing to the purpose of the center.
Foster International
F200 Topics in World Cultures (1 cr.) Introduction to aspects of world cultures, presented by faculty members who have had direct contact with the cultures they discuss. Designed to give students insight into the ways we talk about cultures, and the many levels on which cultural variation is possible.
F250 Seminar on International Issues (3 cr.) P: membership in Foster International or consent of instructor. Interdisciplinary courses focusing on cultural, political, and economic issues from an international perspective. Topics will vary. May be repeated twice for credit with different topics.
Q100 Residential Learning Workshop (1 cr.) Small discussion groups led by undergraduate students from Foster International will consider topics relevant to community living as well as the structure and operation of Foster in relation to the university. Students will complete a project contributing to the purpose of the center. Does not count toward the 100 credit hour requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences.
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McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program at Indiana University, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, prepares low-income, first-generation, and minority undergraduates for graduate study at the doctoral level. Each year, 30 McNair scholars participate in academic year and summer activities that include research and teaching experiences. The program offers a variety of services, including personal and academic counseling, tutoring, enrollment in a specialized course (L211 Critical Reading and Thinking), and activities that foster academic enrichment. One of the most exciting aspects of the McNair program is the opportunity for scholars to engage in paid research internships under the guidance of faculty mentors from areas in which they hope to pursue graduate study. McNair scholars attend national conferences where they make formal presentations of their research to faculty and peers, attend academic seminars and workshops, and have an opportunity to participate in an undergraduate teaching internship. McNair scholars receive guidance regarding the graduate school application process and fellowships, graduate assistantships, and loans; attend a Graduate Record Exam preparation course; and visit other campuses to learn about graduate school life.
Students majoring in any discipline or school are eligible to apply to the McNair Scholars Program. For additional information, contact the McNair Scholars Program Office at 803 E. Eighth Street, (812) 855-1135.
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MEDIC-B Scholars Program
The MEDIC-B (Minority Education and Development Initiative for Careers in Biomedicine) Scholars Program is funded by the National Institutes of Health and is sponsored by Indiana University. The program offers a variety of services including personal and academic counseling, tutoring, and activities that foster academic enrichment for 25 underrepresented minority students who are interested in pursuing education and careers in biomedical research. One of the most exciting aspects of the MEDIC-B program is the opportunity for scholars to engage in paid research internships under the guidance of faculty mentors from areas in which they hope to pursue graduate study. MEDIC-B scholars attend national conferences where they make formal presentations of their research to faculty and peers, attend academic seminars and workshops, and have an opportunity to participate in an undergraduate teaching internship. MEDIC-B scholars receive guidance regarding the graduate school application process and on securing fellowships, graduate assistantships, and loans; attend a Graduate Record Exam preparation course; and visit other campuses to learn about graduate school life.
For additional information, contact the MEDIC-B Scholars Program Office at (812) 855-4005 or visit the MEDIC-B Scholars Program Web site at http://www.indiana.edu/ ~grdhouse/medicb.html
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Special Skills Courses
The following special skills courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences may be useful to students throughout the Bloomington campus. Special skills courses do not fulfill distribution requirements.
Q294 Basic Career Development (2 cr.) P: freshman or sophomore standing. Development and integration of career planning and academic area. Students follow an individually designed career plan leading to understanding of personal values, interests, and abilities in relation to vocational options and the academic process.
Q294 Exploration of Health Care Careers (2 cr.) P: sophomore or junior standing and consent from the instructor. Using a combination of professional readings, presentations by practitioners, shadowing experiences, and reflective writing, this class will provide students with insight into a wide variety of career opportunities in health care.
Q400 Job Search Strategies for Liberal Arts Students (2 cr.) P: junior or senior standing. Emphasis on identifying each individual's marketable skills, locating job possibilities, writing resumes and correspondence, and interviewing for jobs. Stresses the value of the arts and sciences degree in the competitive labor market. Sections meet for an eight-week period during both first eight weeks and second eight weeks of fall and spring semesters. Credit given for only one of the following: Q400, Business X420, and SPEA V352.
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TOPICS Program
The TOPICS curriculum is open to freshmen and sophomores, who will learn how scholars from the different distribution areas frame questions, propose answers, and assess the validity of competing approaches. Writing and related skills are stressed. See "Completing Distribution Requirements" in this bulletin regarding completion of TOPICS courses before entering the College of Arts and Sciences. Students can use COAS E103 to satisfy one course in the Arts and Humanities distribution area, COAS E104 to satisfy one course in the Social and Historical Studies distribution area, and COAS E105 to satisfy one course in the Natural and Mathematical Sciences distribution area. The TOPICS courses are not classified under the six subareas of distribution. Students should read carefully "Completing Distribution Requirements". TOPICS courses are listed in the Schedule of Classes under "College of Arts and Sciences."
Course Descriptions
E103 Topics in Arts and Humanities (3 cr.) Specific topics will vary by section and over time, but all versions of E103 will meet the objectives of the COAS TOPICS curriculum. The curriculum is open to freshmen and sophomores, who will learn how scholars from the arts and humanities distribution area frame questions, propose answers, and assess the validity of competing approaches. Writing and related skills are stressed.
E104 Topics in Social and Historical Studies (3 cr.) Specific topics will vary by section and over time, but all versions of E104 will meet the objectives of the COAS TOPICS curriculum. The curriculum is open to freshmen and sophomores, who will learn how scholars from the social and historical studies distribution area frame questions, propose answers, and assess the validity of competing approaches. Writing and related skills are stressed.
E105 Topics in Natural and Mathematical Sciences (3 cr.) Specific topics will vary by section and over time, but all versions of E105 will meet the objectives of the COAS TOPICS curriculum. The curriculum is open to freshmen and sophomores, who will learn how scholars from the natural and mathematical sciences distribution area frame questions, propose answers, and assess the validity of competing approaches. Writing and related skills are stressed.
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