Catalog

Academics > Catalog > 2018–2019 > Courses of Instruction > EXDS

Extradisciplinary Studies

Extradisciplinary courses are those that fall outside the domain of the college's existing departments and programs. They are listed in the Catalog and Schedule of Courses with a subject header of "EXDS."

Courses

EXDS 115. Bates Science Fellows.

What does it mean to "think like a scientist"? In this course, students apply knowledge and skills from other science and mathematics courses to the study of contemporary issues in science. This year-long sequence integrates scientific and quantitative concepts commonly covered in first-year science and math courses. With readings, class discussions, individual and group work, students examine and analyze case studies and the scientific literature on various topics. Throughout the course, emphasis is given to how we develop and understand scientific knowledge. One-half course credit is granted upon completion of the course. Corequisite(s): one of the following: any 100-level biology or geology course; CHEM 107A; FYS 274; MATH 105, 106, 205 or 206; NRSC 160; NS/PH 117; or PHYS 107. Not open to students who have received credit for INDS 115. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission is required. Normally offered every year. J. Smedley.

EXDS 116. Bates Science Fellows.

A continuation of EXDS 115. One-half course credit is granted upon completion of the course. Prerequisite(s): EXDS 115. Corequisite(s): one of the following: any 100-level geology course; BIO 190; CHEM 108A; MATH 105, 106, 205 or 206; or PHYS 108. Not open to students who have received credit for INDS 116. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission is required. Normally offered every year. J. Smedley.

EXDS 201. Writing across the Curriculum, Composition, Writing Center Theory.

This course, which is taken concurrently with student’s first semester as a Writing Fellow with Writing at Bates, introduces students to the academic field of composition studies, approaching the topic through an in-depth study of the higher education writing center. The course includes a survey of the rhetoric and composition literature, the Writing across the Curriculum (WAC) movement, and the theories that underlie current best practices in college and university writing programs. Students practice using writing as a tool for learning and critical thinking, and receive the training and background necessary to engage Bates faculty as partners in the teaching of writing. The course is open to students with an interest in the course material and who are not serving as Writing Fellows, with permission from the instructor. Enrollment limited to 39. Instructor permission is required. [W2] Normally offered every year. D. Sanford.

EXDS 215. STEM Scholars II.

What does it mean to practice science? What are some ways scientists apply their knowledge, skills and research to contemporary concerns in the sciences, as broadly defined? How do scientists learn from each other and work collaboratively? In the first of a yearlong sequence (EXDS 215 and EXDS 216), students integrate scientific and quantitative concepts from their mathematics and science courses through readings, discussions, individual work, and group projects. The course emphasizes the development and understanding of scientific knowledge and its applications to the practice of science, with some focus on the life sciences. One-half course credit is granted upon completion of the course. Corequisite(s): any science or mathematics course. Open only to sophomores. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission is required. Normally offered every year. K. Palin.

EXDS 216. Bates Science Fellows II.

A continuation of EXDS 215. One-half course credit is granted upon completion of the course. Prerequisite(s): EXDS 215. Corequisite(s): any science or mathematics course. Open only to sophomores. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission is required. Normally offered every year. K. Palin.

Short Term Courses

EXDS s11. Financial Accounting.

This course is an introduction to the framework, basic concepts, and generally accepted accounting principles and standards underlying financial accounting systems. Students learn to analyze and record financial transactions form a source document through the entire accounting cycle. Accounting concepts include merchandising operations, inventory costing methods, internal controls and cash, receivables, liabilities, and long-term assets including intangibles. Students create basic financial statements and apply analytical tools to these and to statements from real companies. Additionally, ethical issues in accounting are discussed as relevant topics arise. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 29. Normally offered every year. Staff.

EXDS s15M. Short Term Practicum: Business of the Arts.

This practicum applies learned skills to what it means to be a “working artist” in a real and competitive world. It examines the practical and administrative aspects of a profession and life in the Arts (performing, visual and other). Students learn budgeting basics, marketing their work, building a sustainable fundraising program for their practice, cultivating relationships with key industry professionals, pitching their artistry. Guest artists and administrators shed light on the practicalities and realities of being a professional artist. Students construct a hands-on plan and accompanying budget focused on developing and executing a plan for their life (full-or part-time) in the arts. This course is taught by a guest practitioner-instructor. Course reinstated beginning Short Term 2019. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 16. Instructor permission is required. (Purposeful Work.) One-time offering. Staff.
Concentrations

This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations

Producing Culture: Arts and Audience (C061)

EXDS s15T. Short Term Practicum/Apprentice Learning: Building the Japanese Boat.

In this course students build a traditional Japanese boat, using the construction as a backdrop exploring both the technical aspects of boatbuilding but also the cultural underpinnings of apprentice learning. Traditional craft apprenticeships are still very much the norm in Japan, standing in stark contrast to Western notions of teaching and learning. Exploring how apprenticeship reflects aspects of Buddhist training shines a light on students’ accepted notions of learning. Readings cover technical aspects of Japanese boatbuilding, its history and traditions, with particular emphasis on the pedagogy of craft training. Students keep a journal and write an 8-10 page final paper. New course beginning Short Term 2019. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 16. Instructor permission is required. Staff.

EXDS s15U. Short Term Practicum: Spies, Special Agents, and the Presidency.

This course examines role of the intelligence community within the U.S. establishment. Students explore the missions, structures, and modus operandi of the intelligence community and interactions with policymakers and the executive branch. Special attention is given to issues around cyberspace as determinant of geopolitical insecurity. Students explore key transnational issues through hands-on exercises simulating real-life conflict and explore some of the most pressing ethical and moral issues involving the intelligence community and U.S. national security. This course is highly interactive and designed to mimic a day in the life of an intelligence officer. It is particularly approrpiate for students interested in gaining greater understanding of intelligence, cyberspace, and national security issues. New course beginning Short Term 2019. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 16. Instructor permission is required. One-time offering. Staff.

EXDS s15V. Short Term Practicum: Marketing with Higher Purpose for the Conscious Human.

Brands and products are a dime a dozen. In today’s world of overabundance, overstimulation, and endless access to information, the brands and companies with staying power are doing more than just marketing. In this course, students learn what it means to be a purpose-driven marketer and how brands and companies build relationships with their audience through community-building and analog connection. Students discuss how companies with higher purposes pursue marketing in a different way from product-driven companies, and how that can activate at the local level. Students learn the fundamentals of building a brand and marketing campaign, but this course challenges them to think outside the box of traditional marketing strategies to leverage brand building and marketing to create and leave lasting change in the community around them. New course beginning Short Term 2019. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 16. Instructor permission is required. One-time offering. Staff.

EXDS s15s. Short Term Practicum: Advocating for Sustainability.

This course covers both conceptual and practical advocacy skills required to create change in the fields of energy, climate change, and sustainability. A truly interdisciplinary course, it is suitable for students interested in Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Government, and Communications. Most public policy courses focus on content areas such as natural resources or renewable energy. This course presents the more practical side of how to effectively communicate and advocate in the current political climate. The timing of the course coincides with the 129th Maine Legislature, when new legislation on energy and environmental issues are being discussed. Students will use this opportunity to understand what drives public policy, apply analytical tools, and draft and deliver testimony to legislative committees. These skills are essential for those who would like to pursue social change, public policy, government, and/or environmental issues as part of their career path. New course beginning Short Term 2019. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 16. Instructor permission is required. One-time offering. Staff.