| Class Schedules Index | Course Catalogs Index | Class Search Page |
| Interdisciplinary Studies-Business | |
| ISBU 1070 | UVA Edge-High Impact Behaviors in the Workplace (3) |
| As part of the UVA Edge Program, introduces strategies and tools (like emotional intelligence) for collaboration, leadership, and team building, and for helping to create equitable workplaces. Gives students a chance to build insight into their own particular strengths and interests, and how those translate both to work and job search. Students will apply tools for interpersonal success in a diverse, technologically evolving and ethical workplace. | |
| ISBU 2100 | The Language of Professionals (3) |
| Introduces students to the use of language-based strategies in various organizational and social contexts. Utilizes an applied socio-linguistic framework to examine different mediums and venues in which professional communication takes place. | |
| ISBU 3410 | Commercial Law (3) |
| Surveys the American legal system and principles of constitutional, criminal, and tort law, emphasizing legal issues related to contracts, agency, corporations, and partnerships. Course was offered Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Summer 2023, Spring 2022, Summer 2020, Summer 2018, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Spring 2010 | |
| ISBU 3422 | Managing your Emotions in the Workplace (3) |
| Gives a fundamental overview of Emotional Intelligence and shows how understanding Emotional Intelligence leads to a beneficial working career and personal life. Presents an E.I. competence framework and reviews basic domains, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management through various methods to promote learning by doing. Applies theoretical concepts to real world situations. Course was offered Summer 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022, Summer 2021, Summer 2018, Summer 2017, Spring 2017, Summer 2016, Spring 2016, Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Summer 2014, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Fall 2012 | |
| ISBU 3451 | Fundamentals of Marketing (3) |
| Introduction to marketing principles and activities in both profit and non-profit enterprises, from the conception of goods and services to their consumption. Participants study consumer behavior as well as ethical, environmental, and international issues in marketing. Prerequisite: ECON 201 and 202 or equivalents, or instructor permission. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2022, Spring 2021, Summer 2019, Fall 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 | |
| ISBU 3610 | Organizational Behavior (3) |
| Studies the basic theories and research related to the practices of contemporary organizational behavior. Emphasizes the interpersonal skills that promote individual, group, and organizational effectiveness. Class activities are interactive and include experiential exercises, case analyses, and collaborative learning. Course was offered Summer 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2020, Fall 2018, Spring 2017, Summer 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2009 | |
| ISBU 3700 | Financial Planning Strategies (3) |
| Covers income, money management, spending, credit, saving, and investing. Focuses on helping students organize their financial futures and expand their knowledge of various aspects of finance. Course was offered Spring 2022, Summer 2020 | |
| ISBU 3710 | Managerial Finance (3) |
| Principles and practices of business finance focusing on managerial decision-making in financial policy. Topics include capital structure, types of securities and their use in raising funds, risk, valuation, and allocating resources for investment. Prerequisite: ISBU concentration prerequisites or instructor permission. Course was offered Spring 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022, Fall 2020, Spring 2019, Summer 2017, Spring 2016, Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2009 | |
| ISBU 3760 | Issues in Leadership (3) |
| Designed to serve as an overview and exploration in the ever-growing field of leadership studies, the purpose of this course is to learn about leadership- to be better at leadership, whether in an organization, community, family, or some other context. A wide-range of topics and issues will be examined through historical and modern conceptions, case studies, moral and ethical sides of leadership, and focused looks at crisis leadership. | |
| ISBU 3773 | Navigating Cultural Differences within Global Businesses (3) |
| Examines business management and leadership methods when working with cultural issues in today's international businesses. Addresses challenges and opportunities that different cultures create. Explores through classroom activities how to meet the challenges that may occur and addresses examples of diversity in a global setting. Course was offered January 2023, Spring 2022 | |
| ISBU 3810 | Ethical Issues (3) |
| Introduces the philosophical concept of the ethical discrimination of actions. Examines primary sources in some detail by presenting prevailing philosophical systems. Studies decision-making in the context of the contemporary world using examples such as business environment, faith and religion, and the political arena. Course was offered Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2017, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010 | |
| ISBU 3840 | International Business (3) |
| An introduction to the practice and theory of international business. Consideration given to global trade and economic integration theory; the major instruments and procedures needed for management and operation of an international business; modes of international market entry and foreign direct investment; strategies appropriate to managing an international business; global environmental issues; and the importance of culture and ethics in international business. Prerequisite: ISBU concentration prerequisites or instructor permission. Course was offered Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2021, Fall 2019, Spring 2018, Summer 2016, Spring 2016, Summer 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2014, Summer 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2012, Summer 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010 | |
| ISBU 3887 | Educational Technology in the Information Age (3) |
| Focuses on ongoing societal debates over educational technology while exploring local technology resources available at UVa and on the Web in general. Explores web-based tools, information websites, and interactive databases that support communication, research, and design skills, as well as creativity and knowledge presentation in online environments. | |
| ISBU 3888 | Survey of History and Philosophy of Technology (3) |
| Explores ways in which the history and philosophy of technology can inform today's liberal arts students about the role of technology in our society. Covers current and historical topics as well as explores and develops a personal philosophic approach to the application of technology. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Summer 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Summer 2012, Spring 2012 | |
| ISBU 3890 | Technology Integration Through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (3) |
| Focuses on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly with students' experience with technology integration. Explores contemporary issues of DEI (including access, cultural perspectives, and racial inequality) that affect all levels of learning and areas where learning takes place (business, STEM, etc). Takes a critical look at the history of emerging technologies, and how access and integration have changed for underserved groups. Course was offered Spring 2023 | |
| ISBU 4670 | Organizational Change and Development (3) |
| Studies organizational change and development with an emphasis on corporate culture, ethics, diversity, decision making, and team building. Focuses attention on the impact COVID-19 has had on businesses and organizations and how the effects of the pandemic might direct future outcomes. Addresses the ways both individuals and corporations can manage and adapt to said changes. Course was offered Summer 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2013, Fall 2011 | |
| ISBU 4680 | Entrepreneurship (3) |
| Explores the process of creating and managing new ventures. Studies how to evaluate new opportunities, the early growth of the enterprise, the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, and venture capital investment. | |
| Interdisiplinary Studies-Humanities | |
| ISHU 1600 | Academic and Professional Writing (3) |
| Supports and improves writing in various genres in professional and academic settings. Teaches students to ask relevant questions about writing situations and helps them develop writing strategies and processes. Students learn to communicate complex ideas, information, and suggested plans of action. | |
| ISHU 3061 | Sacred Paths: Introduction to World Religions (3) |
| Introduces six major religious traditions deeply rooted in different cultures including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Examines the historical evolution, the doctrines, beliefs, practices, institutions, and cultural expressions of these religious traditions. | |
| ISHU 3090 | Religion in America (3) |
| Examines the concept of America and to what extent it is a product of religious mindsets of particular times. Explores multi-media materials, including: Hollywood films, 20th Century folk music, literature of the west, 18th Century primary sources, 19th Century theses on American identity, and 20th Century journalism and criticism. | |
| ISHU 3160 | A Poetry Workshop: The Poet's Journey (3) |
| Focuses on the process of poetry as an ongoing creative journey. Explores the ways in which poets access the subconscious and the irrational and channel them into poems, via the elements of craft including image, metaphor, tone, sound, meter, rhythm and line. Students will keep a poetry journal and write poems in response to exercises designed to help them move beyond their initial "comfort zone." Course was offered Summer 2025, Summer 2022 | |
| ISHU 3170 | The Writer as Cartographer: A Class in Poetry and Memoir (3) |
| Explores writing as a process of transforming imagination into reality. Guides students to understand the connection between writing and cartography using poetry and memoir. Course is designed to help the student become a more confident writer and editor. | |
| ISHU 3182 | Creative Writing Fiction Workshop and Analysis: A Dialogue Between Writers (3) |
| Analyzes the elements of fiction; structural elements such as character, plot, point of view, and conflict will be discussed in addition to stylistic elements, such as dialogue, setting, and sensory details. Includes readings of essays and short stories by published authors and class critiques of fiction written by the students. | |
| ISHU 3183 | Writing the Story of Your Life: Creative Nonfiction (3) |
| Student learns how to bring together the imaginative strategies of fictional story telling with new ways of narrating true, real-life events. Explores how Creative Nonfiction writing allows you to share your stories in compelling ways, helps you write effectively in professional and personal situations, and provides new ways for you to document real-life experiences as they occurred. Course was offered January 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Summer 2020, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Summer 2015, Summer 2013 | |
| ISHU 3185 | Literature About the Body (3) |
| Explores the relationship between the physical body and human identity through such topics as body image, eating disorders, sexuality, aging, disease and its affects on the body by reading and discussion of short stories, poems, and novels. Engages students in frequent formal and informal writing, beginning with personal narratives and journal responses. Course was offered Summer 2024, Summer 2015 | |
| ISHU 3193 | Writing About the Environment (3) |
| Focuses on classic, contemporary, and non-traditional literature about the environment. The course is divided into three sections: nature writing, place-based writing, and environmental writing. Readings focus on issues beyond landscape as gender, race, politics, ethics, and culture all play a part in environmental writing. | |
| ISHU 3301 | Introduction to Film (3) |
| Examines the cultural and commercial contexts of film production, including the directors, the intended audience, and the audience's response. Investigates film structure, how meaning is created, and how this structure can be read and understood. Examines genres, stories, and the ways in which films and their audiences are a part of the larger structure of the culture in which they exist. | |
| ISHU 3304 | The Films of Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock (3) |
| Studies the films of Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock, two very different but equally creative filmmakers who explored their medium with an intensive imagination. Analyzes such films as Citizen Kane, Touch of Evil, Vertigo, and Psycho, examining what makes them work and looking at the cultural and historical context of the films. | |
| ISHU 3310 | Film, History, Politics, and Controversy (3) |
| Examines movie case studies that aroused controversy. Analyzes the messages these movies communicated on the screen. Considers what the filmmakers intended to communicate, and how audiences and media critics responded to the portrayals. Course was offered Spring 2025, Fall 2017 | |
| ISHU 3330 | Write Where You Are (3) |
| Develops the skills to inspire and cultivate writing and creativity. | |
| ISHU 3383 | The Dark Side of the Twentieth Century (3) |
| Enables students to reflect on what was perhaps the greatest downfall into barbarity, genocide and mass oppression. Examines first-hand accounts of both the Holocaust and crimes of the Communist regimes in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, China, and Cambodia. Explores historical, intellectual, cultural, and psychological roots of Nazism and Communism. | |
| ISHU 3500 | Photography as Art (3) |
| Examines the tense but fruitful relationship between photography and art. Draws upon aesthetics, history, and criticism to explore controversies about photography as art, examine the impact of photography on artistic ideas and practices, and evaluate the importance of photography and art in modern culture. | |
| ISHU 3501 | Explorations: Themes in the Social Sciences and Humanities (1) |
| Explores one significant theme in the social sciences and/or humanities such as liberation, power, equality, diversity, rights, justice, war, happiness, love, and beauty, through the study of one significant and influential classic or contemporary book or work of art. Students engage with the subject and enhance their critical reading, writing, thinking, and discussion skills. Course was offered Spring 2025 | |
| ISHU 3621 | The Biological Basis for Art (3) |
| Investigates the idea of approaching art as a form of human evolution. Examines the art of several past and present cultures. Blends art and science to connect aesthetics to an understanding of human nature from the cognitive and biological sciences. Examines existing personal and cultural theories of art and art criticism. Course was offered Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Summer 2010 | |
| ISHU 3623 | Studio Art Seminar: Painting (3) |
| Introduces painting techniques and concepts, with emphasis on the understanding of its formal language and the fundamentals of artistic expression. Explores color theory, linear perspective, pictorial composition , figure/ground relationships, visual perception, spatial concepts, and critical thinking skills. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Summer 2018, Summer 2017, Summer 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2014, Summer 2014, Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Summer 2013, Fall 2011, Summer 2011, Spring 2011 | |
| ISHU 3810 | Ethical Issues (3) |
| Introduces the philosophical concept of the ethical discrimination of actions. Examines primary sources in some detail by presenting prevailing philosophical systems. Studies decision-making in the context of the contemporary world using examples such as business environment, faith and religion, and the political arena. Course was offered Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2017, Spring 2014, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010 | |
| ISHU 3860 | Faith and Doubt (3) |
| Explores the relationship between religious faith, forms of reasoning, and scientific explanation. Examines such questions as: What is the nature of religious faith? Is religious faith a rational, irrational, or non-rational belief? Does reasoning undermine faith or strengthen it? Are scientific and religious perspectives compatible? | |
| ISHU 3901 | Dance: Anthropological Origins of Dance and Music in World Cultures (3) |
| Examines the anthropological origins of dance history in world cultures. Discusses the importance of dance to define and preserve the historic traditions within a culture. Explores the inherent relationship between dance and music within both the socio-cultural and folk aspects, as well as the ceremonial, religious, and ritual aspects of a culture. Course was offered Summer 2024, January 2021, Summer 2019, Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Summer 2014, Summer 2012 | |
| ISHU 4080 | Religion and Politics (3) |
| Explores the relationship between religion and politics. Examines how the relationship has changed over time and place, what the relationship should be, and how prior religious and/or political commitments affect how answers to these questions are structured. Course was offered Fall 2024 | |
| ISHU 4090 | Writing: Comfortable as a Hearth Rug (3) |
| Writing begins with intuition, moves towards consciousness and strives for clarity. Such movement calls for a steady eye and an enduring approach. Accordingly, this course focuses upon resurrecting the fading art of patience, a faculty required for writing. Students will read widely, respond to assigned readings through weekly essays and share work in a workshop setting with an emphasis on revision. Writing intensive. | |
| ISHU 4165 | American Directors (3) |
| Investigates the work of contemporary filmmakers, each with a unique style and an approach to film that combines stylistic innovation with a particular cultural vision. | |
| ISHU 4170 | African-American Novels (3) |
| Focuses on African American novels from 19th century through the present. Examines topics such as literary realism and naturalism, protest fiction, and magical realism. Considers race and gender relations, communal and individual identity, and the modern legacy of slavery. Course was offered Fall 2024, Spring 2021 | |
| ISHU 4180 | The Nature of the Hero and How to Create One (3) |
| Focuses on plot, point of view, discovery of theme, recognition and reversal, and writing in scene, for writers of fiction, nonfiction, screenplays and memoir. Creates an understanding of how stories are shaped and told. Explores Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, which distills the stories told in every culture into a framework for one's own story. Course was offered Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2011, Fall 2009 | |
| ISHU 4190 | Writing Strategies (3) |
| Explores non-fiction writing. Develops and hones skills needed to write stories and essays that readers are compelled to read. Learn the power of personal narrative and begin to grasp how that power affects a reader by understanding the difference between 'telling' and 'showing'. Course was offered Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Summer 2019, Spring 2018, Summer 2017, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Summer 2010 | |
| ISHU 4350 | The Films of Stanley Kubrick (3) |
| Explores the films of Stanley Kubrick and the times in which they were made. Investigates Kubrick as a means to understanding film. Examines how films are to be read, how they tell their stories, how they fit into their historical and cultural moment. | |
| ISHU 4993 | Independent Study (1 - 3) |
| Independent Study for students working on Capstone Proposals and Proseminar work. | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies-Individualized Other | |
| ISIN 4510 | Special Topics in Conduct of Inquiry: Social Sciences (3) |
| Conduct of Inquiry courses introduce students to major methodologies, content areas and contributions in various social science disciplines. Course was offered Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021, Summer 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Summer 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Summer 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2014 | |
| ISIN 4520 | Special Topics in Conduct of Inquiry: Humanities (3) |
| Conduct of Inquiry courses introduce students to major methodologies, content areas and contributions in the humanistic traditions of various world cultures. Course was offered Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021, Summer 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Summer 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Summer 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2014 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies-Liberal Studies Seminar | |
| ISLS 3000 | Transformations: Reading, Thinking, and Communicating in the Liberal Arts (3) |
| Develops reading, writing, critical thinking, technology and research proficiencies necessary for success at college level and beyond; orients students to the culture of the University and the community of the BIS program. Introduces the breadth of campus resources and addresses academic advising; utilizes the theme of transformation as subject matter for reading, writing and discussion to provide opportunities for multi-disciplinary exploration. Course was offered Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2021, Spring 2020 | |
| ISLS 3010 | Nationalism and National Identity (3) |
| Focuses on theories about the origins of nations; examines the historical and cultural substance of nations; and explores related questions about national identity, nationalism, ethnic violence, and citizenship. Considers contemporary alternatives to national identity, such as supranational movements and multinational organizations. Course was offered Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2019, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2012, Spring 2011 | |
| ISLS 3100 | Age of Discovery: Europe and the Wider World, 1500-1700 (3) |
| Examines intellectual and social/political upheavals of the early modern period in Europe including the opening of the wider world to European explorers and traders. Considers the mutual impact of Western and non-Western civilizations through the analysis of primary sources including literature, maps, and works of art. | |
| ISLS 3190 | Good Cop/Bad Cop (3) |
| This course examines the current use of the police power in a variety of situations, informed by the past and motivated by the future. Particular emphasis is on contemporary real-life examples to inform the discussion on the proper use of the police power. Those examples are subjected to a variety of perspectives, societal and individual, to gain a fuller understanding of the delicate balance of competing values. Course was offered Summer 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022, Summer 2021, Summer 2020, Fall 2018, Summer 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Summer 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2009 | |
| ISLS 3210 | The Frost is Hard-Edged and Quick: Metaphor - Making a Final Unity (3) |
| What is a metaphor? What role does it play in the way we see the world, ourselves and others? What metaphors guide our own thinking - as a society and a culture about politics, crime, illness, ourselves, love and life? If we take metaphor seriously, is it possible to draw a hard line between fact and fiction, between arts and sciences, between the objective and subjective? Does metaphor refute reason? In this course students investigate these and related questions using a variety of media. Texts will be drawn from a spectrum of disciplines including poetry, cognitive psychology, linguistics, philosophy, literature and literary criticism. Course was offered Summer 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Summer 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Summer 2010, Fall 2009 | |
| ISLS 3211 | Russian Politics (3) |
| Explores Russia's political themes of the 20th century, especially events since the fall of the Soviet Union. Includes Russia's tentative steps towards capitalism and democracy in the last two decades. Employs different analytical tools to craft an interdisciplinary portrait of Russia. Provides an opportunity to substantially improve critical thinking and basic academic writing. Course was offered Summer 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Summer 2022, Fall 2020, Fall 2018, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2012, Spring 2011 | |
| ISLS 3240 | In Their Own Words: America (3) |
| Culture is made of the shared beliefs and experience of individuals, and the stories of the lives of those individuals both describe the culture and prescribe the direction in which it must move. The United States of America has a long series of disparate cultural histories; the purpose of this course is to use first-person narratives to unravel them. | |
| ISLS 3250 | The Notion and the Heft of Home (3) |
| Explores the myriad meanings of home through such questions as: is home a preposterous notion? Considers and analyzes personal definitions of home. Explores readings from sermons of Puritan New England to personal narrative of Native Americans to testimonials of the homeless. Course was offered Fall 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022, Spring 2021, Summer 2018, Summer 2016, Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Summer 2011, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 | |
| ISLS 3300 | The Poet in Society (3) |
| Explores the complex, historically-conditioned role of the poet in society as it has played out within two very different cultural traditions: the Western democratic tradition of free expression, as practiced in the U.S. and Western Europe, and the Russian/Soviet/East European tradition of the past century, in which censorship and repression of free speech has been the rule. Course was offered Spring 2023, Fall 2018, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Summer 2012, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010 | |
| ISLS 3360 | The Role of Memory and The Human Condition (3) |
| Focuses on the the human condition and uses literature to examine the role of memory. | |
| ISLS 3620 | Ritual and Becoming in the Arts of Africa (3) |
| Examines the traditional arts produced on the African continent such as painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, architecture, and body modification as they are incorporated into age-grade initiation, fertility ceremonies and curative rituals. | |
| ISLS 3780 | An Examination of the Criminal Justice System (3) |
| Provides students with an overview and understanding of the criminal justice system as a social institution inside of the American institution. Enables students to gain an understanding of the various components of the criminal justice system and its responsibilities to include courts, corrections, and law enforcements. Course was offered Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Summer 2017, Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Summer 2011, Spring 2011, Spring 2010 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies-Social Sciences | |
| ISSS 2100 | The Language of Professionals (3) |
| Introduces students to the use of language-based strategies in various organizational and social contexts. Utilizes an applied socio-linguistic framework to examine different mediums and venues in which professional communication takes place. | |
| ISSS 3045 | Science and Practice of Mindfulness (3) |
| Considers the latest scientific findings about the mind-body connection, offers students the opportunity to experience them through direct mindfulness meditative practices. Explores formal and informal mindfulness practices, the contextual background of mindfulness, and applies them to a variety of professions and settings. Covers a range of contemplative exercises that cultivate emotional balance and the ability to cope with stress. | |
| ISSS 3050 | Evolution of International Relations (3) |
| Provides a broad conceptual introduction to the study of international relations. Traces and debates philosophical, ethical, and political interpretations of world politics from ancient times to the present. Examines applied issues of international relations, such as the use of force; collective security; human rights and development; and environmental, globalization and technological influences in the context of these philosophical traditions. Course was offered Spring 2024, Fall 2019 | |
| ISSS 3090 | Religion in America (3) |
| Examines the concept of America and to what extent it is a product of religious mindsets of particular times. Explores multi-media materials, including: Hollywood films, 20th Century folk music, literature of the west, 18th Century primary sources, 19th Century theses on American identity, and 20th Century journalism and criticism. | |
| ISSS 3149 | Foundations of Public Safety Management (3) |
| Provides an introductory exploration of public safety management, examining the structures, roles, and responsibilities of public safety agencies in the U.S. and beyond. Explores key leadership, operational, technological, legal, and ethical considerations in managing public safety organizations. | |
| ISSS 3160 | Democracy in America (3) |
| Examines democracy, free speech, elections and the press; considers the role of a free press in a time of civil discord, challenges to free speech in America at large and on college campuses; evaluates threats to democracy and the electoral process by analyzing Russian hacking and the role of PACs and Super PACs; examines mainstream and social media, "fake news" and posits if democracy can survive in a culture of 24/7 news coverage and "tweets." | |
| ISSS 3180 | Critical Issues in Democracy (3) |
| Explores several critical issues in democracy, relating to both the United States and countries abroad, such as: the examination of ancient and modern theories of democracy, political parties, the Presidency, voting, foreign policy, and the development of international relations. | |
| ISSS 3190 | American Political Development (3) |
| Examines the history of American politics since the 1960's. Key areas of study include political factors that influence the way U.S. presidents design their domestic and foreign policy agenda, the role of opposing views from special interest groups and political parties in decision making, and critical decisions made by presidents from civil rights legislation to the Iraq and Afghanistan War and Obamacare and how they affect our daily lives. | |
| ISSS 3300 | Issues in Cultural Anthropology (3) |
| The course includes a general review of key concepts and problems in anthropology, including the concept and nature of culture, its relationship to language, economics, politics, kinship and religion as documented among different societies around the globe. The course focuses on ethnographies and on contemporary anthropological research (the study of identity, race and ethnicity). Course was offered Fall 2024 | |
| ISSS 3305 | The Impact of Media on the Development of Popular Culture (3) |
| Examines the media's role in conveying cultural meaning through popular culture. Analyzes the histories and theories underlying media and popular culture; focusing on print, film, radio, television, the internet, and social media. Critiques contemporary popular culture through music, movies, tv programming, advertising, sports, fashion, celebrity culture, language, and collective public expression. | |
| ISSS 3360 | Making Sense of the News (3) |
| Develops thoughtful and informed perspectives on some of the most intriguing news stories of our times. Examines aspects of current event topics. Students will have opportunities to share their discoveries and report their findings and judgments and discuss the relevant issues. | |
| ISSS 3410 | Topics in Abnormal Psychology (3) |
| Examines biological and genetic predispositions for major mental illness diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, and personality disorders. Explores current treatment models, including medication and therapy interventions. Engages students in analyzing recent scholarly articles and clinical case studies; and conducting independent research. Course was offered Summer 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Fall 2021, Summer 2014, Summer 2012, Spring 2012, Summer 2011 | |
| ISSS 3411 | Topics in Personality Psychology (3) |
| Explores major theoretical approaches to understanding the development, structure, and dynamics of personality. Analyzes recent scholarship and various research methods, with projects for students to apply leading theories in real-world social and professional settings. | |
| ISSS 3416 | Social Psychology in The Modern World (3) |
| Examines major theories of social influence and human relations, with a focus on research methodologies and recent findings. Covers topics such as social cognition, self-concept, attitudes, persuasion, conformity, aggression, helping behavior, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships. Provides opportunities for students to critically examine the scientific literature and undertake research assignments to apply theory to modern societal issues. | |
| ISSS 3422 | Managing Your Emotions in the Workplace (3) |
| Gives a fundamental overview of Emotional Intelligence and shows how understanding Emotional Intelligence leads to a beneficial working career and personal life. Presents an E.I. competence framework and reviews basic domains, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management through various methods to promote learning by doing. Applies theoretical concepts to real world situations. Course was offered Summer 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022, Summer 2021, Summer 2018, Summer 2017, Spring 2017, Summer 2016, Spring 2016, Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Summer 2014, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Fall 2012 | |
| ISSS 3460 | Lifespan Development (3) |
| Explores an individual's psychological development in today's world. Investigates communication and relationships among individuals, families, and societies. Examines cognitive, social and emotional developmental changes that affect one's self and environment. Considers how technology influences many aspects of development including research in genetics, involvement with computers and apps, application of new medical research, and aging. Course was offered Spring 2025, Summer 2017, Summer 2016, Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Summer 2014, Spring 2014, Summer 2013, Spring 2013 | |
| ISSS 3501 | Explorations: Themes in the Social Sciences and Humanities (1) |
| Explores one significant theme in the social sciences and/or humanities such as liberation, power, equality, diversity, rights, justice, war, happiness, love, and beauty, through the study of one significant and influential classic or contemporary book or work of art. Students engage with the subject and enhance their critical reading, writing, thinking, and discussion skills. Course was offered Spring 2025 | |
| ISSS 3610 | Contemporary Problems in Econ (3) |
| Provides students with the conceptual framework and methods of economic science necessary for analyzing a variety of contemporary economic problems. The usefulness of these economic concepts will be taught as applications to specific public policy issues. | |
| ISSS 3611 | Cheap Eats: The Economics of the American Food Industry (3) |
| Examines the economic costs of food, including subsidies, production practices, ecological sustainability and health impacts; analyzes institutional factors contributing to potential market distortions in the food market system; evaluates the factors that characterize the current system such as the reliance on chemical pesticides and organic alternatives. | |
| ISSS 3670 | Ethnic and Race Relations (3) |
| Introduces the study of race and ethnic relations, including the social and economic conditions promoting prejudice, racism, discrimination, and segregation. Examines contemporary American conditions, and historical and international materials. | |
| ISSS 3720 | Witchcraft (3) |
| Surveys Western attitudes toward magic and witchcraft from ancient times to the present, with emphasis on the European age of witch hunting, 1450-1750. | |
| ISSS 3760 | Issues in Leadership (3) |
| Designed to serve as an overview and exploration in the ever-growing field of leadership studies, the purpose of this course is to learn about leadership- to be better at leadership, whether in an organization, community, family, or some other context. A wide-range of topics and issues will be examined through historical and modern conceptions, case studies, moral and ethical sides of leadership, and focused looks at crisis leadership. Course was offered Spring 2025, Fall 2023, January 2023, Summer 2021, Summer 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Summer 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2010 | |
| ISSS 3773 | Navigating Cultural Differences within Global Businesses (3) |
| Examines business management and leadership methods when working with cultural issues in today's international businesses. Addresses challenges and opportunities that different cultures create. Explores through classroom activities how to meet the challenges that may occur and addresses examples of diversity in a global setting. Course was offered January 2023, Spring 2022 | |
| ISSS 3810 | The American Presidency (3) |
| This course addresses the constitutional role and historical development of the American Presidency. We will also examine the theoretical explanations of the institution's relationship to democratic government, the separation of powers, and the expansion of national administrative power. This broad understanding of the historical and theoretical presidency will inform our consideration of current events and upcoming presidential elections. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2020, Spring 2019, Summer 2017, Fall 2016, Summer 2016 | |
| ISSS 3830 | Critical Issues in American Foreign Policy (3) |
| Examines the critical foreign policy challenges facing the United States in the 21st century. Explores the principal challenges and opportunities for American policymakers, such as: the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, environmental issues, and human rights and democratization. Course was offered Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2012 | |
| ISSS 3850 | Media and Politics (3) |
| This course will examine the role of mass media in the political process focusing on the presidency and includes such topics as print and broadcast news, social media and election campaigns, political advertising, fundraising, and media effects on public opinion and political participation. Course was offered Summer 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Summer 2014, Spring 2014, Summer 2013 | |
| ISSS 3870 | Eportfolios in Undergraduate Education (3) |
| Engages students in inventorying their interdisciplinary and extracurricular experiences, and assembling a digital narrative and collection of artifacts (eportfolio). Presents foundational learning experience for students to develop writing, graphic composition, integrative, and self-reflective and -authorship skills. Guides students in developing autonomy and agency, as they produce digital representations of themselves and their achievements. | |
| ISSS 3887 | Educational Technology in the Information Age (3) |
| Focuses on ongoing societal debates over educational technology while exploring local technology resources available at UVa and on the Web in general. Explores web-based tools, information websites, and interactive databases that support communication, research, and design skills, as well as creativity and knowledge presentation in online environments. | |
| ISSS 3888 | Survey of History and Philosophy of Technology (3) |
| Explores ways in which the history and philosophy of technology can inform today's liberal arts students about the role of technology in our society. Covers current and historical topics as well as explores and develops a personal philosophic approach to the application of technology. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Summer 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Summer 2012, Spring 2012 | |
| ISSS 3890 | Technology Integration Through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (3) |
| Focuses on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly with students' experience with technology integration. Explores contemporary issues of DEI (including access, cultural perspectives, and racial inequality) that affect all levels of learning and areas where learning takes place (business, STEM, etc). Takes a critical look at the history of emerging technologies, and how access and integration have changed for underserved groups. Course was offered Spring 2023 | |
| ISSS 4000 | The Experience of the Great War: Life and Literature (3) |
| Drawing on histories and literature, including autobiographies, poetry, and novels, this course focuses on the experiences and mentalities of those who fought in World War I, as well as those who remained on the home front. The realities and myths of the Great War are explored. An emphasis is placed on British, French, and German writings about the Western Front as well as some consideration of the fighting on the Eastern Front and in Turkey. | |
| ISSS 4010 | The Second World War: Experience of Total War (3) |
| Covers military, political, social and economic aspects of history's most devastating conflict. Explores the experiences of military personnel and civilians in Europe and Asia. | |
| ISSS 4060 | War and World Politics (3) |
| Explores the causes of war, evolution and advances in military strategy, historical case studies, and contemporary issues of nuclear weapons, humanitarian war, and war against terrorism through major scholarly works, primary documents, films, class discussions, papers, and lectures. Course was offered Spring 2025, Spring 2019, Summer 2017, Summer 2016, Spring 2015, Fall 2013, Summer 2013, Summer 2012, Summer 2010 | |
| ISSS 4062 | Introduction to International Politics (3) |
| Develops methods, examines issues, and discusses the roles of various actors in world politics. Examines the international system and analyzes the crisis of the Westphalian State System. Provides understanding of conflicts, foreign policy, power, security, alliances, deterrence, bargaining, cooperation, globalization, institutions, and law in international politics. Course was offered Summer 2022, Fall 2019 | |
| ISSS 4064 | Remembering the Future: How Historical Vision has Shaped Modern Politics (3) |
| Analyzes how history has shaped decisions about war, peace, and political order in the modern era. Includes close examination of the French Revolution, the World Wars, the Cuban Missile Crisis and, Vietnam. Combines policy analysis and historical study to understand the past's paradoxical role in designing the modern world. | |
| ISSS 4131 | Community Perspectives in Mental Health Disorder (3) |
| Introduces students to psychological disorders and mental health concerns prevalent in today's society. Examines the symptoms of each disorder and various treatments. Explores the impact of mental health disorders on individuals and communities. Helps students develop an awareness of mental health disorders and provides strategies for assisting others. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2019, Fall 2016, Spring 2015, Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Summer 2011 | |
| ISSS 4280 | U.S. Military History (3) |
| This course will examine the foundation and growth of the United States military establishment and the exercise of and changes in military strategy and policies as shaped by political, social, and economic factors. While focusing on the period "book-ended" by the Civil War and Vietnam, the course goes beyond the study of the usual generals, government leaders, and battles and discusses subjects like technology, professionalism, administration, and military policy. | |
| ISSS 4290 | An Alternative History of Early America (3) |
| Examine America's colonial period (to the eve of the American Revolution) as that of a foreign country. Investigates the people, cultures, institutions, and events of the period on their own terms rather than through the lens of modern America. Uncovers the origins of many later American issues and debates;freedom and slavery; warfare; religion and revival; sectionalism; race; class; and commercialism. Course was offered Summer 2023, Summer 2021, Fall 2018, Summer 2016, Spring 2014, Fall 2012, Fall 2009 | |
| ISSS 4292 | Liberalism and Conservatism in Modern America (3) |
| Examines the fundamental clashes between liberals and conservatives, including how this split in perspectives developed our modern culture. Focuses on a tolerant, open-minded, and balanced investigation that seeks a broader understanding and appreciation of these diverse perspectives. Course was offered Spring 2022, Spring 2018 | |
| ISSS 4300 | America in the 1960's: A Decade of Turbulence (3) |
| Examines the issues of ideology, race, gender, faith, war, the youth movement, as well as the politics of the Great Society social programs and voting rights. Explores music, the draft, and the counter culture, including a new conservatism also present amidst the violence at home and abroad. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2021, Summer 2018, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Fall 2011, Fall 2009 | |
| ISSS 4301 | History of Social Protest Movements Through Music (3) |
| Examines the history of American protest movements by looking at music from the 1900s to 2000. Analyzes readings and analyzes music from that period. Explores movements such as the populist movement, labor movements, anti-war protests, the civil rights movement, the women's movement, peace movements, and environmental movements. Course was offered Summer 2025, Summer 2024 | |
| ISSS 4314 | The World of Theodore Roosevelt (3) |
| Explores Theodore Roosevelt's life. Investigates key political, economic, social, and cultural developments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Roosevelt experienced and, in some cases, influenced. | |
| ISSS 4320 | Colonial America (3) |
| Examines America's colonial period to the eve of the American Revolution. Investigates people, cultures, institutions, and events of the period. Explores later American issues and debates, such as freedom and slavery, warfare, religion and revival, race, class, and how they influenced commercialism. Course was offered Spring 2025 | |
| ISSS 4429 | Competing Economic Theories (3) |
| Examines competing schools of thought through seminal works by economic writers such as Smith, Marx, Ricardo, and Keynes. Compares and contrasts competing theories' systems, institutions, and performance based on their goals and objectives. Considers the fundamental social and political issues central to economic thought. Course was offered Summer 2025 | |
| ISSS 4430 | Topics in Developmental Psychology (3) |
| Analyzes major theoretical approaches to understanding the development of perception, cognition, language, personality, and social interaction. Challenges students to critically analyze assumptions and methods that underlie developmental research findings. Provides opportunities for students to conduct independent research on course-related topics. | |
| ISSS 4431 | Topics in Cognitive Psychology (3) |
| Examines the theoretical bases for the study of thinking, consciousness, and the mind, with a focus on current research findings. Topics include learning and memory, language, reasoning, decision-making and cognitive neuropsychology. Challenges students to design a small-scale experiment and connect their findings to applications in professional, personal, or education contexts. | |
| ISSS 4432 | Theories of Interpersonal Communication (3) |
| Examines latest research findings in interpersonal communication theories, with a focus on listening, verbal and non-verbal expression, interpersonal conflict, intimate relationships, and workplace communication. Engages students in independent research to apply theoretical constructs to a range of scenarios encountered in professional, social, and relationship settings. | |
| ISSS 4450 | Sociology of the American Family (3) |
| Explores the sociology of the American family, including: family change through American history; poverty and family life; alternative families (including single-by-choice parenting and gay marriage), and the effects of marriage and divorce on the lives of adults and children. | |
| ISSS 4455 | Social Inequality (3) |
| This course explores systems of social inequality: feudalism, caste and slavery, class, and status groups, primarily in American society, but with reference to Europe and the Indian sub-continent as well. Starting with the fundamental concepts of Karl Marx and Max Weber, students will discuss the theoretical constructs that define systems of inequality, consider some historical examples, and then examine "social stratification" in our own country. Does the United States have a class system? If so, what are its characteristics? Joining the scholarly debate on this issue, students will consider the meaning of equal opportunity and social mobility for achieving the "American dream." The course also explores the empirical consequences of social inequality for every day life: in health and wellness, housing, education, and family structure. Course was offered Spring 2020, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Spring 2013, Fall 2011, Spring 2010 | |
| ISSS 4456 | Russian-American Relations (3) |
| Focuses on the post-1945 period and the evolution of Russian-American relations since the fall of the Soviet Union, through an interdisciplinary lens based on contributions from international relations scholars and practitioners as well as historians, economists, philosophers, and political psychologists in historical and contemporary perspectives. | |
| ISSS 4458 | The Cold War (3) |
| This course examines both Russian and American foreign policy at several critical points during the conflict. Through major scholarly works, primary documents, films, class discussions, papers, and lectures students will work together to better understand the Cold War and gain a fuller understanding of its political, military, cultural, economic, and ideological impact at home and abroad. The following questions will be explored: 1) How did the Cold War start?; 2) What were some of the important decisions made during the conflict, and why?; 3) Why did the Cold War end the way it did? | |
| ISSS 4610 | Economics of Climate Change (3) |
| Examines all aspects of global warming, emphasizing appropriate government policies such as carbon taxes, cap and trade systems, and clean technologies to limit future carbon emissions. Provides students with economic background and tools to address the public policy issues related to climate change. Course was offered Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2019, Fall 2016, Fall 2013, Spring 2011, Fall 2009 | |
| ISSS 4670 | Organizational Change and Development (3) |
| Explores system theories, organizational structure and design, organizational culture, organizational diagnosis, and several basic frames of reference for understanding change. | |
| ISSS 4750 | Intergroup Relations (3) |
| In this course, students develop an understanding of the basic cognitive and motivational processes involved in inter-group relations. They are encouraged to consider the roles of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination in everyday life. Topics include: variations in racist and sexist beliefs; the effect of stereotypes on how we perceive others and interact socially; and the psychological processes that may change stereotypes and reduce prejudice. | |
| ISSS 4821 | Key Concepts in Cultural Analysis (3) |
| Examines the' human' not as a fixed and immutable category or essence, but as a result of specific historical conjunctures, differing intellectual frameworks and varying modes of social production and reproduction. Considers the transmission of ideas across cultures and historical periods and the traveling of texts-through the press, translations-as contributing to the production of the 'human'. Course was offered Spring 2012 | |
| ISSS 4850 | Great Books in Globalization (3) |
| This course addresses major topics dealing with the phenomenon known as 'globalization' - the ever spreading reduction of barriers to the exchange of goods services, and ideas across national borders. The method of exploration will involve reading a combination of classical and contemporary works (some books, some articles) from leaders and thinkers grappling with globalization, and its various ripple effects and challenges. Revolving around core themes of responsibility and community, democracy and culture, and prosperity and poverty in the age of globalization, readings will include works from Plato, Thucydides, Milton Friedman, Peter Singer, Thomas Friedman, Moises Naim, Robert Kaplan, Bernard Lewis, Aung San Suu Kyi, Salman Rushdie, and Amartya Sen. | |
| ISSS 4993 | Independent Study (1 - 3) |
| Independent Study for students working on Capstone Proposals and Proseminar work. Course was offered Fall 2010 | |