About
The University Interdisciplinary Studies general education courses are designed to provide shared learning experiences for students in baccalaureate programs at the University of Hartford through a core of common studies. Since faculty from all schools and colleges of the University teach these courses, the curriculum takes full advantage of the diverse resources of the institution. In addition to providing students breadth of knowledge in their liberal education, the UIS makes clear the relationships among disciplinary areas of knowledge through integrative, cross-disciplinary courses.
Courses and Requirements
All students in baccalaureate programs are required to take at least four University Interdisciplinary Studies courses, from each of the four breadth categories (for a minimum of 12 UIS credits) over their four years as part of graduation requirements. Each student must take at least one Diversity (D) designated UIS course, which addresses complex issues of race, ethnicity, gender bias, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, disability, religion, human rights, freedom, empowerment, or the continuing struggles around the world for social equality. Students may take an additional UIS course as an elective.
Breadth Categories
See complete course descriptions in our Undergraduate Catalog.
Artistic and Creative Expression (UISA)
Courses in this category engage the imagination, foster flexible ways of thinking, and provide distinctive ways of understanding human beings and nature. Knowledge of architecture, art, dance, drama, literature, and music opens channels of communication and leads to a realization of the complexities and interrelationships of human society. These courses examine how individuals and cultures express themselves and provide opportunities for students to actively engage in the creative process.
Cultural and Historical Interpretation (UISC)
Courses in this category seek to develop knowledge of global culture and history, providing access to a diversity of cultures and to the traditions, values, and practices that inform those cultures. We live in a blend of constantly changing societies and need to understand both how such societies function and how they were developed. These courses allow students to appreciate the richness, complexity, and importance of other ways of living. In order to participate effectively as citizens, students need to understand past events and their links to present ones.
Social Context and Change (UISS)
Courses in this category are designed to provide students with an understanding of themselves and how they relate formally and informally with others in groups, institutions, and political and economic contexts. Courses emphasize human needs and behaviors; group relationships and processes; the evolution and nature of value systems; and techniques for accumulating, widening, and transmitting experience and knowledge to succeeding generations. These courses examine how groups of individuals interact, the impact of society on the individual, and encourage students to explore the processes and practices by which change occurs in social units.
Natural, Scientific, and Technological Exploration (UIST)
Courses in this category seek to develop a greater awareness of science and technology and their human, social, and political implications. These courses encourage an understanding and application of scientific methods. Students learn to differentiate between science and technology, understand the limitations that are inherent in scientific inquiry, and evaluate the risks and benefits of technological advances. These courses examine how people interact with and understand the natural world and the tools they use to do so.
Special Topics
Below are Special Topics offerings for Spring 2025
UISA
UISA165 An Introduction to Video Game Music [3] (Cross-listed with HLM218)
The field of ludomusicology—the study of sound and music in games—is growing by leaps and bounds, and this class will serve as an introduction to the part of that field that discusses digital games. We will study the history of video games and their sound, looking at everything from the development of audio-visual technology to new ways of thinking through how sound functions in different kinds of games. Parts of the class are organized in loose chronological fashion, while other parts of the class are designed to present and integrate ideas and methodologies from game theory, computer science, literary theory, psychology and cognitive science, music theory, composition, and fandom studies. No prior musical knowledge or gaming experience is required!
Study Abroad
UISA120D Literature and Films Across Cultures (SA) [3]
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Latin American cinema with our nine-day study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This unique and enriching experience offers students and film enthusiasts the opportunity to delve into the rich cinematic traditions of Latin America while exploring the cultural and historical context of Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas. This three-credit class will travel to Argentina over Spring Break, providing an immersive experience of museums, cinema, culture and beauty in one of the world's most vibrant cities. The UISA-D class also counts towards degree requirements in Cinema, Communications, and Digital Media & Journalism.
UISC
UISC190 Medical Humanities [3]
In this course, students think critically about how the disciplines that comprise the humanities deepen knowledge of the practices of medicine and healthcare. Through engaging in points of view informed by fields such as history, philosophy, media studies, literature, ethnic and gender studies, art history, and jurisprudence, students will analyze the perspectives of clinicians, caregivers, and patients. The course pays special attention to how these diverse areas provide ways of analyzing medical ethics cases like those used throughout professional medical and health professional education, culminating in the collaborative creation and presentation of such cases at the end of the semester.
UISC190 Video Games & Cultural Dynamics [3]
In this dynamic and thought-provoking course, students will delve into the world of video games, not just as a form of entertainment, but as a powerful lens through which contemporary society and culture can be understood. In this course, students will explore how video games have become an integral part of our cultural landscape, influencing aspects of everyday life from identity formation to community building and societal discourse.
The emergence of video games as a cultural force will be examined, as well as the role in which video games shape modern participatory culture and consumption patterns, and the impact of video games on identity and societal transformations. This course is designed for undergraduate students interested in video games, sociology, media, and cultural studies.
Study Abroad
UISC165 Business and Culture in Northern Spain [3]
This course explores organizations in northern Spain addressing the need for sustainable business operations. We study the social, environmental, and economic outcomes of worker-owned and conventionally-governed organizations in northern Spain. A focal point is the Mondragon cooperatives. The sustainable operations of other businesses and a local government in the region, and regional culture are also addressed. The course includes 3 pre-travel classes, Spain travel, and one class afterward. It is suitable for a Global Awareness credit or an elective.
UISC190 The Imagination of Italy [3]
Explore and tour Italy from the Renaissance until now in this course. Students will learn about the history of Italy’s contributions to the understanding of the mind from da Vinci and Galileo’s Renaissance, through Galvani’s Age of Enlightenment, and the Romanticism of Golgi. Rome, Pisa, Florence, Venice, the University of Pavia, and the world’s oldest university, the University of Padua, will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to visit sites where great thinkers were inspired, and see their original work filled with the advancement of new ideas ahead of their time.
UISS
UISS190 Mastering Your Personal Finances [3]
This integrative course in social sciences introduces students to the personal side of the financial analysis and decision making. It applies concepts from society, government, and behavioral finance to empower individuals to meet their financial goals, resolve their financial problems, and improve their quality of life. Students will develop skills to manage a personal budget, develop a savings plan, assess individual risk tolerance and select optimal investments, manage credit card and student loans, identify options to protect their health and personal property.
UISS190D Education, Health, and the Ecology of Community [3]
Decisions about health and education are two of the most important life choices that humans make throughout their lifespan. Towards the goal of personal and community wellness, this course investigates the role of education and public health systems in creating life patterns for self, family and community. Population health and education experts will contribute to knowledge building in systems, driving institutional forces, community networks of care in education and health, and contemporary impacts on health and education.
UISS190D Rethinking DisAbility in the Helping Professions [3]
A central assumption underlying this course is that all human life matters. All human beings are entitled to the same rights, freedoms, and dignity regardless of physical, intellectual, sensory, or emotional capacity. This course provides students with broad interdisciplinary perspectives on promoting quality of life. The meaning, nature, and consequences of disability will be examined within this flagship course as it pertains to the helping professions; professional fields that involve the caring and service of others, such as the ones found in the College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions (ENHP).
This course introduces students to critical engagement with media. Utilizing a multiperspectival and interdisciplinary approach, students will examine implications and issues of media industries from business, political, governmental, advertising and marketing perspectives and media content and effects from the multidisciplinary field of cultural studies, including gender, queer, feminist, and sociological perspectives, and through the perspectives of psychology, health, and wellness. Media literacy draws on humanities disciplines where students critically analyze media content as texts and the social sciences by examining the role of media in reinforcing or contesting existing structures of power in society. Students will also analyze ideological themes and values represented in media content from an intersectional perspective and learn how to evaluate and engage in media activism.
Study Abroad
UISS165 Business and Culture in Northern Spain [3]
This course explores organizations in northern Spain addressing the need for sustainable business operations. We study the social, environmental, and economic outcomes of worker-owned and conventionally-governed organizations in northern Spain. A focal point is the Mondragon cooperatives. The sustainable operations of other businesses and a local government in the region, and regional culture are also addressed. The course includes 3 pre-travel classes, Spain travel, and one class afterward. It is suitable for a Global Awareness credit or an elective.
UISS165 Sustainable Food in Sweden [3]
With a focus on Sweden, this course presents the importance of sustainable food to food security, which includes protecting natural resources and biodiversity and meeting society’s current food and nutrition needs without compromising the ability of the system to meet the needs of future generations. We will learn how Sweden, a country that has virtually no food insecurity among its citizens and permanent residents, is focusing on sustainable agriculture to meet the demands of a growing global population. While visiting Sweden, students will have the opportunity to volunteer on an organic vegetable farm and to have study visits at 2-3 universities to meet with professors and students who are concerned about the future of food. Students will visit two additional sites to discuss and observe sustainable agriculture. An alternate activity to volunteering on a farm will be provided on request.
Our Team
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University Interdisciplinary Studies
Request Forms
Course Override Request Form
This form is used to request permission for an override into a UIS category course (ex. UISA, UISC, UIST and UISS). Each form submission is for a one-course request.
Study Abroad Course Approval Form
Courses taken through a University of Hartford-administered study abroad program may be used to count toward your UIS course requirements. All courses must be pre-approved to count for UIS course credit.