Interdisciplinary Studies Courses

IDST6100Psychosocial Oncology: Introduction to Theory and Practice3 ch
This elective course provides graduate students in 5 core disciplines (medicine, nursing, psychology, social work and spiritual care), with an opportunity to develop an introductory understanding of the field of psychosocial oncology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and interpreting the experience of cancer informed by theory, evidence and illness narratives. Case based learning in small interprofessional groups will allow students to explore a variety of key learning themes relevant to psychosocial oncology including distress assessment, depression, anxiety, adjustment and coping, sexuality, loss and grief. Small group work will allow students to develop a rich understanding of the cancer experience and develop beginning competency in psychosocial oncology assessment, interprofessional collaboration and cultural safety. Attention to diversity will be integrated as a thread throughout the course.
IDST6203Interdisciplinary Independent Study3 ch
Students may enhance their research programme by taking an independent study course designed and directed by a faculty member, HRA, or Adjunct who is a member of the School of Graduate Studies. The syllabus for the course will be designed by the instructor and the student in consultation with the student’s Interdisciplinary Degree Advisory Committee (IDAC) in the School of Graduate Studies. A copy of the course must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and must receive final approval from the Director of Graduate Studies for Interdisciplinary degree in the SGS.
IDST6205Interdisciplinary Independent Study3 ch
Students may enhance their research programme by taking an independent study course designed and directed by a faculty member, HRA, or Adjunct who is a member of the School of Graduate Studies. The syllabus for the course will be designed by the instructor and the student in consultation with the student’s Interdisciplinary Degree Advisory Committee (IDAC) in the School of Graduate Studies. A copy of the course must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and must receive final approval from the Director of Graduate Studies for Interdisciplinary degree in the SGS.
IDST6206Research Seminar in IDST3 ch
This course is designed for interdisciplinary graduate students to further their understanding of the science, craft, and politics of doing interdisciplinary research; prepare them to become informed, questioning, self-critical researchers; enhance their sense of belonging to a larger scholarly interdisciplinary research community; and provide direction for the successful and timely completion of the interdisciplinary degrees.
IDST6207Ethics and Canadian Law In Aging & Dementia Care3 ch
This course offers an introduction to: a) ethical theory and frameworks (e.g., bioethics, ethics of care, virtue ethics, narrative ethics, everyth day ethics); b) the law and dementia (e.g., Canadian legislation, human rights, power of attourney, substitute decision-making, advance decision making, elder abuse); and c) issues in professional ethics (e.g., confidentiality, whistle-blowing, technology and dementia, professional codes of practice, family carers).  Through the examination of case studies, students will critically evaluate the ethical and the legal framework related to dementia care practices.
IDST6208Global Issues in Aging3 ch
Current issues on aging, such as increasing populations of seniors and populations with dementia, have raised concerns regarding health care and home care for many countries, agencies and governments around the world. In this course recent Canadian and international reports and research studies related to key issues will be examined from diverse perspectives for their impact on public policies and practices designed to improve the quality of seniors’ lives.
IDST6303Introduction to Research Design in IDST Health Research3 ch
The course is designed for interdisciplinary doctoral or masters students to provide them an opportunity for career socialization; facilitate achievement of individual research goals; and enable students to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities to support their professional development as scholars. This seminar provides guided direction in the processes used for dissertation development and grant application proposals. Students will be actively involved in the critique and analysis of published literature and others’ dissertation proposals, grant applications, and manuscripts. Students may use the seminar to test their early ideas for their doctoral research and obtain feedback from peers and faculty. There will be opportunities provided for participating in mock reviews of research proposals (either as an investigator or reviewer).

IDST6401Methods in the History of Ideas3 ch
This course examines and studies the different methods scholars use to understand the history of an idea, including close textual analysis, understanding ideas in historical context, considering meaning and intention, and the influence of an idea.
IDST6531Managing the Creative Economy3 ch
This course examines the nature of work and management that consistently produces valuable creative outcomes. The course analyzes cases across industries and organizations. Uses an integrative approach designed to allow students to apply and test theoretical materials against real practice situation. Pre-requisites: Permission of the instructor.
IDST6997Interdisciplinary Master's Thesiscr
The Interdisciplinary Master’s thesis must demonstrate the candidate’s competence to undertake independent research work, make a contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s field of study, show that the candidate is fully aware of the pertinent published material, and be written in a satisfactory literary style. The thesis must conform in all respects to the regulations governing the presentation of theses approved by the School of Graduate Studies.
IDST6998Interdisciplinary PhD Dissertationcr
The Interdisciplinary PhD dissertation must demonstrate the candidate’s competence to undertake independent research work, make a contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s field of study, show that the candidate is fully aware of the pertinent published material, and be written in a satisfactory literary style. The dissertation must conform in all respects to the regulations governing the presentation of dissertations approved by the School of Graduate Studies.