Globalization

This course provides an introduction to the concepts, theories and methods of international politics. It highlights the similarities and differences between political systems, as well the nature of relations between these political systems. By examining political violence, democratization, security, trade, and development, this class will equip students to analyze current problems and experiences.

This is a world-history survey designed to introduce students to the sweep of social, political, economic, and cultural changes that took place around the world over the course of the twentieth century. Using primary sources, the course allows students to investigate in-depth themes such as European colonialism, the First and Second World Wars, fascism and its consequences, the transformation of East Asia, the Cold War and its consequences, and new challenges to global stability in the modern era. No P/F.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A survey of African, Asian, Native American, and Pre-Columbian arts.

This course delves into the uniqueness of Rwandan history to explore the complexities of this country whose politics and history have generated much debate. Through films and readings, we will explore the pre-colonial era to post-conflict transition with an emphasis on the defining moment of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Artistic expression of film and literature respond to traumatic collective experiences, but Rwanda is more than genocide. We will analyze globally applauded successes such as women's representation in government and peaceful co-existence of survivors and perpetrators; topics may also include controversies surrounding genocide denial, freedom of expression, political power, and the transition to English.

See MFREN 4200 French Culture and Civilization.

A course dealing with the literature, culture, and contributions of France to civilization, with emphasis on contemporary culture, history, and life in France. (Not open to native speakers of French.)
Prerequisite(s): MFREN 2020 French: Stage 4 or permission of the department.

See Thread Coordinator.

See MFREN 4430 Francophone Literatures.

This advanced-level French course serves as an introduction to the literature of the French-speaking world outside of France. Students will read, discuss, and analyze selected texts from one or more of the following regions: Africa, the Caribbean, or Canada. The course will be conducted entirely in French and may be repeated if the area of focus is different.
Prerequisite(s): MFREN 2020 French: Stage 4 or permission of the department chair.

See MGRMN 4610 German Film and Society.

German Film and Society is a dual-level German skills enhancement course that uses as its context the study of post-unification German society and culture in all its diversity as reflected through films produced since 1990. Topics include: coming to terms with history, fascism, the Holocaust, generational issues, identity, immigrant experiences, politics and power, reunification, social and cultural traditions and terrorism. Required course readings, lectures and discussion related to each film provide a context and the necessary vocabulary to incorporate into discussions and compositions. Throughout the semester, students will work semi-independently and with instructor guidance as needed to reinforce key grammatical concepts and style to add depth and variety to their writing.
Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 2020 German: Stage 4 or permission of the department chair.

See MGRMN 4620 German Media.

This dual-level German oral skills development course uses as its context contemporary themes that appear in the various media outlets in German-speaking countries. Students will develop their skills, vocabulary and confidence to comprehend, summarize, discuss and analyze native German newspaper and magazine articles, as well as radio and TV reports. Common themes include Europe and the European Union, the economic, political, and social circumstances and culture/Culture in these countries, but other themes arise in the course of any given semester. In addition to news items chosen by the instructor, students will read and select items of interest to present and discuss with classmates. This course also provides students with the opportunity to compare German language treatment of local and international themes with that found in U.S. media outlets.
Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 2020 German: Stage 4 or permission of the instructor.

This course provides students with an understanding of the role, impact, and significance of the United Nations within the larger context of international organizations and global power relationships. After discussing the history and structure of the United Nations, students will analyze the challenges and opportunities that the United Nations faces in the 21st century, focusing on the principal substantive issues before the organization: war, terrorism, arms control, human rights, international refugees, and development. May be repeated one time.
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1100 Introduction to International Politics.

The problems faced by the political systems of the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Specific topics will include their attempts to maintain political stability and resolve such issues as the food and population problems.
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1100 Introduction to International Politics and junior standing or permission of the instructor.

This course explores the emergence and evolution of the contemporary human rights regime, in international, regional, and national legal conventions. First, it will study the theoretical foundations of the idea of human rights in a variety of global contexts, current conceptualizations of human rights, the legacies of these adoptions in both western and non-western traditions, and the meaning and relevance of human rights for contemporary debates. Then, it will consider the shape and significance of the contemporary human rights regimes, critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of current human rights regimes, and explore the future of human rights regimes in global politics. As a Writing Instructive course, students will engage with these conversations in a semester-long research project, through which they use two cases to critically analyze human rights.

This course seeks to enhance students' understanding of cultural differences by focusing on film representations of different national and cultural groups. We will analyze how nationality and ethnicity affect both the production and reception of film. The course will expose students to various national and transnational values and practices through selected films. How have international cinemas coped with the pervasive influence of the "classic" Hollywood film paradigm? How have they resisted or been shaped by U.S. influence? We will read film criticism and theory of various countries focusing on the idea of national cinemas. Themes to be explored include survival, resistance to oppression, self-representation and visibility (performance of self and culture), intercultural communication, gender and power.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)