Global Studies (B.A., B.S.)

This course reviews the origin and development of culture in preliterate human societies. It focuses on the major social institutions of family, economics, political organization, and religion.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A survey of art and architectural history using a great masterpieces approach. Significant monuments from antiquity to the twentieth century will be considered with particular attention to the interaction of art and its producing society so that political situation, theology, science, and aesthetics will be considered in lectures. Cannot be used toward a major in art. Credit cannot be earned for ARH 1000 Masterpieces of World Art and ARH 1010 Art and Society in the West: Ancient to Medieval or ARH 1000 Masterpieces of World Art and ARH 1020 Art and Society in the West: Renaissance to Modern.

A survey of art and architectural history in the western hemisphere: significant monuments from prehistory to the medieval period will be considered with particular attention to the interaction of art and its producing society so that political situation, theology, science, and aesthetics will be considered in lectures. Credit cannot be earned for both ARH 1000 Masterpieces of World Art and ARH 1010 Art and Society in the West: Ancient to Medieval.

A survey of art and architectural history in the western hemisphere: significant monuments from the Renaissance to the twentieth century will be considered with particular attention to the interaction of art and its producing society so that political situation, theology, science, and aesthetics will be considered in lectures. Credit cannot be earned for both ARH 1000 Masterpieces of World Art and ARH 1020 Art and Society in the West: Renaissance to Modern.

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

A course devoted to exploring issues related to biological diversity, including how biodiversity is measured, where it is found, its value, threats to it, and measure taken at the population and species level to conserve it. The course includes examining links between conservation and economics, law, and the social sciences. Case studies and discussions of local and global topics will encourage students to understand the varied threats to global biodiversity and the principles necessary to overcome them.
Three lectures/discussions per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution and sophomore standing or instructor permission.
(Normally offered alternate springs.)
Note: Environmental Studies Minors are encouraged to register; please contact the instructor.

A course covering some of the most critical problems facing the world today - those relating to the production, distribution, and use of energy. The basic concepts of heat, work, electricity and energy as they apply to energy use around the world will be studied. The major source of energy, their value and importance, the historical and future demand for energy and the specific environmental problems and benefits encountered will be identified.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)

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.)

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 course is a study of the cultural settings, lives of founders when appropriate, oral or written traditions and literature, worldviews, myths, rituals, ideals of conduct, and development of some of the world's religions. Religions studied will typically include tribal religions, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confuciansim, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Bahai. Readings, videos, and websites will help introduce and illustrate not only the cultural settings in which these religions appear, but also the voices and faces of contemporary religious practitioners.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Continuation of MFREN 2010 French: Stage 3.
Prerequisite(s): MFREN 2010 or appropriate placement.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Continuation of MSPAN 2010 Spanish: Stage 3.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 2010 or appropriate placement.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Continuation of MGRMN 2010 German: Stage 3.
Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 2010 or appropriate placement.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

This course is designed to help students understand, use, and evaluate the quantitative, qualitative, and rhetorical methods Communication scholars employ to investigate and write about their scholarship.  Application of each method will be achieved via a semester-long case study conducted at a Lincoln nonprofit organization.  Additionally, by reading a variety of social scientific research articles, students will understand how operational definitions, theories, research questions and hypotheses, a literature review, and data analysis work together to support written research reports or proposals.  The semester will culminate with an original scholarly research report using appropriate APA style. This report will also be presented in a public forum.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and COMM 2300 Communication Theory (may be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A course in the theory and development of literary criticism including a general overview of theories of literary criticism before the 20th-century and 20th-century critical theories.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing.

The course introduces students to basic theoretical approaches to understanding the past. Special emphasis is placed on research methods, resources, and the composition of a research essay. This course is designed for majors and students interested in the theories and techniques used by historians. Course topics change yearly and include subjects such as the study of chattel slavery in the United States through the words and remembrances of enslaved people from 1600 to 1877 and the relationship between collective memories of the past and the development of identity at the national, local, and individual level.
This course will meet with HIST 3800.

This course introduces students to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and its statistical procedures. The course will teach students how to run programs with the software and to interpret the output from those programs. Students will enter, edit, and learn how to analyze data using SPSS.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science major or department chair approval.
Corequisite(s): POLSC 3010 Research Methods I: Design/Qualitative Methods and POLSC 3020 Research Methods II: Quantitative Methods/Project Implementation.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This course teaches the basics of research in political science, including questions of design and measurement. Students will also learn different qualitative research designs such a focus groups, interviews, case studies, and field work.
Corequisite(s): POLSC 2000 Introduction to Statistics and SPSS and POLSC 3020 Research Methods II: Quantitative Methods/Project Implementation.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science major or department chair approval.

This is the second of the Research Methods course sequence. It introduces quantitative research methodology and the carrying out of a research project. Students will carry out the research design prepared in Research Methods I and learn about how to test their hypothesis quantitatively.
Corequisite(s): POLSC 2000 Introduction to Statistics and SPSS and POLSC 3010 Research Methods I: Design/Qualitative Methods.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science major or department chair approval.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics as decision-making guides in psychology and related fields. Topics include organization, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data with emphasis on the hypothesis testing model of inference. Specific procedures include z-tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, and correlation. A laboratory section is required for computational experience.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and sophomore standing.
Recommended: College level mathematics course.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A course designed to introduce and apply the basic research methods of psychology. Emphasis is placed upon problems of research design and analysis in the laboratory and in natural settings. Students conduct investigations applying various designs and methods. Interpretation of findings and preparation of research reports are treated.
Three lectures and one lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): PSYCH 1010/PSYCH 1010FYW Introduction to Psychological Science and PSYCH 2100 Psychological Statistics.
(Normally offered each semester.)

In this course, students are introduced to quantitative research methods commonly used in social science research: survey research, experimental design, secondary analysis, and evaluation research.  Emphasis is on survey research, including project design, questionnaire construction, sampling, data collection, statistical analysis, and formal presentation of results.  Key elements of the course are learning to ask researchable questions and formulate testable hypotheses.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology and any Statistics course (SOC 2910 Social Statistics is preferred.)
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

In this course, students are introduced to qualitative research methods commonly used in social science research.  Emphasis is on individualized project design, project construction, data analysis, and formal presentation of results.  Course content includes exploration of observation, participant observation, ethnography, in-depth interviewing, focus groups, content analysis, case study, and online qualitative innovations in research.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

This course examines selected Asian cultures from an anthropological perspective, including the effects of stratification and culture change. It provides a general survey of prehistoric cultures as well as some of the issues related to Western expansion in Asia.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

A critical analysis of the various real and theoretical economic systems of capitalism and socialism. Specific countries' systems are examined within a contemporary framework.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and grade of "C-" or better in ECON 1530 Macroeconomic Principles, or permission of the instructor.

A seminar on the problems of developing nations, using primarily Latin American examples to gain insight into the reasons why poverty persists alongside spectacular affluence. Economic justice is a primary focus. Topics will include the role of gender, transnational corporations, foreign aid, and various proposals to promote change and development, using an interdisciplinary approach.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing a grade of "C-" or better in ECON 1530 Macroeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered every other spring semester.)

This course introduces students to major topics in the history of East Asia. Rather than a century-by-century narrative covering prehistory to the present, the course emphasizes the theme of inter-regional relations. Students learn about traditions such as Confucianism and Buddhism that provided a foundation for the development of centralized, Sinicized states in East Asia, as well as the cultural, economic, and political aspects of the tribute system that structured inter-regional relations throughout the pre-modern period. The second half of the semester picks up the theme of inter-regional relations in the modern period by examining the continuing impact of twentieth-century warfare on the Chinese, the Koreans, and the Japanese. Our sources include a combination of secondary scholarship by leading experts on East Asian history as well as primary historical and literary sources. This also counts as an elective for the Modern Language Studies major.
(Normally offered every other year.)

An overview of key themes in early modern and modern Japanese history with an emphasis on the period between the seventeenth and twenty-first centuries. The course concentrates on themes of change and continuity in Japan's political systems, social and economic institutions, and cultural forms. Specific themes include changing notions of samurai identity, the rise of the modern nation-state, imperialism and inter-regional relations, postwar prosperity and Japan's "Lost Decade." Our sources include a combination of secondary scholarship by leading experts on Japanese history as well as primary historical and literary sources. This also counts as an elective for the Modern Language Studies major.

A study of the social, historical, and political factors that have affected the countries of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal). The course will examine the historical origins of the culture; the development of Hinduism and Buddhism; and the current political, economic, and social problems that the countries of the region face.
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 examines Latin American cultures from an anthropological perspective. It covers stratification and its effects on indigenous populations and contemporary cultures, and the effects of culture change on them.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

An examination of the Latin American experience with different topics at each offering.  Such topics will include: contact period, transnationalism, indigenismo, the colonial era, agrarian movements, social revolutions, neocolonialism, interamerican relations, narcoterrorism and trafficking, for example. This course will be offered on a regular basis, and students could retake the course as the topics shift. No P/F.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide advanced study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide advanced study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

This course covers the basic concepts and practices used in the field of international finance including differences in both customs and operating procedures between the United States and its trading partners. The focus will be on their international monetary system and emphasis on the role of international finance in multinational corporations, financing foreign operations, foreign investment analysis, country risk analysis, government currency controls, exchange rates, and arbitrage.
Prerequisite(s): Grades of "C-" or better in ECON 1530 Macroeconomic Principles and ECON 1540 Microeconomic Principles.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A study of the theory of international trade, commercial policy, international monetary affairs, and institutions for international economic stability and development.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and grade of "C-" or better in ECON 1540 Microeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.

Students will investigate the opportunities and challenges facing American companies seeking to expand their markets across international boundaries. Analysis includes a study of international marketing barriers, cultural patterns, adapting the product line to international markets, selecting channels of distribution, pricing strategies, and international communication strategies.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C-" or better in BUSAD 2000 Principles of Marketing.
 

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. MFREN 4200 meets with MFREN 3200, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level.
Prerequisite(s): MFREN 2020 French: Stage 4 or permission of the department chair.

See MSPAN 4200 The Culture of Spain.

This dual-level course introduces students to the culture and contemporary society of Spain with an overview of language and communication, history, religion, tradition and celebration, art and architecture, film, literature, and government. MSPAN 4200 meets with MSPAN 3200, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 3100 Spanish Composition and six credits from "Core Skills" courses (MSPAN 3010 Spanish Conversation, MSPAN 3020 Introduction to Spanish Phonetics, MSPAN 3030 Reading Spanish, MSPAN 3040 Spanish Grammar Review, MSPAN 3050 Spanish Language and Writing, or MSPAN 3060 Spanish Reading/Grammar Review); or permission of the department chair.     

This course will examine the current state of politics in Europe. In particular, the course will focus on European integration and expansion, and questions of ethnicity and nationalism. The course will also examine European social policy.
Prerequisite or corequisite(s): POLSC 1100 Introduction to International Politics or approval of the instructor.

This course examines selected cultures from Sub-Sahara Africa with careful attention to culture formation before contact with European culture as well as the effects of colonization and the effects of increases in technology.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

A thematic course designed to complement the more traditional offerings in British and American literature. The emphasis will be on the shock of colonization, the oppression of imperialism, and the struggle for independence. Attention will also be paid to the encounter of the individual with the questions of God, family, love, war, work, change, and death.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing and Sophomore standing.

With the approval of the Global Studies chair, a student may elect an interdisciplinary thesis as a separate project under the directions of at least two faculty members, one of whom has expertise in the emphasis area.

This course examines the demographic and social dynamics of population size, composition, and distribution. It addresses the relationships among population, human health, development and the environment. Strong cross-cultural emphasis. A major focus is the development of a semester research paper contrasting the status of the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals, environmental status, and health in a more- and less- developed country.

See SOC 4530 Environment, Food, and You.

This course identifies and explores issues involved in the interacation between humans and the environment. Students are introduced to social impact assessment as a means for identifying the ways resource exploitation leads to both the development and decline of communities. Food production is used to illustrate these impacts because it plays a significant role in community organization, human survival, and environmental resilience. The requirements of 4530 are the same as 3540 EXCEPT that students enrolled in 4530 complete a semester length experiential field project relevant to the course material.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 2530 Population and Environment.
(Normally offered alternate years.)

This course will serve as an introduction to the culture and contemporary society of Japan, with an overview of topics such as cultural and religious traditions and celebrations, economics, art, architecture and history.

See ENG 3410 Women Writing Across Cultures.

Fiction and essays by women from various cultures (including the U.S., Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean) will be the focus of this course. The multicultural, international reading list will provide students insight into the lives and experiences of women most likely very different from themselves; thus they can appreciate and learn from the differences and make connections across cultures.
Cross listed with GEND 3410.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing and sophomore standing.

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.)