Going Global

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 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.

By meeting at a place with a casual atmosphere, we attempt to recreate the Greek taverna or family restaurant, a place where Greeks go to eat and talk and dance and "be Greek." During our meetings, we too will eat and dance and (primarily) explore the history, art, literature, politics, and folk traditions of modern Greece.

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 Thread Coordinator.

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

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 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. MFREN 4430 meets with MFREN 3430, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level.
Prerequisite(s): MFREN 2020 French: Stage 4 or permission of the department chair.

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

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. MGRMN 4610 meets with MGRMN 3610, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level.
Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 2020 German: Stage 4 or permission of the department chair.

See MGRMN 4620 German Media.

German Media is a dual-level (ACTFL High Intermediate/Advanced Low) German skills development course which 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, analyze, and report on native German newspaper and magazine articles, radio and TV broadcasts. Common themes include "Europe" and the European Union, Germany's global engagement, 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/contrast German language treatment of local and international themes with that found in U.S. media outlets and to present their own formal media reports. The language of instruction is German, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level. MGRMN 4620 meets with MGRMN 3620, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level.
Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 2020 German: Stage 4 or permission of the instructor.

Continuation of MJPAN 2010 Japanese: Stage 3.
Prerequisite(s): MJPAN 2010.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

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

See MSPAN 4620 Introduction to Literary Translation.

A dual-level course on the method and practice of literary translation.  The course exposes students to literary translation as a form of literary criticism, helping them understand the cultural and critical assumptions that guide one's interpretation of a text. Whereas the theoretical readings are aimed at helping students grasp important aspects in translation studies, the literary texts present an array of interpretation problems regarding author, time period, genre, and cultural milieu. This course is aimed at students at the advanced level of Spanish. Translations primarily will be Spanish into English and class discussion will be conducted in both Spanish and English. Coursework includes weekly translation practice and discussion.  MSPAN 4620 meets with MSPAN 3620, 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 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 when taken for a different topic.
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.)