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.

An in-depth study of one time frame across world cultures. The course is designed to introduce students to the uniqueness and interconnectedness of cultures in the global community. Historical dimensions of today's ethical and political concerns will be examined in order to foster responsible world citizenship. Course topics change regularly and may include a global survey of the twentieth century or the history of indigenous nations leading up to the Age of European Exploration. (Normally offered each semester.)

This course surveys western art chronologically from prehistory through the fifteenth century. Discussions center on understanding various civilizations through their visual arts, the cultural exchange between these civilizations, and how images are used for political, economic, religious, and social purposes. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual works of art. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

This course surveys Western art chronologically from the Renaissance period to the present day. Guiding themes within this course, such as patronage, gender, identity, political/religious turmoil, colonialism, and global trade, will introduce students to why certain types of art are created and how these works of art function within society. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual artists. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

The course surveys African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian arts from pre-history to the present day. This course is defined by what it will not cover - art of the European tradition. The term "non-western" does not imply a lesser quality or an opposition to art in western tradition. It is a term used to reflect a growing awareness of the richness and diversity of world culture. Since this is a survey course, the art we will examine will be the most representative of each culture. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual artists. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

This course surveys western art chronologically from prehistory to the present day. Discussions center on understanding various civilizations through their visual arts, the cultural exchange between these civilizations, and how images are used for political, economic, religious and social purposes. Guiding themes within this course, such a patronage, gender, identity, political/religious turmoil, colonialism, and global trade, will introduce students to why certain types of art are created and how these works of art function within society. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual works of art. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

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.
 

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.)

An examination of the macroeconomic theories, problems, and policies of the U.S. economy. Topics include supply and demand, a description of the main sectors of the economy, and the role of government in stabilizing the economy with monetary and fiscal policies.
(Normally offered each 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.

When nations and peoples find themselves unable to resolve their differences by negotiation, war is often the consequence. It is one of the oldest phenomena in human history, but tragically also a very contemporary one. Literary representations of war provide us with some of our most memorable images of courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, as well as compelling evidence of war’s cruelty, horror, and senselessness; our course will also emphasize how the history, memory, and ideology of war may affect our global present and our emerging global future.
Prerequisite(s): Any First-Year Writing course.

See HIST 4860 Japanese Popular Culture, Past and Present.

In this course we will be investigating the cultural history of history of Japan in the early modern and modern periods, with an emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Specifically, we will focus on “popular culture,” a term whose multiple (and conflicting) connotations we will consider throughout the semester. Our exploration of “popular culture” will extend to aspects of everyday life (or “lifestyles”) as well as works of art, literature, music, and film. Together we will examine a variety of texts, musical genres, comics, and films (both live action and animation), always attempting to interpret them in the context of historical change. This will be a rigorous and intellectually challenging course, but it is also meant to provide an enjoyable overview of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
HIST 4860 meets with HIST 3860. The content of the courses are the same EXCEPT students enrolled in 3860 write analytical essays and give presentations, while students enrolled in 4860 concentrate on writing a research paper in lieu of the essays and presentations.

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.

Stage 4: Global Connections invites students to enhance their intercultural and linguistic competence by exploring cultural, geographical, historical, and social perspectives of China as they develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with native speakers of Mandarin Chinese.
Prerequisite(s): MCHIN 2010 Chinese Stage 3: Cultural Perspectives

Stage 4: Global Connections invites students to enhance their intercultural and linguistic competence by exploring cultural, geographical, historical, and social perspectives of French-speaking countries as they develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with native speakers of French.
Prerequisite(s): MFREN 2010 French Stage 3: Cultural Perspectives 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: Global Connections 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: Global Connections or permission of the department chair.

Stage 4: Global Connections invites students to enhance their intercultural and linguistic competence by exploring cultural, geographical, historical, and social perspectives of German-speaking countries as they develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with native speakers of German.
Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 2010 German Stage 3: Cultural Perspectives or equivalent.

(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: Global Connections 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: Global Connections or permission of the instructor.

Stage 4: Global Connections invites students to enhance their intercultural and linguistic competence by exploring cultural, geographical, historical, and social perspectives of Japan as they develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with native speakers of Japanese.
Prerequisite(s): MJPAN 2010 Japanese Stage 3: Cultural Perspectives.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

This course is designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that are unique to language-learning abroad, to engage students in meaningful activities while abroad, to maintain a connection with students while abroad, and to foster continued development of skills and knowledge following the study abroad period. Students will be introduced to specific strategies in language and culture learning in the target culture to help students achieve an experience in the host culture that is meaningful and productive. Students take this course concurrently with their first-semester study-abroad experience.
*Registration at 0 hours available with permission of the department chair for students studying abroad through non-ISEP exchange program.

Stage 4: Global Connections invites students to enhance their intercultural and linguistic competence by exploring cultural, geographical, historical, and social perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries as they develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with native speakers of Spanish.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 2010 Spanish Stage 3: Cultural Perspectives 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 or permission of the department chair.

See MSPAN 4700 Advanced Spanish Through Literature and Film.

This is an interdisciplinary dual-level Spanish language course that integrates literature, culture and film while also focusing students on critical thinking, interpretation, speaking, and writing skills. MSPAN 4700 meets with MSPAN 3700, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 3100 Spanish Composition or permission of the department chair. 

Why do people use violence to pursue political goals? Additionally, once conflict has ended, what keeps actors from simply taking up arms again should they feel dissatisfied with the new status quo? This course will explore these broad questions by investigating the determinants and dynamics of conflict and post-conflict peace. The first part of the course will explore the theoretical explanations for why people and states resort to violence. This will be followed by an investigation into non-state actors and fighting within the state. The course will then end with a section on how violence ends and what influences post-conflict peace.

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.)