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 the art of “Non-Western” societies from prehistory to the present. Cultures discussed include South and Southeast Asia, China and Japan, Africa, and cultures of the Americas (Pre-Conquest and Native American). The term “Non-Western” traditionally refers to cultures that initially developed outside the realm of Western culture and at some distance from the European artistic tradition. The term is not only excessively broad but also problematic, because it implies an opposition to western art. We will explore these issues. The main objective of the course is to provide students with a global perspective on the richness and diversity of art produced by the cultures studied. It also considers the impact of colonization and globalization on the treatment of artworks from non-western cultures and the development of new art forms.

This course is a general survey of artworks of “western” cultures from prehistory to the present. “Western” typically designates art produced in Europe or the Americas in the European tradition, but the term can be imprecise and problematic at times. We will explore why. This course provides an overview of both typical and exceptional artworks from the western tradition; artworks range from tiny to colossal, relatively ephemeral to permanent, crude-looking to meticulously crafted, and banal to sacred. We will typically discuss artworks in roughly chronological order. Ultimately students will learn the range of artworks produced by each culture, how those artworks were made, why they looked the way they did, and what functions they served. They will also develop the skills to analyze, discuss, and write about the visual arts.

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 and a 1000- or 2000-level speaking-instructive course.

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.

This course will provide an overview of Latin American history from precontact to the present, exploring such themes as cultural diversity, colonization, dispossession, accommodation, resistance, gender and minority issues, environment, independence movements, revolutions, economic determinism, neo-colonialism, and international relations. Utilizing assigned readings, discussions, and some short or long films, students will have the opportunity to identify misconceptions about Latin America, and truly understand its history and current dilemmas. This course is designed also to make the student think critically and analytically, as well as to improve research and writing skills. No P/F.

See HIST 4860 Japanese Popular Culture, Past and Present.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or instructor permission.

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.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or instructor permission.

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 expressions 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. Students will make two presentations demonstrating what they have learned about cinematic representation and cultural difference.

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.)

Intermediate-level language course invites students to explore cultural perspectives of French-speaking countries and their own as they review and develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence through task-based learning, thereby enhancing their ability to interact in French with more confidence on familiar topics. This is a non-sequential, intermediate-level course that may be taken before or after MFREN 2040.

Prerequisite(s): MFREN 1020 French Stage 2: Personal Connections or appropriate placement.

(Normally offered fall semester.)

Intermediate-level language course 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 through task-based learning, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with speakers of French. This is a non-sequential, intermediate-level course that may be taken before or after MFREN 2030.

Prerequisite(s): MFREN 1020 French Stage 2: Personal Connections or appropriate placement.

Normally offered each Spring semester.

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): 8 credits from MFREN 2000-level or above or appropriate placement.

See MFREN 3200 French Culture and Civilization.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

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): 8 credits from MFREN 2000-level or above or appropriate placement.

See MFREN 3430 Francophone Literatures.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

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 appropriate placement.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Intermediate-level language course invites students to explore cultural perspectives of German-speaking countries and their own as they review and develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence through task-based learning, thereby enhancing their ability to interact in German with more confidence on familiar topics. This is a non-sequential, intermediate-level course that may be taken before or after MGRMN 2040.

Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 1020 German Stage 2: Personal Connections or appropriate placement.

Normally offered Fall semester.

Intermediate-level language course 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 through task-based learning, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with speakers of German. This is a non-sequential, intermediate-level course that may be taken before or after MGRMN 2030.

Prerequisite(s): MGRMN 1020 German Stage 2: Personal Connections or appropriate placement.

Normally offered each Spring semester.

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): 8 credits from MGRMN 2000-level or above or appropriate placement.

See MGRMN 3610 German Film and Society.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

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): 8 credits from MGRMN 2000-level or above or appropriate placement.

See MGRMN 3620 German Media.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

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.)

Intermediate-level language course invites students to explore cultural perspectives of Japan and their own as they review and develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and intercultural competence through task-based learning, thereby enhancing their ability to interact in Japanese with more confidence on familiar topics. This is a non-sequential, intermediate-level course that may be taken before or after MJPAN 2040.
Prerequisite(s): MJPAN 1020 Japanese Stage 2: Personal Connections or appropriate placement.

(Normally offered fall semester.)

Intermediate-level language course 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 through task-based learning, thereby allowing them to engage and interact more effectively with speakers of Japanese. This is a non-sequential, intermediate-level course that may be taken before or after MJPAN 2030.
Prerequisite(s): MJPAN 1020 Japanese Stage 2: Personal Connections or appropriate placement.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Designed as a companion to the international film series which includes contemporary films from a range of cultural and linguistic regions, including the US. The series aims to provide a lens into other communities, cultures, identities, relationships, politics and historical events, thereby increasing awareness and insight into the human condition as experienced by others. Students in this course will read, hear, see and discuss contextual background material prior to each film, participate in and facilitate discussions and write informed reflections.

Designed to engage students in meaningful activities while studying abroad, to maintain a connection with students while abroad, and to foster continued development of skills and knowledge during the study abroad period. Students will be introduced to specific strategies in culture and/or language 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.
Corequisite(s): IDS 2700E Study Abroad-Exchange Program, IDS 2700N Study Abroad-Nonexchange, or MLANG 2500 Faculty Led Trip.

(Offered every semester.)

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.)

Discussion-based dual-level Spanish course that serves as an introduction to Spanish literature and literary analysis, with an emphasis on culture through literature and the role of literature in understanding the past and search for Spanish identity in the 21st century. Readings include canonical and contemporary works. MSPAN 4410 meets with MSPAN 3410, with differentiated assignment lengths and expectations by level.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credits from MSPAN 3000-level coursework or instructor permission.

See MSPAN 3410 Readings in Spanish Literature.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Dual-level course designed for students at the intermediate/advanced level and explores contemporary U.S. Latino/a experience through Spanish-language featured authentic cultural texts and films. Topics to be discussed may include the construction of identity in terms of race, gender, sexuality, and class; bilingualism and code-switching; the experiences of the exile, the immigrant, the refugee and the colonial subject; the marketing of the Latino/a identity; and the relationship of the artist to his or her community.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credits from MSPAN 3000-level coursework or instructor permission.

See MSPAN 3470 Latina/o Literature and Film.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Dual-level course introduces students to media and culture of our neighboring country of Mexico through film, music, television, sports and literature. Students will obtain an understanding and develop the analytical skills necessary to better understand Mexico's rich cultural diversity and complexity. This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to Mexican media and culture- its social, economic, political, religious, and cultural structures and practices. This course is designed for intermediate- to advanced-level language students and heritage and native speakers.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credits MSPAN 3000-level courses.

See MSPAN 3500 Media and Culture of Mexico I.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Dual-level course introduces students to media and culture of our neighboring country of Mexico through film, music, television, sports and literature. Students will obtain an understanding and develop the analytical skills necessary to better understand Mexico's rich cultural diversity and complexity. This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to Mexican media and culture- its social, economic, political, religious, and cultural structures and practices. This course is designed for intermediate- to advanced-level language students and heritage and native speakers.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 3500 Media and Culture of Mexico I.

See MSPAN 3510 Media and Culture of Mexico II.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 4500 Media and Culture of Mexico I.

Dual-level course introduces students to Spanish to English translation and provides continued practice with written and spoken Spanish and development of intercultural competence. This course provides frameworks in translation theory, problems, and techniques, with an emphasis on the practice of translation. This course is designed for intermediate- to advanced-level language students and heritage and native speakers. Class will be conducted in both Spanish and English.
Prerequisite(s): Six credits from MSPAN 3000 or 4000 level courses or instructor permission.

See MSPAN 3600 Introduction to Translation I.
Prerequisites(:) Instructor permission.

Dual-level course continuation of MSPAN 3600 Introduction to Translation I with increased time devoted to the translation workshop. Students will collaborate to produce original translations of complete texts. This course is designed for intermediate- to advanced-level language students and heritage and native speakers. Class will be conducted in both Spanish and English.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 3600 Introduction to Translation I or instructor permission.

See MSPAN 3610 Introduction to Translation II.
Prerequisite(s): MSPAN 4600 Introduction to Translation I or permission of the instructor.

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): 6 credits from MSPAN 3000-level coursework or instructor permission.

See MSPAN 3620 Introduction to Literary Translation.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

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): 6 credits from MSPAN 3000-level coursework or instructor permission.

See MSPAN 3700 Advanced Spanish Through Literature and Film.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

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.

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.)