Languages and International Studies

(School of Arts and Letters)

LIS 1101 Introduction to International Studies (I, II)
4 cr.
Introduction to international studies as a field of inquiry and study. Among the topics are conflict and security, the global economy, development and the environment.Particular attention is given to case studies and the cultural dimension of human experience. Required for a major or minor in LIS.

LIS/POL 2001 Introduction to Political Science (II)
4 cr.
Introduction to the discipline of political science and the nature of political discourse, institutions and organizations. Topics range from politics and culture to terrorism and international relations.

LIS 2050 Introduction toMexico (VII)
0-2 Cr.
This course focuses on understanding the social and cultural differences between the United States and Mexico. Particular attention is given to the social goals of the Mexican Revolution and how Mexico has attempted to address or ignore these goalswhile striving to develop its economy and society in the shadow of the world's remaining superpower. Learning activities include readings,guest lectures byMexican social activists and academics,excursions to sites of historical and cultural importance, reflection papers, and group discussion. The course is a required component of the Semestre en México programand is taught in English.

LIS/HUM 2101 Cross-Cultural Understanding
4 cr.
Emphasis on the necessity for being knowledgeable about the target culture, the techniques that can be used to penetrate another culture and the responsibilities one has in achieving intercultural communication.

LIS 2201 Peaceful Resolution of International Conflicts (II)
4 cr.
Examination of international armed conflict as an historical and cultural phenomenon. An emphasis is placed on causes of international armed conflict.Conventional (and unconventional) approaches to international conflict resolution are covered.Discussion of contemporary issues is included.

LIS 2220 Dance,Gender and Culture (VIII)
2 cr.
A study of the body as an expressive instrument, a site of social conditioning, and a means of shaping and conveying identity. The course is organized thematically, with a specific dance culture to illustrate a set of issues ranging from sexuality, desire, and exoticism to empowerment and assertion of identity through dance. Through readings and analysis of performance, our study of dance as a cultural phenomenon leads us to investigations of history, politics, social dynamics and the shifting categories of race, class and gender, belief and cultural identity.

LIS/POL 3001 Politics of Globalization (II)
4 cr.
Divergent points of views and forms of analysis that surround the debate over globalization. The course stresses the fact that globalization is not only about economics and politics but also includeswide-ranging cultural, social andmoral issues confronting the world community.

LIS 3200 Popular Music and Political Movements (I, VIII)
4 cr.
Political and social movements are peoples' collective efforts to transformhistory. This course examines politicalmovements fromthe unique perspective of popular music performers who, throughout history and across cultures,have used song and dance as liberating andmobilizing forces for political action. Throughout the course,we will examine social and political movements from an interdisciplinary perspective, applying social change theory, literary theory, liberation theology and feminist theory to popular music. Tracing these movements through their particular historical and cultural contexts, we will explore the impact of popular music on social transformation and political change.

LIS/CTA 3202 Culture Through Film (I, VIII)
2 cr.
An exploration of film as cultural expression and as a mediumthroughwhich the viewermay explore crosscultural issues. Section 001 French Culture Section 002 German Culture Section 003 Native American Culture Section 004 Russian Culture Section 005 Hispanic Culture.

LIS 3301 Human Rights (II)
4 cr.
Inquiry into the nature and role of human rights in the context of current international relations. Issues to be addressed range from the relationship between individual and collective rights to the problems of implementation of these rights. Among topics to be considered are torture, political repression, rights of women and indigenous peoples and cultural diversity.

LIS 3302 Europe Today (I, II)
4 cr.
An examination of contemporary trends that are pushing toward increasing political and economic cooperation among European states. In addition, the course will explore forces at work that are resisting tendencies toward European unity. The course includes geographical, cultural, social, political and economic elements as well as in-depth treatment of two key players,Germany and Russia. May be applied to GMN minor. See instructor.

LIS/SPN 3303 The Other America (I, II)
4 cr.
Cross-listed with LIS 3303. Taught in English. A course designed to introduce the student to the complex issues concerning contemporary Latin America. Students will explore current topics and events from a multidisciplinary point of view.

LIS 3304/HIS 3301 Modern Russian History (VII)
4 cr.
Survey of 20th century Russia against the background of its rich history. Focuses on the political, cultural and intellectual history of this giant country with an emphasis on comparisons with its European neighbors.

LIS/HIS 3307 Modern Latin American History (I, VII)
4 cr.
Provides an introduction to 19th- and 20th-century Latin American history. Themes and issues will include the colonial legacy,modernization and nationalism, religion and politics, the revolutionary experience of the 20th century, the role of women and the continuing struggles of indigenous people.

LIS 3401 Health Care Across Cultures (I,WI)
4 cr.
An analysis of the influence of culture on health beliefs, values and healthcare practices. Through interactive exercises, case studies, interviews, guest speakers, reflection papers, research and literature, the course investigates the increasingly complex intersection between healthcare delivery and culture. Students also examine the value assumptions of their own health beliefs in an effort to increase their effectiveness in intercultural healthcare settings.

LIS 4001 Senior Capstone
2 cr.
Designed to build on previous core (general education) courses and to be multidisciplinary, i.e., to integrate considerations fromseveral fields of study. Focus is on contemporary concerns about the world and how to deal with them.

LIS/POL 4402 Environmental Politics (I,WI)
4 cr.
An examination of what kinds of international institutions are best suited to dealwith global environmental problems; the role of nongovernmental organizations; and the relationship between varyingmodels of development and the environment. Particular attention is given to a series of case studies that focus on indigenous peoples and environmental issues as well as the nature of environmental racism.

LIS 4411 Strangers in Their Own Land (I,WI)
4 cr.
Focuses on the impact of various types of development on indigenous people in the United States, Canada, Australia and the rainforest of the Amazon. Attention is also given to issues raised bymarginalized societies such as language, culture and education.