B.A. Global, Cultural and Language Studies

Introduces the study of intercultural and global relations, this course examines what binds us to, and separates us from, other peoples and other places. Students utilize an interdisciplinary approach to investigate cultural and political processes which shape and transform social, economic, and personal identities in global contexts, and to engage with concerns of equality and social justice in their local communities and in the world. Required for a major or minor in GCL.

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 goals while striving to develop its economy and society in the shadow of the world's remaining superpower. Learning activities include readings, guest lectures by Mexican 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 program and is taught in English.

Investigates interrelated questions of migration, diaspora, and identity in general theoretical terms and subsequently with regard to a particular area of the world. Emphasis, utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, on the processes of migration and the subsequent transnationalism and transculturation which migration effects.

Examines 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.

Studies 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.

Addresses concepts, methods, and theories exploring social and cultural life across time and space, including the changing concept of culture itself. The course is an introduction to ethnographic fieldwork methods and to the practice of anthropology, with attention to the impact of contemporary social forces on the diverse societies that make up the modern world.

Explores 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 includes wide-ranging cultural, social and moral issues confronting the world community.

Focuses specifically on the investigation of culture at a level of depth suited to juniors and seniors. Participants investigate language, culture, media, representation, and power through a variety of disciplinary and theoretical lenses. Frameworks to be analyzed include subaltern, transcultural, and dependency theory alongside Western theories and tools such as postcolonial, poststructuralist, Marxist, and feminist theory.

Political and social movements are peoples' collective efforts to transform history. This course examines political movements from the unique perspective of popular music performers who, throughout history and across cultures, have used song and dance as liberating and mobilizing 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.

Explores film as cultural expression and as a medium through which the viewer may explore cross cultural issues. Section 001 French Culture Section 002 German Culture Section 003 Native American Culture Section 004 Russian Culture Section 005 Hispanic Culture.

Guides students in their search for a deeper understanding of relevant aspects that affect their relationship with nature, land and local environments. Students will review philosophical concepts that relate individual behavior and attitudes with key elements of nature and its laws. This relationship is deeply influenced by the way we listen and transmit through generations those voices that call for a life with peace, love and justice.

Inquires 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.

Examines 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.

Introduces the student to the complex issues concerning contemporary Latin America. Students will explore current topics and events from a multidisciplinary point of view. Taught in English.

Surveys 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.

A course in Health Humanities and cultural competency. It proceeds from the premise that since a person’s experience of health and illness is highly dependent on his or her culture, cultural understanding is essential for humane health care in today’s multicultural societies. The course aims to help students achieve cultural competency, with particular attention to the development of culturally competent communication skills. It analyzes the influence of culture on human experiences of health and illness, and on health beliefs, values, and healthcare practices. Through interactive exercises, case studies, interviews, role plays, 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

An examination of what kinds of international institutions are best suited to deal with global environmental problems; the role of nongovernmental organizations; and the relationship between varying models 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.

Examines the consequences of colonization on the cultural consciousness of a people by responding to the following questions: What implications do the effects of colonization have for literature written by a once subjugated people who have not had control over their own space? Whose personal history has been detoured by the intrusion of a colonizer? Whose sense of time, space, selfhood, and expression is dictated by an outsider's interpretation of the meanings of all of these? And ultimately, how does a postcolonial writer negotiate or construct reality through literature?

Done in an international setting appropriate to the student’s field of interest. Student is supervised by a site supervisor. Evaluation of performance will be completed by the site supervisor, internship advisor and student. Students may obtain additional information about internships from appropriate language faculty. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

Introduces Russian history from late tsarism to the post-communist era. The first half of the course treats the last years of the tsarist autocracy, the Russian Revolution, Lenin and Stalin, the nature of Soviet communism, and the concept of totalitarianism. The second half of the course considers the Khrushchev and Brezhnev eras, Gorbachev and perestroika, the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia under Yeltsin and Putin, and the Chechen wars. Cultural and intellectual history is an integral part of the course.

Emphasis on the necessity for becoming knowledgeable about the target culture, the techniques that can be used to penetrate another culture and the responsibilities one has in achieving intercultural communication.