Intercultural Studies Course Descriptions

Introduction to InterCultural Studies

An introduction to InterCultural Studies through an examinations of 1) the relationship between culture and identity, 1) patterns of behavior and attitudes engendered by intercultural contact, 3) stages of intercultural awareness, and 4) expressions of identity. The course emphasizes the necessity of intercultural skills in the pluralistic society of the United States in the 21st century, and fosters an understanding of different perspectives through the study of texts which voice the viewpoints and histories of various identity groups within the United States.

Survey 1: Culture and Language

Survey of cultural anthropology and linguistics. This course takes a comparative approach to the study of culture in both Western and non-Western societies. Topics include: family, kinship, and marriage; economics and adaptational strategies; political organization; religion and ritual; gender roles and socialization; and language. Basic concepts, methods of research and analytic perspectives are introduced.

ANTH 320

The Anthropology of Race and Racism

ANTH 370

Native American Cultures

This course is an introduction to Native American cultures, to the history of European contact and colonialism, and to the contemporary status of native Americans in the U.S. and Canadian society. Ethnography, history, essays, fiction, and film are used to explore important themes in the study of these cultures such as the diversity and similarity among Native North American groups; the relationship between culture and the natural environment; the meanings of identity, tradition and acculturation; the mutual impact of Native and European cultures; and the ongoing debate over the representation of Native American peoples.

Intercultural Communication

This course introduces students to the role communication plays in shaping interactions between members of differing cultural groups. Topics include the role of media as vehicles of cultural expression, tourism as a characteristic type of encounter between people, and the ways in which maps construct the identity of social groups.

Introduction to Comparative Politics

An introduction to the political systems of Britain, Germany, Russia, Japan, China, India, Mexico, Nigeria, and Iran. We will learn how to carry out cross-national comparative analysis with particular emphasis on the issues of political identity, participation, and the role of the state. We will also evaluate the impact of globalization as an economic and cultural process influencing the behavior of individual nation-states.

ENLT 390

Reading Whiteness

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Politics of the Third World

A comparative analysis of the process of political and socio-economic development in selected political systems of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Special Topics: Politics of Race (or other approved topics)

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355 Nationality, Race, and Ethnicity in the United States

The study of the patterns of intergroup relations in America emphasizing analysis of subordinate groups whose members have significantly less control or power over their own lives than the members of a dominant or majority group have over theirs. Minority groups is a principal area of concentration within the discipline of sociology. Prerequisite: SOC 153 and 200 level SOC course

Social Stratification: Class, Gender & Race

This course investigates the following topics: principles of stratification; theoretical explanations by which inequality emerges and is maintained; the relationship between class and other forms of inequality in the United States especially gender and race; and the changes in social hierarchy over time.

ANTH141

An introduction to anthropology through the comparative study of cultures, both Western and non-Western. The course focuses on how, in everyday life, people affirm community, moderate conflict, mark the passage of time, and acknowledge the stages of life in birth, marriage and death.

Economic Botony

An examination of the origin and evolution of crop plants. Emphasis will be placed on the classification, origin, and use of major crops including cereals, roots, fruits, vegetables, spices, beverages, fibers, medicines and hallucinogens.

BIO320

Parasitology

Survey of parasitic protozoa, helminths and arthropods of medical and economic importance. Emphasis on host-parasite relations, life histories, pathology and control. (Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory) Offered alternate years with BIO 209/210, spring semester. (Strongly recommended for Biology majors only)

Gender/Race Issues in Management

Explores the dynamics of race and gender in organizations. Attention is given to the concepts of institutional racism and sexism, socialization processes, cultural stereotypes, role theories, conflicts and stress, dual career marriages, and implications of organizational expectations on the individual.

BUAD 422

International Management

Analysis of the global dimensions of management covering such topics as communication and motivation in cultural complexities, organizing international operations, selection training, repatriations, ethics, women in multinational corporations, and current topics. Case analysis, projects and exercises are used to introduce a variety of important skills needed in international operations.

Foundations for Teaching In A Multicultural Society

This is an introduction to teaching and learning in the educational system of the United States of America today. The essential background roles of history, governance, financing, philosophy,
and law are set in a multicultural framework that considers the thematic question: What does it mean to be a teacher in a multicultural society? The thematic question is applied to the content topics of (1) culture, pluralism, and equality; (2) class; (3) ethnicity; (4) race; (5) gender; (6) exceptionality; (7) religion; (8) language, and (9) age.

Studies in Literature (approved topics)

A range of courses offering further studies of interest, designed for students from a variety of majors.

Chicana Literature

Works by contemporary Chicana writers such as Sandra Cisneros, Ana Castillo, Graciela Limón and Cherrie Moraga.

Poetry Writing (approved topics)

Description forthcoming

HIST 324

The Experience of Women in American History

A study of how race, class and gender come together to shape the identities of American women from Colonial times to the present.

Speical Topics: TheHistory of U.S. Views of Foreign Cultures

This course presents selected topics chosen by the professor which are of special importance and relevance but
which are not included in the regular departmental offerings.

HUST203

Asian Influence on Western Literature

An introduction to the cultures of India,China and Japan through their influence on Western writers, thinkers and artists. Texts include books about the East written by Westerners and also translations of Asian literature.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning courses combine standard forms of classroom instruction and interaction within the real-world settings. Such courses are an effective way to link course objectives with direct experience of the world beyond the classroom because they provide studentsopportunities to encounter the many layers of meanings that comprise human beings’ social worlds. Experiential learning offerings may serve as Category or Category 2 courses depending on the topic. May be repeated with different topic.

Special Topics

Topics of special interest in InterCultural Studies not covered in the regular offerings of the program.

Independent Study

This course is designed to provide upperlevel students the opportunity to examine intercultural issues using a framework and content of their own design. Prerequisite: ICS 201 and permission of advisor.

MLFR 408

Culture of Business in French Speaking World

Offers extensive reading practice in a variety of content areas, such as business, economics, political science and social sciences, and acquaints students with the culture of business as well as the socio-political climate of these countries. Students will read and discuss magazine and newspaper articles, and excerpts from books on issues in the French-speaking world. Topics may include: the environment, unemployment and social services, trade relations, immigration, natural resources and their exploitation, women in the work force. Taught in French (Also listed as BUAD 408)

MLFR 462

Francophone Cultures & Literatures

Acquaints students with the beauty and the diversity of the cultures and literature of French-speaking outside of Europe. Through lectures, novels, poetry and films, students discover the cultures created by colonialism. The literature is examined from a sociological and political as well as artistic point of view. A variety of novelists and poets from North Africa, West Africa, the Caribbean and Quebec will be read.

MLFR 491

Topics in French Literaure: French Colonization

An intensive study of a literary movement, theme, genre or author.

Community Health Nursing

This course broadens the concepts of community health nursing introduced across the curriculum and integrates them into a meaningful whole. Emphasis is placed on increasing the student's self-awareness, communicating effectively, and meeting the community health needs of families and groups. Health education, health promotion, and illness prevention are stressed as strategies for meeting the health needs of population aggregates. Analysis of the health care delivery system includes the impact of political, legal, social and cultural influences on the health of clients. Public health nursing issues, such as communicable diseases, environmental hazards, and occupational exposures are discussed.

PHIL 245

Non-Western Philosophy

A study of representative selected texts from Asian, African, Native American or other alternative philosophical traditions.

PHIL 254

Social Justice

A philosophical study of problems of justice in the contemporary world.

POSC 304

Latin American Politics

A study of politics and political institutions in selected Latin American states with special attention to problems of development and institution- building. Prerequisite: POSC 207.

Clinical Psychology

An introduction to clinical psychology as a helping profession, with a focus on interviewing skills and on facilitating the development of a supportive, nondirective relationship. Topics include: a client-oriented model of helping, identifying and clarifying problems, and formulating strategies for change.

Reading the Hebrew Bible in Jewish and Christian Terms

This course is a study of the Bible as a foundation for Jewish and Christian theology and the relationship between
the two faith traditions. It will focus on the Hebrew Bible and how some of its texts and themes are utilized and reinterpreted in the New Testament.p

World Religions and Christianity

What do non-Christian religions say about ultimate reality and the meaning of life? How should Christians regard the beliefs and practices of non-Christians? A survey of selected non-Christian theologies and Christian responses.