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 GSJ.
Topics in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies.
Independent Study in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies
Introduces 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.
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.
Introduces the field of environmental history. Just as flora, fauna, wind, and pollution do not adhere to political boundaries, we will take a transnational and border-crossing approach, considering environmental histories of the Americas, north and south. Through course readings, we will take stock of the evolving field of environmental history and address convergences with other thematic areas, including race and political identity, gender and representation, urban and rural communities, capitalism and economics, the politics of natural disasters, science and climate change, and the transnational flow of people, plants, animals, natural resources, and ideas. In this course, we will set a local, place-based foundation in order to think expansively about the Americas. We will build toward a final written project about place, paying close attention to the research process throughout the semester, including writing proposals, finding sources and materials, producing a draft, and peer review.
Study of literature written in French, German, Russian and other European languages and translated into English. This course focuses on selected works of prose and poetry with emphasis on close reading and reader response as well as cultural, historical, political, religious and economic developments that provide context.
Engages with a group of nonprofit organizations in our community focused on striving for economic, racial, cultural, gender, and earth justice, and each student will have a placement with one of these organizations for the full semester. Individually and together we will learn from community members who have a wealth of experience at social change-making, one step at a time: by building relationships, analyzing social dynamics, understanding systems of power, privilege, and oppression, devising strategies, collecting tactics, using imagination and resourcefulness, thinking shrewdly, and still remaining idealistic. We will learn the working structure of non-profits, and will look critically at what some have called “the non-profit industry,” while recognizing the way in which nonprofits have woven themselves indispensably into the fabric of American economic and social life.
We explore the richness and diversity of several Latin American musical and dance cultures, developing an understanding of the cultural, historical, and sociopolitical frameworks for their vibrant and popular forms. Understanding each musical culture as a hybrid mixture of indigenous expression, Spanish or Portuguese empire, and African diaspora, we examine the contribution of all of these cultural and musical elements to national identity, global politics, and commercial success.
Topics in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies.
Independent Study in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies
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.
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.
Investigations Africa’s diverse beauty, political challenges, economic realities and social and cultural possibilities. How do we understand political and economic development in Africa? As decision-makers and members of communities pursue this development, how do they consider land, language, culture, education, business, governance, conflict, and human rights? Our multidisciplinary approach addresses the life experiences of women, men, children, communities, clans, tribes, and nation-states, land and biodiversity, languages, health, education, artistry, political struggles for independence and autonomy, challenges past leaders have faced, and especially the plans of tomorrow’s leaders.
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.
Study of art, folk, and popular music of both Eastern and Western cultures and relationship of the music to the history, geography and society of the region. No musical experience necessary.
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
Topics in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies.
Examines the concepts of culture, cultural competence and collaboration from an interdisciplinary lens while preparing for a service-learning experience in Tanzania. Includes exploration of equity and justice issues through critical examination of personal and professional values in light of the Benedictine values which are also embraced by our hosts --- the Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes in Tanzania.
Independent Study in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies
A seminar which creates a challenging and supportive environment of inquiry and intellectual community. Integrates learning throughout a student's education, provides resources to guide the student's individual research project, creates the support network and sense of accountability of a graduate-level writing group, as well as a colloquium environment for presenting final projects. Offered concurrently with the Intro (GSJ 1101) course, the seminar allows these students to share their knowledge, expertise, and research projects with the students who are just beginning the program.
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.
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.
Topics in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies.
Independent Study in Global Sustainability and Justice Studies