The Global, Cultural and Language Studies Major will provide you with intercultural knowledge, experience and tools to create positive change and help to build strong, diverse communities.
- Global studies will help you understand cultural identity and power structures at both local and global levels.
- Cultural studies combines the strengths of both social sciences and humanities by connecting language, history, anthropology, literary studies, and the arts.
- Language study provides not only the skills to communicate in another language, but also the ability to collaborate with another culture from the inside.
Programs
The Global, Cultural and Language Studies Department offers these programs:
Secondary Education
A B.A. in Spanish K-12 Education is also available.
Contact Information
Global, Cultural and Language Studies Courses
American Sign Language Courses
Introduces basic signing skills of comprehension and communication. Emphasizes active use in communicative context as well as cultural analysis.
Expands students' ability to communicate through introduction of more complex linguistic structures. Completes beginning level sequence.
Topics
This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence of Intermediate American Sign language study. Students continue to learn sentence structures and patterns and develop intermediate expressive communication. Focus is on expressive and receptive skills.
This is the second semester sequence of Intermediate American Sign language study. Students continue to learn sentence structures and patterns and develop intermediate expressive communication. Focus is on expressive and receptive skills.
Is an introduction to various aspects of the deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority group. Designed for individuals who may or may not have had prior experience with Deaf people, the course raises questions concerning the nature of sign language and its varieties, the education of Deaf people, the historical treatment of Deaf people, the sociological and cultural issues important to the deaf community, and political activism.
An introduction to various aspects of the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority group. It will focus on topics in the culture of Deaf people including studies of their beliefs, practices and language throughout the world. Designed for individuals who may or may not have had prior experience with Deaf people, this course raises questions concerning the nature of sign language and its varieties, education of D/deaf people, historical treatment of D/deaf people, sociological and cultural issues important to the Deaf community, and political activism.
Topics.
Conducted solely in American Sign Language, this course is an overview of the history of Deaf people and their cultures from the time of Aristotle to contemporary society in order to understand the concept of colonization as an integral part of the “Deafhood” philosophy. That is, the development of a “deaf centered philosophy” in reference to this group of individuals since the traditional idea of “deafness” is seen as restrictive due to the colonization process. The focus will be on how societies have perceived Deaf people, and how those perceptions have shaped their destiny. This course will provide a background of Deaf people, especially as they relate to developing group and personal empowerment. All Deaf people journey toward defining and refining their “Deaf selves.” Students will gain an understanding of these concepts through study of this journey from deafness to Deafhood. Following a historical trajectory, topics covered will include such things as education, Deaf organizations, social welfare, sports, religion, community support systems, and famous Deaf people in the arts and sciences.
Offers study of subjects not covered in the regular ASL curriculum.
Offers study of subjects not covered in the regular ASL curriculum.
Internship
Offers study of subjects not covered in the regular ASL curriculum.
Offers study of subjects not covered in the regular ASL curriculum.
French Courses
First semester sequence of French language study, focusing on the basic structures necessary for asking and answering simple but meaningful questions concerning directions, family life and school.
Expands students’ ability to communicate through introduction of more complex linguistic structures. Completes beginning level sequence.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Completes basic study of linguistic components necessary for participation in meaningful discussion and dialogue in the French language.
Studies French culture and society from the Gallic era to the 21st century. Focus on the evolution and development of social behaviors, cultural norms, and social institutions. Course also counts toward major/minor in LIS.
Studies Francophone culture and society in Africa, Quebec, and the Caribbean. Focus on the influence of colonialism and decolonization on traditional social institutions, behaviors, and cultural norms. Course also counts toward major/minor in LIS.
Studies short literary texts from different periods and regions. Emphasis on developing skills in reading comprehension and analysis.
Reinforces linguistic skills through practical review of basic grammar components.
Topics.
Surveys major aspects in the development of France as a modern European nation. Course also counts toward major/minor in LIS.
Opportunity to read and discuss works of major French poets from medieval to modern times. Relationship of versification techniques to meaning is emphasized.
Studies different genres of literature, such as novels, drama, and autobiography, through close reading and interpretation of significant literary works from various francophone countries.
Focuses on greater fluency in speaking. Emphasis on expanded vocabulary and more complex structures.
Focuses on greater fluency in speaking. Emphasis on expanded vocabulary and more complex structures.
Strengthens writing skills in French through applied grammar exercises which relate to narration, description, dialogue and personal and professional correspondence.
Students have the opportunity to practice sounds, intonation and rhythm patterns that are specific to the French language.
Students learn the vocabulary and cultural materials necessary to plan, prepare and serve a complete French meal.
French language courses not part of the regular French curriculum. Topics will be based on relevance to both the French and the International Studies curriculum.
Topics.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for student whose interests extend beyond the curricular offerings of the department.
German Courses
Introduces basic oral, listening comprehension, reading and writing skills. Emphasizes active use in communicative contexts based on daily life as well as cultural analysis.
Introduces more complex linguistic features and continues the development of the oral, listening comprehension, reading and writing skills within culturally contrastive contexts.
Topics in German.
Promotes the synthesis of the basic language skills through a grammar review, vocabulary building, the use of authentic texts, hands-on projects, films and native speakers to generate discussion and deepen cultural understanding.
Continues the language skills and cultural understanding synthesis of the previous course, adding historical and literary texts to help develop the pragmatics of opinion formation and more complex discourse.
Encourages the development of language functions on a higher level, such as opinion formation and abstraction in both written and oral use. Texts include a broad range of cultural topics, including current events and internet information, music, literature and history.
Encourages the development of language functions on a higher level, such as opinion formation and abstraction in both written and oral use. Texts include a broad range of cultural topics, including current events and internet information, music, literature and history.
Rotating one-credit courses offer students a context based course enabling them to continue developing their German language skills on a limited basis. Subjects offered include German current events, conversation, film, cuisine and pronunciation.
Courses offer in-depth study of subjects not covered in the general language sequence. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the German and the Global, Cultural and Language Studies curriculum.
Independent Study.
Topics.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for students whose interests extend beyond the curricular offerings of the department.
Global, Cultural and Language Courses
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.
Topics.
Independent Study.
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.
Is an introduction to various aspects of the deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority group. Designed for individuals who may or may not have had prior experience with Deaf people, the course raises questions concerning the nature of sign language and its varieties, the education of Deaf people, the historical treatment of Deaf people, the sociological and cultural issues important to the deaf community, and political activism.
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.
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.
Topics.
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.
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.
Examines development, government policies, and social participation in political processes in Ecuador through HECUA. Students learn about the difficulties of implementing changes, and how various social actors participate in the political process through an immersive study-abroad experience. No knowledge of Spanish is required.
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.
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 (GCL 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.
Independent Study.
Latin Courses
Introduces grammar, syntax and basic vocabulary, with an aim toward reading fluency and some degree of oral expression; begins to examine the culture and society in which this language flourished.
Completes the introduction to grammar, syntax and basic vocabulary, again with an aim toward reading fluency and some degree of oral expression; continues to acquaint students with the culture and society in which this language flourished with particular attention to the affect of Latin on post-classical cultures and languages.
Topics.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Native American Studies Courses
Overview of American Indian history, philosophy and culture.
Political, economic, social and cultural development of the American Indian from precontact through conquest.
Political, economic, social and cultural development of the American Indian from conquest to the present.
Organized chronologically as a survey of 20th and 21st century Native American Literature. Classes focus on the historical, political, and social conditions that produce and shape Native American literature and examines how that literature fits into the canon of American literature.
Meaning and development of American Indian art forms. Expressions in symbolic form of Indian philosophy and religion are presented. A study of the traditional and contemporary forms of American Indian music including local and alternative music is included.
Introduction to traditional and contemporary Native American life and culture. Evaluate the historical, political, social, and economic relationship between Native Americans and contemporary American culture. Explore the interactions, from friendship treaties and land deals to contemporary American governmental policies, between America's original inhabitants with Europeans and Euro-Americans. Analyze how tribal people continue to react to the national myths and policies created by Europeans and Euro-Americans.
Courses not a part of the regular curriculum but taught because of a special need, interest or opportunity.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for students whose interests extend beyond curricular offerings of the department.
Philosophy and religious systems, shamanistic and priesthood societies, reversion and amalgamation religions, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, philosophy and social movements.
History and culture of the Ojibwe people.
Issues of early American Indian/white relations, spirituality and religion, economic roles, policy, cultural persistence, land tenure, socialization and property rights, and the role of mothers from the Indian female perspective.
American Indian traditional and contemporary governments, legal-political status, changing codes and statutes and social policy issues.
Historical and cultural aspects of the relationship of American Indians to the counseling process. Course involves group dynamics and practical techniques.
Traditional and contemporary concepts of American Indian families. The social and political changes that have impacted American Indian families will be identified and the degree of impact is assessed.
Understanding of human behavior, cultural issues and their implication for human service interactions with American Indian communities. A systems theory approach will be utilized to address the issues of individual, family, community and societal behavior.
Courses not a part of the regular curriculum but taught because of a special need, interest or opportunity.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for students whose interests extend beyond curricular offerings of the department.
Ojibwe Courses
A two-part sequence in beginning Ojibwemowin, implementing the double-vowel system. These courses introduce students to seasonal cultural practices as well as pronunciation, spelling and the usage of basic verbs and nouns (animate and inanimate) in a simple sentence.
A two-part sequence in beginning Ojibwemowin, implementing the double-vowel system. These courses introduce students to seasonal cultural practices as well as pronunciation, spelling and the usage of basic verbs and nouns (animate and inanimate) in a simple sentence.
Topics.
Independent study.
Explore and continue to learn grammar and culture of the Ojibwe. Dig deeper into concepts of traditional and seasonal practices while learning new forms of verbs. Complex grammatical structures become prominent as we dive into more complex conversations. We will be focussing on four main topics throughout the season. These topics will help you to converse and respond adequately to others about topics. While conversing about family and relationships, we will be going over structures such as possession and object noun use pertaining to VTI and VTA. In this way, grammar and discussion will be intermingled throughout the class. This course aims to further strengthen communication abilities and achieve broader knowledge of Ojibwe culture, expression, and worldview.
Dive deeper into traditional and seasonal practices while learning new forms of verbs pertaining to Ojibwemowin. Complex grammatical structures become prominent as grammatical structures become more complex. We will be focussing on four main topics throughout the season. In addition to the four topics, we will be focussing on the skills needed to respond to them and how to elaborate on student responses. This course aims to not only further strengthen communication abilities, but also teaches complex grammatical structures pertaining to the advanced coursework.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Russian Courses
Introduction to basic grammar of Russian. Practice using all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Introduction to basic grammar of Russian. Practice using all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Continuation of Russian grammar and vocabulary building. Classes include reading of intermediate texts. Attention is given to perfecting basic language skills covered in the beginning courses.
Continuation of Russian grammar and vocabulary building. Classes include reading of intermediate texts. Attention is given to perfecting basic language skills covered in the beginning courses.
A minimum of four weeks of formal Russian language training at the Karelian Pedagogical University in Petrozavodsk, Russia. In addition to the four weeks at the university, the camp includes some touring of other parts of Russia, including major cities.
Russian language courses not part of the regular Russian curriculum. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the Russian and the International Studies curriculum.
Independent Study.
Sequence offering the opportunity to practice the application of skills learned at the intermediate level while encouraging the development of higher level functions of language communication such as opinion formation and abstraction. This sequence includes grammar review as well as reading of selected classical and contemporary Russian texts. All four language skills are given attention.
Sequence offering the opportunity to practice the application of skills learned at the intermediate level while encouraging the development of higher level functions of language communication such as opinion formation and abstraction. This sequence includes grammar review as well as reading of selected classical and contemporary Russian texts. All four language skills are given attention.
Topics in Russian.
Russian language courses not part of the regular Russian curriculum. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the Russian and the International Studies curriculum.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for a student whose interests extend beyond the curricular offerings of the department.
Spanish Courses
The first semester sequence of beginning Spanish language study. Students learn basic sentence structures and patterns and develop basic oral communication. Focus is on listening and speaking skills.
The second semester sequence of beginning Spanish language study. Students learn more complex structures and continue developing oral communicative abilities with increased emphasis on reading and writing.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Intermediate course that deals with the more sophisticated elements of Spanish grammar and communication. All four skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - are emphasized.
Intermediate conversational Spanish. Taught as a component of the Semestre en México Program.
Topics.
Independent Study.
This course is part of a two-semester in-depth examination of Spanish grammar with substantial vocabulary building. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are all practiced in conjunction with cultural and situational contexts.
This course is part of a two-semester in-depth examination of Spanish grammar with substantial vocabulary building. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are all practiced in conjunction with cultural and situational contexts.
Intensive conversational Spanish. Taught as a component of the Semestre en México Program.
This course focuses on developing speaking skills through analysis and discussion of contemporary texts in Spanish including short films, music, readings (short essays, newspaper articles and short literary works) and current events. Classes will be conducted in Spanish.
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 multi disciplinary point of view.
This course is required for students pursuing a Minnesota K-12 license to teach Spanish. Explores various techniques for teaching Spanish, curriculum development, instructional planning strategies, and assessment of student progress.
Discover the beauty of the Spanish language through poetry. Approach and appreciate cultures of the Spanish speaking world through reading and reciting of works by contemporary and classic authors. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Enter literary worlds created by contemporary and classic Spanish language authors. Expand knowledge of cultural and historical contexts through short stories. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Journey through the rich history and culture landscapes of Spain. Explore major historical events, philosophical movements, political and economic changes as reflected in such cultural expressions as art, music, dance, cinema, cuisine, literature and current events. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Journey through the rich history and culture landscapes of Spain. Explore major historical events, philosophical movements, political and economic changes as reflected in such cultural expressions as art, music, dance, cinema, cuisine, literature and current events. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Explore the histories and cultures of Latin@s in the U.S. Through a lens of cultural expressions, consider themes of migration, culture, and identity. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Offers in-depth study of subjects not covered in the general language sequence of the curriculum. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the Spanish and the International Studies curricula.
Examines development, government policies, and social participation in political processes in Ecuador through HECUA. Students learn about the difficulties of implementing changes, and how various social actors participate in the political process through an immersive study-abroad experience. No knowledge of Spanish is required.
Discover the development, influences, and historical trajectory of literature written by women in Latin America. Critically analyze works from various genres as cultural and literary expressions of women in Latin American cultural contexts. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Enter the world of myths and legends from the Spanish speaking world to explore their cultural and personal significance. Develop and practice oral storytelling techniques. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Independent Study.
Develop communicative competency, linguistic and cultural, with regard to practitioner-patient communication within a latinx context. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Internship.
Topics.