The Global and Multicultural Issues concentration emphasizes the diverse ways of looking at world cultures today. Its courses reflect the varying ways we understand communal and individual identity through the lens of race, ethnicity, gender, economics, politics, and culture, both in the United States and abroad. Students in this concentration are not only encouraged to enroll in courses that approach scholarship in a global context, but are also provided with an opportunity to apply that knowledge in a handson manner through practicum and field studies.

Courses for this concentration include

AG 392 - Applied Ethics: U S and World Agriculture Hours: 3

This course examines major, contemporary issues in agriculture and food policy with emphasis on the ethical aspects of each issue. Discussion focuses on assessing the particular economic, cultural, geographic, political, religious, technological and scientific principles with a moral and ethical framework. Course scope is approximately half U.S. Domestic issues and half international issues. Prerequisite Junior standing.

ANTH 2351 - World Cultures: Perspectives from Anthropology Hours: 3

This course undertakes the study of culture and society from a cross-cultural perspective. It provides an introduction to the major concepts, research methods, and theoretical frameworks of cultural anthropology. Topics focus on marriage and family practices, gender roles and identities, subsistence strategies, political and economic systems and religion. The course will help students to better understand variations in behaviors and beliefs cross-culturally while also providing important insights into U.S. Culture.

ANTH 450 - Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective Hours: 3

This course examines issues and theories of gender cross-culturally. Ethnographic and interdisciplinary materials will be used to explore the diversity of gender roles and gender belief systems in the contemporary world. Emphasis will be on encouraging students to critically examine the social, cultural, and historical underpinnings of gender inequality.

ART 405 - History of Modern Art Hours: 3

This course surveys the major developments in the visual arts of Europe and North America from the latter half of the nineteenth century to the 1960s.

BAAS 345 - Organizational Leadership Hours: 3

Study of contemporary leadership trends in business and industry. Students will research and study a body of literature with an emphasis on formulation of current leadership practices and future trends. Prerequisite Junior standing

ENG 355 - Women Writers Hours: 3

A study of literature by written by women. This course may cover specific historical periods (e.g., U.S. or Latin America texts after 1950), cultural groups (e.g., Black, Chicana, Asian-American, Native American), or specific genre or genres (e.g., science fiction, poetry). Prerequisite Eng 1302. Note The course may be repeated once when the course emphasis changes.

BAAS 409 - Global Technology and Society Hours: 3

This course is a comprehensive survey and analysis of societal and ethical implications of contemporary technological innovations. Special Emphasis is placed on cultural, social, economic, and environmental effects resulting from advances and future trends in science and technology on a global scale. Prerequisite Junior Standing. Note A formal research paper or project is required.

ENG 202 - Multi-Ethnic American Literature Hours: 3

This course is designed to give students knowledge of the ethnic diversity of American literature at the same time that they improve their skills in reading and interpreting literature and in writing. The course covers material from at least three of the following ethnic groups: Native American, African American, Hispanic American, and American Eskimo. Other ethnic groups may also be included. Prerequisite Eng 1302.

ENG 323 - Mythology Hours: 3

This course focuses on the myths of the Greeks and Romans but may also include myths from other cultures such as the Norse and American Indian. Emphasis is placed on the influence of myths in literature and psychology and on enlargement of vocabulary through mastery of words derived from mythology. Prerequisite Eng 1302.

ENG 432 - History and Aesthetics of Film
Hours: 3 Lecture Lab/ Clock Hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)

A historical and aesthetic survey of film from the late nineteenth century to the present. The interdependence of technology and art is examined through the study of significant motion pictures that continue to influence contemporary filmmakers and reflect changing social and cultural values. Prerequisite Eng 1302.

ENG 444 - African American Literature Hours: 3

A study of the literature surrounding the African American experience as expressed through poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel, and occasionally how it is represented in music and film. Readings will include diverse nineteenth- and twentieth century texts that will explore the ways in which writers have given narrative and poetic form to issues such as slavery, religion, urban migration, and social marginalization, and racial identity.

HIST 303 - Historical Geography Hours: 3

A study of the various ways in which history has affected and has been affected by geography, including but not limited to physical, political, cultural, and environmental elements. Topics may include the emergence of ancient civilizations, the spread of Islam, and global commercial relations.

HIST 360 - Themes in World History Hours: 3

A study of the themes which influenced all human cultures from the earliest times to the present, considered within the context of a comparative framework. Such themes as the impact of technological change on society, the development of means of economic exchange and the structure of religious and ideological systems will be examined. Note May be repeated for credit up to nine semester hours as topics change.Prerequisite and/or Corequisite Majors: Hist 253. Non-Majors: may enroll with consent of instructor.

HIST 365 - History of Modern East Asia Hours: 3

A survey of developments in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries with emphasis on the impact of the West in the nineteenth century and modernization in the twentieth. Prerequisite and/or Corequisite Majors: Hist 253. Non-Majors: may enroll with consent of instructor.

HIST 497 - Special Topics in History Hours: 1-4

Organized class. Note May be repeated when topics vary. For description of graduate courses, see Graduate Catalog.Prerequisite and/or Corequisite Majors or Hist 253Non-Majors may enroll with consent of instructor.

PSCI 333 - Non-European Political Systems Hours: 3

A comparative study of selected political systems in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Note May be repeated when the regional emphasis varies.

PSCI 438 - International Relations Hours: 3

A study of the complex nature of both conflict-driven and cooperative interactions among nation-states and non-state actors that function in the international systemically be on a particular region, law and diplomacy, and international organizations including NGOs and IGOs. Note May be repeated when the focus varies.

PSCI 488 - Contemporary Ideas Hours: 3

The course studies contemporary writing, mostly non-fiction, that is characterized by originality of topic, breadth of subject matter, clarity of expression and audacity. In reading logs, students make observations, take notes, and explore questions. In finished writings, they work out connections among ideas from various fields, moving from analysis to synthesis and fresh insights. Prerequisite Junior standing. Cross Listed/ Same As Same as Eng, Hist, and Phil 488

SOC 310 - Psychology and Sociology of Diverse Populations Hours: 3

This course will examine the variables which affect the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors of various micro cultures which comprise our population. The course will include, but will not be limited to, culture as a function of socioeconomic status, religion, sex and gender, language, age, exceptionality, geographical origins and ethnicity. Included in the course will be an analysis of issues related to race, age, sex, and handicap. Prerequisite Junior standing. Cross Listed/ Same As Same as Psy 310; equivalent to Psy 311

SOC 335 - Global Social Issues Hours: 3

This course examines a variety of social issues from a global perspective.  In today’s world nations are linked by vast networks of trade,communication, and travel. As a result, social issues once thought of as “local” are rapidly becoming globalized. Issues associated with these increasing linkages are the focus of this class. They include human rights issues, the implications of global media, the transnationalization of crime and terrorism, global environmental issues, international migration, urbanization, and global social and economic inequalities.

SOC 370 - Minority Groups Hours: 3

A general survey of race, ethnic, and minority relations in the United States. Emphasis is placed on theories of prejudice/discrimination and institutional racism in education, politics, and economics.