This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
312 North Shafer Street
Box 842021
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2021
(804) 827-1111
worldstudies.vcu.edu
Amy Rector, Ph.D.
Associate professor and director
The School of World Studies is an interdisciplinary unit that explores the diversity of the human experience and prepares students to contribute to a healthy, equitable and sustainable world. With training in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, school faculty conduct research on language, religion, film, literature, politics, economics and the environment, and their relationship to local and global movements for racial, social and environmental justice. The World School offer majors in anthropology, foreign language, international studies and religious studies, as well as a number of minors including European studies, Italian studies, Latin American studies, Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, Russian studies and world cinema. Course instruction is enriched by a range of opportunities to gain real-world experience. School of World Studies majors acquire the critical knowledge, analytic abilities, experience and communication skills to succeed in all aspects of life and participate in the project of building a generous world for all.
See what SWS students and alumni are doing to make this vision of the world real.
Languages
Learning a language is incredibly rewarding because it increases mental acuity and global cultural competence and enhances opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Language proficiency opens doors for personal as well as professional interaction from right here in Richmond to all reaches of the globe. The School of World Studies offers courses in:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Russian
- Spanish
In cases where the appropriate level of instruction is unavailable, or students are interested in pursuing languages not offered at VCU, the School of World Studies Advising Office will assist in identifying language study options at other U.S. institutions or abroad.
Foreign language courses
Students planning to take a foreign language course at VCU must take the placement test in order to determine proper course selection. Specific information about the placement test is available on the School of World Studies website. Placement scores determine at which skill level the students begins course work in the respective language. Students who test above a specific course level continue with higher level courses to fulfill degree or graduation requirements.
Students transferring in credit for foreign language course work may continue taking courses at the respective VCU skill level without taking a placement test. Skill level progression is still required and upheld. Students who transfer in credits at a specific course level continue at that level or at a higher level to fulfill degree or graduation requirements.
Students are required to consecutively complete 101, 102 (beginning), 201, and 202 or 205 (intermediate) levels, or be waived through placement or earned transfer credit. Once a student has reached the 300 level, they are expected to progress through 300-level course work or higher. Registering into a lower level once that skill level has been met is not possible.
Foreign language requirement and native speaker information
All students within the College of Humanities and Sciences are required to meet a foreign language requirement either through the 102 level for the college general education program or through a higher level as specified by the individual program. Specific information on assessment to waive the foreign language requirement is available on the School of World Studies website.
Experiential learning and study abroad
World ePass
The School of World Studies is committed to the premise that learning is best facilitated through engagement with the dynamic complexities and challenges of the world outside the classroom. As part of this commitment, each major within the school is required to complete a World ePass portfolio.
The intention of the World ePass is to highlight each student’s breadth of experience and skills gleaned beyond the core curriculum: cultural competencies, experiential learning opportunities, participation in student research, presentation at conferences, international engagement, multicultural campus activities, foreign language acquisition and academic achievements.
Students obtain initial information and guidance on creating their World ePass through an introductory video.
The World ePass portfolio content requirements include professional preparation, transferable skills articulation, academic career highlights, experiential learning experiences and global citizenship. Once students have started the process of ePass creation, they submit the site address through the World ePass submission site.
All experiential learning opportunities must receive prior approval from the SWS Advising Office. These include internships, service-leaning courses, certain noncredit options and study abroad.
World ePass completion
Evaluation of the World ePass is on a pass/fail basis. Prior to graduation with a degree from the VCU School of World Studies, the World ePass must be reviewed and approved, with input from SWS faculty, by the SWS advising coordinator.
Study abroad
All School of World Studies students are encouraged to participate in a study abroad program.
Opportunities range from a summer intensive program to a semester or academic year-length experience. Summer study-abroad programs provide students with opportunities for short-term immersion in the language, culture and civilization of the countries they visit. Information about all current study abroad opportunities can be found on the Global Education Office website. For more information about World Studies faculty-led study abroad programs, visit the School of World Studies website.
- Anthropology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Foreign Language, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in:
- International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in:
- Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Anthropology, minor in
- Asian and Chinese studies, minor in
- French, minor in
- German, minor in
- Global environmental humanities, minor in
- International social justice studies, minor in
- Italian studies, minor in
- Latin American studies, minor in
- Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, minor in
- Religious studies, minor in
- Russian studies, minor in
- Spanish, minor in
- World cinema, minor in
School of World Studies courses
- Anthropology (ANTH)
- Anthropology Lab (ANTZ)
- Foreign Literature in English Translation (FLET)
- International Studies (INTL)
- Religious Studies (RELS)
Foreign language courses
- Arabic (ARBC)
- Chinese (CHIN)
- Foreign Languages (FRLG)
- French (FREN)
- German (GRMN)
- Italian (ITAL)
- Russian (RUSS)
- Spanish (SPAN)
School of World Studies courses
Anthropology
ANTH 103. Introduction to Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. A general survey of anthropology with emphasis on learning about and from global cultures, and on the four fields of anthropology.
ANTH 105. Introduction to Archaeology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of archaeological sites, methods and theories from around the world, from the earliest human cultures, to the rise and spread of civilizations, to the modern era. Crosslisted as: INTL 104.
ANTH 110. REAL Experience in Anthropology. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 field experience hour. 0-1 credit. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103 or ANTH 105. Enrollment requires the permission of the faculty supervisor. Introduces students to anthropological research. Students will participate in various stages of anthropological work, such as research design, data collection and analysis, and public outreach, working alongside an anthropology faculty member who will provide direct oversight of their contributions. The course enables students to participate in anthropological work from when they first encounter the major and promotes their continued involvement in that work throughout their academic career. Graded as pass/fail.
ANTH 200. Introduction to African Societies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course introduces the student to the African continent, its peoples and cultures. It covers such general characteristics as the physical and geographical features, climate, topography, traditional economies, languages, religions, social systems and other cultural features that are traditional to its people. Crosslisted as: AFAM 200/INTL 200.
ANTH 210. Biological Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103. Explores the disciplinary subfield of biological anthropology. Emphasis on the history and study of humans as biological organisms. Topics include genetic, social and ecological determinants of variation in human growth and biological diversity, as well as human adaptation and adaptability, disease, diet, and nutrition.
ANTH 220. Cultural Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103. Explores the disciplinary subfield of social and cultural anthropology. Provides an overview of key themes and theories in the subject, as well as the analytical and methodological tools to critically consider cultural difference, social organization and social change, with reference to a representative range of culture areas and the empirical fields studied by cultural anthropologists.
ANTH 230. Anthropological Linguistics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103. Explores the disciplinary subfield of anthropological linguistics. Emphasis is on the interactions between language and culture from a comparative perspective, as well as the relationship between language and social identities and relationships. Also an introduction to the field's methodology, research techniques, analytical tools and their applications.
ANTH 250. Death: Myth and Reality. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of intellectual and emotional responses to death and dying with emphasis upon their role in the development of religious thought and practice. Special attention will be paid to the death theme in literature, funeral practices and beliefs concerning the afterlife in selected world religions. Crosslisted as: RELS 250.
ANTH 301. Human Evolution. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. Introduces the range of human diversity as well as a broad understanding of evolution and evolutionary biology, particularly as it applies to hominid evolution. Specific topics include basic genetics, primatology, paleontology and the hominin fossil record. Crosslisted as: BIOL 341.
ANTH 302. Archaeological Theory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 105/INTL 104 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. Covers the basic theoretical perspectives and tools of archaeology, including analysis and interpretation of archaeological materials. Students will review the intellectual history of archaeology, applying a variety of theoretical approaches to archaeological data sets and sites.
ANTH 303. Archaeological Methods and Research Design. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 105/INTL 104 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. Introduces the basic practices of archaeology, including planning, excavation, artifact analysis, documentary research, mapping, dating sites and artifacts, and interpretation and presentation of findings. Students will participate in an active field research program and will apply methods at an active site and lab.
ANTH 304. Sociology of Families. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SOCY 101 or ANTH 103/INTL 103. The family in its social and cultural context. Analysis of child rearing, marriage, kinship, family crises and family change in various societies around the world. Crosslisted as: SOCY 304/GSWS 304.
ANTH 307. Human Osteology. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 210. Corequisite: ANTZ 307. Emphasizes human skeletal development and the identification of specific bones and their anatomical landmarks, including the determination of side for paired bones. Also discussed are methods of estimating age, sex and stature from human skeletal remains and application of human skeletal data to broader anthropological questions.
ANTH 309. Gender and Global Health. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines how health policies produce and regulate gendered bodies and sexualities. Topics may include how colonial medicine and health policies of detection, diagnosis, surveillance, quarantine and confinement were implemented as methods of social control. Analyzes continuities between colonial medicine and more contemporary interventions that in the name of individual and communal health attempt to shape proper sexualities and gendering. Crosslisted as: AFAM 309/INTL 309/GSWS 309.
ANTH 310. Forensic Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 210 or FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C. A comprehensive overview of forensic anthropology including its development and the theory and methodology on which it is based. Crosslisted as: FRSC 310.
ANTH 312. History of Human Settlement. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A cultural and historical geography of human migration and settlement over the earth. Topics may include agricultural and urban systems, exploration, colonization and imperialism, and changing relationships with the environment, during and since the Middle Ages. Crosslisted as: URSP 312.
ANTH 315. Field Methods and Research Design in Cultural Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103, and ANTH 220 or ANTH 230. Overview of quantitative and qualitative anthropological field techniques as well as the ethical dimension of anthropological fieldwork. Basics of research design, effective methodology and writing grant proposals.
ANTH 321. Gender and Culture in Africa. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103 and AFAM/ANTH/INTL 200; or AFAM 111. Promotes an understanding of certain issues and conditions of women and their developing positions and statuses on the African continent. Among the topics to be considered are health and reproductive issues, women as political agents (vis-à-vis men), human rights debates, environmental practices, customary and traditional rites versus modernization, law and justice, and the concept of African feminism.
ANTH 328. Language, Culture and Cognition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or 230. Introduces theoretical and methodological foundations for the study of language from sociocultural perspectives. The perspectives include linguistic, philosophical, psychological, sociological and anthropological contributions to the understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication as a social activity embedded in cultural contexts. No prior training in linguistics is presupposed. Crosslisted as: FRLG 328/ENGL 392/LING 392.
ANTH 330. Languages of Past Cultures: Historical Linguistics and Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 230, ANTH/ENGL/LING 390 or ANTH 328/ENGL 392/FRLG 328/LING 392. Considers the basic principles of diachronic linguistics in terms of the questions that historical linguists ask and the kinds of data they have at their disposal to answer them. Discusses uses of linguistic data in the reconstruction of past cultures in different parts of the world, analyzing strengths and weaknesses of such data and suggesting ways in which it can be usefully combined with information from other disciplines.
ANTH 331. Public Culture: Anthropology Through Film. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103; WRLD 230. Explores how anthropology can contribute to a critical analysis of films as cultural representations. Class discussion will relate particular films both to the cultural context they depict and to the cultural context in which they were produced. Will also examine films as images that produce cultural meanings with the potential to affect the viewer's understanding of the world and comprehension of self.
ANTH 335. Language and Society: Sociolinguistics in ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. An introduction to topics in sociolinguistics, including language variation, language attitudes, language planning, language contact and multilingualism, language and gender, language and identity, and more. Crosslisted as: WRLD 335.
ANTH 348. South American Ethnography. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. General ethnographic survey of both highland and lowland indigenous cultures of South America and cultural changes as a result of European contact. Crosslisted as: INTL 348.
ANTH 349. Rethinking a Continent: Latin America. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. This course surveys contemporary cultures of Latin America. It addresses historical sociocultural developments from an anthropological perspective and introduces concepts from social justice studies, development anthropology and applied anthropology. Crosslisted as: INTL 349.
ANTH 350. Rethinking a Continent: Europe. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103, INTL 101 or INTL 103; and UNIV 200 or HONR 200. An exploration of European political and sociocultural development from prehistory to modernity with an emphasis on integrative and disintegrative forces that have shaped cultures and identities in the European region as part of a larger geopolitical configuration. This course will focus on the diverse sociocultural compositions as well as the various cultural outputs of the region through an interdisciplinary approach. Crosslisted as: INTL 350.
ANTH 355. Death and Burial. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or ANTH 105. Explores beliefs about the dead across time and space, the transformations physical bodies undergo after death and how archaeologists investigate human remains to interpret the beliefs and social practices of past cultures.
ANTH 364. Mythology and Folklore. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of one or more forms of folklore, such as folktales, fairy tales, legends, myths, proverbs, riddles, ballads and/or games, with some attention to literary, social or historical significance and contexts. This course may also include approaches to collecting material or to examining later literary forms and texts inspired by folklore. Crosslisted as: ENGL 364.
ANTH 365. Archaeology and Religion: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Explores the archaeological record as evidence for the religious life of past and present societies with emphasis on the study of religion anthropologically. Topics may include thematic and/or geographical and/or literary approaches. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: RELS 365.
ANTH 370. Visualizing and Exhibiting Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or ANTH 105. Addresses the ability to visualize the knowledge gathered by anthropologists through forms of technology such as three-dimensional artifact scanning and 3D printing. Students will use the hundreds of objects scanned by archaeologists and ethnographers across the globe, including in VCU’s Virtual Curation Laboratory, to design dynamic hands-on and virtual exhibits and activities that communicate multiple perspectives on the human condition and that are designed to stimulate and provoke multiple reactions and encourage discussion.
ANTH 375. Field Archaeology. 6 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture and 8 field and laboratory hours. 6 credits. Introduction to archaeological field and basic laboratory techniques. Archaeological data collection (excavation or survey) forms the core of the course.
ANTH 380. Medical Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 210 or 220. An introduction to the biological and cultural anthropological study of global health and well-being, including healing processes, the biosocial relations of healing management and relationships between biomedicine and pluralistic medical systems.
ANTH 381. Modern Identities: Nation Building. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Critically explores how nation building and national identities have developed over the past two centuries among peoples across the globe. Class discussions will examine theoretical perceptions of these processes and focus on how they shaped and shape realities in different times and places. Crosslisted as: INTL 381.
ANTH 383. Evolutionary Medicine and Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 210, BIOL 101 or BIOL 151. Explores how modern human health and disease have been shaped by evolutionary processes. Particular emphasis is placed on examining health-related traits that are adaptive in one context but maladaptive in others, and why attempts to eliminate some of these traits can have deleterious effects on other aspects of our health. Specific diseases to be addressed include hypertension, diabetes, clinical depression, reproductive disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and drug addiction, among many others.
ANTH 387. Environmental Archaeology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or ANTH 105. Provides an introduction to the kinds of environmental evidence archaeologists access and the kinds of questions they investigate using that evidence. Explores a variety of ways in which archaeologists examine the relationship between humans and the environment and the sorts of effects that different environmental conditions and changes have had on ancient societies.
ANTH 388. African Archaeology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or ANTH 105. Surveys the range of archaeological knowledge currently available about the African continent, highlighting the major interrelated social, economic/technological and cultural transformations in the African past and the most important archaeological sites and discoveries there. Addresses themes of Africa’s enduring connections with the rest of the world, unique patterns of social and cultural development found on the continent, relations between African societies and their environments, and the contemporary significance of the continent’s cultural heritage.
ANTH 389. World Archaeology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or ANTH 105. Examines the diversity and evolution of human cultures through archaeological practices and techniques.
ANTH 390. Introduction to Linguistics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. An introduction to methods of language analysis, emphasizing the study of sounds and sound patterns, and units of meaning and their arrangements. Crosslisted as: ENGL 390/LING 390.
ANTH 391. Topics in Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Maximum 6 credits per semester; maximum total of 18 credits in departmental topics courses that may be applied to the major. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103. Seminar on current specialized areas of anthropological interest. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
ANTH 394. Historical Archaeology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103 or ANTH 105/INTL 104; and any history course. A review of historical archaeology, recognizing its contemporary emphasis on the spread of European cultures across the globe beginning in the 15th century. Methods and findings of historical archaeological research from the United States and around the world will be covered with special emphasis on the study of documents and artifacts related to the emergence and present state of the modern world. Crosslisted as: HIST 390.
ANTH 398. Field Investigations in Anthropology. 1-8 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-8 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Permission of instructor required. A course involving travel and/or study in an off-campus context. Intended primarily for students participating in directed study abroad programs, the course meets the experiential learning requirement for the anthropology major.
ANTH 399. Junior Seminar. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisites: ANTH 210, 220 or 230; and junior standing. Focuses on self-assessment, compilation of a portfolio and curriculum vitae, career and graduate school preparation, and lifelong application of skills and knowledge acquired in the program. Students will critically assess their experience in the anthropology program.
ANTH 403. Primatology. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 210 or ANTH 301/BIOL 341. Primatology investigates the taxonomic relationships among primates through comparative anatomy, comparative behavior and comparative biochemistry. Study of primate evolution, demography, subsistence, reproduction, social organization, communication systems and ecology. Crosslisted as: BIOL 403.
ANTH 415. Economic Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides an overview of the anthropological approach to the "economic" in social life. Analyzes the role played by systems of reciprocity and exchange in ethnographic contexts. Concepts employed by anthropologists in the study of traditional subsistence economies are used to examine modern industrialized societies. Crosslisted as: INTL 415.
ANTH 416. The Origin and Evolution of the Idea of Race. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103 or AFAM 103 or permission of instructor. This course is an exploration of the origins and social history of the "idea" of race from the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century. Using both historical and anthropological scholarship, the course presents an analytical framework for race as a sociocultural phenomenon. Crosslisted as: AFAM 416.
ANTH 420. Women of Africa. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103 or AFAM 103. This course looks at the traditional roles of women in African societies and examines how women have coped in different environments. It focuses on the institutionalized aspects of similarities and differences in women's lives in pastoral and horticultural societies and those with mixed economies, and will contrast these with women's roles in large state societies of Africa and in the modern urbanized context. Crosslisted as: AFAM 420/INTL 420.
ANTH 425. Religion, Magic and Witchcraft. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. A survey of the nature and variety of beliefs outside of the major streams of religious thought. Among topics considered are myth, totemism, taboo and sorcery. Emphasis on understanding supernatural beliefs and practices in relation to culture and society. Crosslisted as: RELS 425/INTL 425.
ANTH 450. Cross-cultural Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the dynamics of cross-cultural communication that applies linguistic tools to understanding cultural issues and solving communication problems. Crosslisted as: ENGL 454/INTL 454.
ANTH 454. Theory in Cultural Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 220 or ANTH 230, and at least one 3-credit 300-level ANTH course . A study of the connections between theoretical work that addresses understandings of culture and methodological practice centered on creating ethnography.
ANTH 455. Anthropology of Development and Globalization. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 103, INTL 101 or WRLD 210. Consists of a theoretical and practical understanding of development through an anthropological approach to social, cultural and economic change. Focuses on a critical examination of the agents of development: practitioners, consultants, non-governmental organizations and non-state agencies. Emphasis will be on the relation of development to the lived experiences of people around the world. Crosslisted as: INTL 455.
ANTH 457. Comparative Perspectives on Cultures and Societies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103; UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Examination of the theoretical, methodological and ethical problems that arise from anthropological comparisons of cultures. Crosslisted as: INTL 457.
ANTH 469. Human Dentition: ID and Anthropology. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103 and ANTH 210; or ANTH 301; or BIOL 318. Focuses on the evolutionary anthropology of human dentition. Topics include evolution, genetics and ontogeny of the dentition; functional aspects of tooth size and shape; dental asymmetry; dental morphology and population affinities; dental pathology and subsistence; and dental markers of physiological stress. Students will explore within- and between-group variation, as well as the relationship between dental size and shape and behavior, relatedness and nutrition.
ANTH 490. Anthropology Senior Capstone. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: completion of 15 credits in anthropology at the 300 and 400 level or the equivalent; senior standing. Open only to anthropology majors. Explores current research that transects more than one subfield of anthropology. Research foci will be at the discretion of the instructor, but students will explore how the anthropological subfields influence and speak to each other in new translational research, and will assess the emerging literature and scientific questions with a critical and scientific perspective.
ANTH 491. Advanced Topics in Anthropology. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. Maximum 6 credits per semester with different topics.Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103; ANTH 210, 220, or 230; and UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Seminar on current specialized areas of anthropological interest. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. A maximum total of 18 credits in departmental topics courses (including ANTH 391 and 491) may be applied to the major.
ANTH 492. Independent Study. 1-6 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 6 credits per semester; maximum total of 12 credits for all independent study and internship courses. Prerequisites: determination of the amount of credit and permission of the instructor and the group coordinator must be procured prior to enrollment in the course; a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major. Generally open only to students of junior or senior standing who have acquired at least 12 credits in the anthropology program.
ANTH 493. Anthropology Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits (40 clock hours per credit). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits for majors and 3 credits for minors. Prerequisites: completion of 9 credits in anthropology courses at the 300 level or above, and permission of the internship coordinator. Student must be in good academic standing with a minimum major GPA of 2.25. Designed for the advanced student to gain workplace experience in a local, national or international business or agency offering opportunities in anthropological field methods or research.
ANTH 497. Honors in Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Continuous courses; 3 lecture hours. 3-3 credits. ANTH 497 is a prerequisite for ANTH 498. Design and completion of a long-term research project in the major. The thesis project is the culmination of an advanced course of study within the anthropology program. Under the supervision of a faculty mentor, students must demonstrate a thorough understanding and use of anthropological research techniques and analysis, a knowledge of relevant literature, and sophisticated writing and research abilities. Students must apply to program for participation in honors thesis work. See Bulletin for eligibility criteria and application procedure.
ANTH 498. Honors in Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Continuous courses; 3 lecture hours. 3-3 credits. ANTH 497 is a prerequisite for ANTH 498. Design and completion of a long-term research project in the major. The thesis project is the culmination of an advanced course of study within the anthropology program. Under the supervision of a faculty mentor, students must demonstrate a thorough understanding and use of anthropological research techniques and analysis, a knowledge of relevant literature, and sophisticated writing and research abilities. Students must apply to program for participation in honors thesis work. See Bulletin for eligibility criteria and application procedure.
Anthropology Lab
ANTZ 301. Human Evolution Lab. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Corequisite: BIOL 341/ANTH 301. Laboratory exercises correlated with BIOL 341/ANTH 301. Exercises emphasize comparative primate and fossil anatomy, morphology and behavior, as well as practice in recognizing and applying evolutionary principles in human evolution. Crosslisted as: BIOZ 341.
ANTZ 303. Archaeological Methods and Research Design Lab. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Corequisite: ANTH 303. Laboratory exercises correlated with ANTH 303. Exercises emphasize practical applications of describing, cataloging and analyzing artifacts and faunal and floral remains from archaeological excavations.
ANTZ 307. Human Osteology Lab. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Corequisite: ANTH 307. Laboratory exercises correlated with ANTH 307. Exercises will emphasize practical description and identification of human bones and bony morphology, as well as associated soft tissue structures.
ANTZ 403. Primatology Lab. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Corequisite: ANTH 403/BIOL 403. Laboratory exercises correlated with ANTH 403/BIOL 403. Exercises will emphasize comparative studies of morphology, behavior and social systems between and among primate groups, as well as the evolution of these characteristics in extant species and populations.
Foreign Literature in English Translation
FLET 321. Early German Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Changing perspectives in German literature from its pagan beginnings, through the Medieval Golden Age, Baroque extremism, the Enlightenment and Storm and Stress up to Classicism and Goethe's Faust. Treatment of The Nibelungenlied, the courtly epic, Simplicissimus, and selections by Lessing, Schiller and Goethe. This course will not satisfy foreign language requirements. No knowledge of German is required. All work is done in English.
FLET 322. Modern German Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Growing psychological awareness and alienation of the individual in German literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Representative works chosen from among writers of the past century and such modern writers as Thomas Mann, Kafka, Hesse, Brecht, Kafka, Hesse, Brecht, Boll and Grass. This course will not satisfy foreign language requirements. No knowledge of German is required. All work is done in English.
FLET 391. Topics in Foreign Literature in English Translation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 12 credits. An in-depth study of selected topics in foreign literature. This course will not satisfy foreign language requirements. No knowledge of a foreign language is required. All work is done in English.
FLET 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1, 2 or 3 credits. Maximum of 3 credits per semester, maximum total of 6 credits for all FLET independent study courses. Open generally to students of only junior or senior standing who have acquired at least 12 hours in any literature course. Determination of course content and permission of the instructor and department chair must be obtained prior to registration of the course. A course designed to give students an opportunity to become involved in independent study in a literary or linguistic area or subject in which they have an interest and for which they have the necessary background.
International Studies
INTL 101. Human Societies and Globalization. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. An interdisciplinary inquiry into how societies around the world are organized and how they are interrelated on social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. The course is organized around themes that are important to prominent globalization processes -- topics such as human rights, global inequalities, cultural globalization, global crime, globalization and religion, the global mass media, and environmental issues. Students also explore the implications of rapid social change for international issues and interpersonal interaction.
INTL 102. Introduction to Political Economy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Seminar on the development of critical thought and economic analysis of policy issues. Focus is on how policy choices affect society and the individual, the economic methodology that guides policy choices, and the institutional and political environments within which policy is derived. Issues cover a broad range of topics including environmental issues, tax policy, inflation expectations, unemployment, foreign trade and the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies. Crosslisted as: ECON 101.
INTL 104. Introduction to Archaeology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of archaeological sites, methods and theories from around the world, from the earliest human cultures, to the rise and spread of civilizations, to the modern era. Crosslisted as: ANTH 105.
INTL 105. International Relations. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. An introductory analysis of interstate relations and world affairs. Attention focuses on theories of international politics, military capabilities and their application, international organizations, global economic trends, domestic sources of state behavior and other selected issues as appropriate. Crosslisted as: POLI 105.
INTL 151. Global Communications. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Explores how communication media and globalization drive each other and how they both impact the nation-state as well as international institutions. Examines how technology, the global economy and international media corporations influence culture, politics, business, law and other institutions in countries around the world. Explores the relationship between media systems and governments and how both are affected by technology and globalization. Crosslisted as: MASC 151.
INTL 200. Introduction to African Societies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course introduces the student to the African continent, its peoples and cultures. It covers such general characteristics as the physical and geographical features, climate, topography, traditional economies, languages, religions, social systems and other cultural features that are traditional to its people. Crosslisted as: AFAM 200/ANTH 200.
INTL 201. Rethinking the Middle East. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An interdisciplinary comprehensive approach to understanding the Middle East and North Africa. Offers an overview of the region and its place in the contemporary world that includes, but is not limited to, its sociocultural composition, geography, traditions and cultural output.
INTL 204. Language and Groups in the United States. 3,4 Hours.
Semester course; 3-4 lecture hours. 3-4 credits. Taught in English. This course introduces students to the sociocultural experience and formation of identity of non-English-speaking peoples in the United States. Students explore the dynamic between English and a specific heritage language and its interaction with artistic, cultural and social issues through fiction and nonfiction texts, films and multimedia pertaining to specific language groups, such as: Latinos, Italian-Americans, German-Americans or Native Americans. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: FRLG 204.
INTL 211. Contemporary World Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 112 or both ENGL 295 and HONR 200. A study of selected literature published in the past 25 years and chosen from a number of different nations and cultures. Crosslisted as: ENGL 211.
INTL 215. International Studies in the Professional World. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: WRLD 210. Enrollment is restricted to international studies majors with at least sophomore standing. This course provides students majoring in international studies with strategies for professional readiness and academic success. In addition, students will explore pre-professional opportunities and compile an e-portfolio and curriculum vitae. Graded as pass/fail.
INTL 250. Confronting Climate Crisis. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores the many ways that people -- including students -- are confronting the climate crisis, from the local to the global. Engages with major debates in the fight to understand and address climate crisis, centering ways in which Black, migrant, Indigenous peoples and folks in the Global South are forging a path toward socially just responses. Crosslisted as: SOCY 250.
INTL 291. Topics in International Studies. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of six credits. An introductory study of a specialized topic in international studies. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
INTL 295. Media Diplomacy and Globalization. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course introduces students to the relationship between media and globalization through the concept of media diplomacy. Students engage with conceptual, archival and practical learning activities, including comparative media analysis at national and transnational scales. Students will be able to better position themselves in a world characterized by integration and interdependence through communications technologies.
INTL 303. World Regions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of the various regions of the earth, including land forms, climate, resources, peoples, agriculture and urban conditions. Regions to be selected each semester from Anglo-America, Latin America, western Europe, Eastern Europe, the former USSR, Middle East and North Africa, Africa (south of the Sahara), Indian subcontinent, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. May be taken only once for credit. Crosslisted as: URSP 303.
INTL 306. Judaism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A general survey of the dynamics and characteristic patterns of Jewish civilization encompassing history, practices and beliefs. Crosslisted as: RELS 306.
INTL 307. Black Religion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analysis of the role of religion in the lives of blacks with an emphasis on African religions and philosophies, the black church in America, and the roles of the various faiths, sects and cults. Crosslisted as: AFAM 307/RELS 307.
INTL 309. Gender and Global Health. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines how health policies produce and regulate gendered bodies and sexualities. Topics may include how colonial medicine and health policies of detection, diagnosis, surveillance, quarantine and confinement were implemented as methods of social control. Analyzes continuities between colonial medicine and more contemporary interventions that in the name of individual and communal health attempt to shape proper sexualities and gendering. Crosslisted as: AFAM 309/ANTH 309/GSWS 309.
INTL 314. Human-Environment Interactions: Foundations and Applications. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative study of the ecology and natural history of human populations, including the environments as determining factors in the evolution of human institutions and technology, resources management, and population crises; cultural traditions as mechanisms of population control; basic theory of population biology. Crosslisted as: ENVS 314.
INTL 315. Economic Development. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ECON 203 with a minimum grade of B, ECON 205 with a minimum grade of B or ECON 210; and ECON 211. An introduction to the process of economic development. Surveys development theory and experiences of underdeveloped countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and of developed countries. Explores obstacles to development and policies and tools for stimulating economic development. Crosslisted as: ECON 315.
INTL 316. Religious and Ethnic Minorities in the Middle East. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides an overview of ethnic and religious minorities in the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Covers the main theories in ethnic studies in order to examine how the concept of minority (religious and ethnic) has emerged as a key factor in the cultural, economic, political, religious and educational policies of modern Middle Eastern countries.
INTL 317. Islam. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the emergence of Islam in Arabia in the seventh century and its subsequent developments, including a look at the Qur'an (the holy book), the Prophetic traditions, the concept of God, and mysticism (sufism) and law (shari'ah) and an overview of ritual practices, fundamental beliefs, theological principles and current issues in Islam and international relationship. Crosslisted as: RELS 317.
INTL 320. International Marketing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: MKTG 301. Enrollment is restricted to students who have completed at least 54 credit hours (junior standing). Designed to help students develop an understanding of international marketing policies and the differences among foreign marketing environments. Students compare and contrast domestic and international marketing and examine recent changes in the international marketing environment. Crosslisted as: MKTG 320.
INTL 321. Buddhism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical survey of the origins, basic beliefs, sacred text, themes, practices, history, key figures, subject matters, schools of thought and current issues in Buddhism. Crosslisted as: RELS 321.
INTL 324. Indian Religious Traditions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A systematic analysis of the major theories of Indian religious and philosophical thought: Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Charvaka, Jainism, Buddhism, the six systems of Hinduism and contemporary developments. Crosslisted as: PHIL 324/RELS 324.
INTL 325. Nature, Culture, Justice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course explores the origins and development of 'the environment' as a problem of nature, culture and justice. The readings and lectures cover the history of environmental activism, the disproportionate impact of environmental problems on marginalized and impoverished communities, the tensions between economic inequality, economic development and environmental preservation, and the climate change catastrophe.
INTL 327. Introduction to Intercultural Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the basic concepts, principles and skills for improving verbal and nonverbal communication with persons from different cultures. Using a cultural general approach, topics discussed include the concept of culture, barriers to intercultural communication, verbal communication process and nonverbal communication aspects. Appropriate for business and non-business majors. Crosslisted as: MGMT 329.
INTL 328. Russian Society in Transition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SOCY 101 or permission of the instructor. An analysis of Russian culture and social institutions as they are today and in historical perspective. Throughout the course interrelationships among politics, the economy and social life are examined, with particular emphasis on the ideological implications of Russian/Soviet architecture, art and mass media; on environmental issues and health; on social problems and the legal systems; and on gender, the work world and family interaction.
INTL 329. International Economics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ECON 203 with a minimum grade of B, ECON 205 with a minimum grade of B or ECON 210; and ECON 211. An analysis of economic and political influences on exports and imports, balance of payments, foreign investment, exchange rates and international monetary systems. Crosslisted as: ECON 329.
INTL 330. Global Societies: Trends and Issues. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: INTL/POLI 105 or POLI 201 or SOCY 101. An analysis of factors that are promoting the globalization of social, economic and political relations, and an inquiry into implications of these developments for individuals, localities, nations and the world community. The course will highlight the impact of culture and ethnicity, historical and emerging patterns of international business activity and their societal significance, divergent strategies for economic and social development in the world's regions, and the effects of population growth and environmental problems on public life within and among nations. Crosslisted as: SOCY 330.
INTL 331. Survey of Latin American Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 300; SPAN 305 or 307 or 311; corequisite: SPAN 301. Conducted in Spanish. An introduction to major authors and trends up to the present. Crosslisted as: SPAN 331.
INTL 332. Revolutions and Counterrevolutions in the Middle East. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of the Arab uprisings of 2011 and the ways in which the mass protests continue to shape the region. Includes an introduction to theories of revolution and counter-revolution. Examines in detail the social, political and economic reasons for the uprisings, as well as the connection to earlier revolutions in the region.
INTL 333. Geography of Africa. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the land forms, climate, peoples, livelihoods, settlement patterns and cultural groupings of sub-Saharan Africa. Crosslisted as: AFAM 333/URSP 333.
INTL 334. Regional Geography of ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the land forms, climate, resources, peoples, agricultural and urban conditions in a specific region such as North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and India, the USSR and Eastern Europe. See the Schedule of Classes for specific region to be studied each semester. Crosslisted as: URSP 334.
INTL 338. Eastern Religions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introductory survey of Eastern religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto, including their historical formation and foundational ideas, symbols, stories, and rituals and influence on personal and social life. Crosslisted as: RELS 338.
INTL 339. Western Religions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introductory survey of Western religions, such as Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, including their historical formation and foundational ideas, symbols, stories, and rituals and influence on personal and social life. Crosslisted as: RELS 339.
INTL 340. World Cities Outside of North America. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduction to the theories and ideas of urbanism through writings and cases of major global cities outside of the United States. Crosslisted as: URSP 340.
INTL 341. Global Ethics and the World's Religions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical survey of ethical concepts and issues in the thought and practice of major religious traditions. Comparison of ethical perspectives on selected themes and attention to cooperative efforts toward a global ethic. Crosslisted as: RELS 340.
INTL 345. Great Cities of the World. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An interdisciplinary course with a focus on the origin, expansion and significance of one or more cities, the specifics of its/their culture and the role of language. Particular emphasis will be placed on relating the physical, social and economic aspects of the city's growth and development to the cultural expression of urbanism. Crosslisted as: FRLG 345/URSP 350.
INTL 348. South American Ethnography. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. General ethnographic survey of both highland and lowland indigenous cultures of South America and cultural changes as a result of European contact. Crosslisted as: ANTH 348.
INTL 349. Rethinking a Continent: Latin America. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. This course surveys contemporary cultures of Latin America. It addresses historical sociocultural developments from an anthropological perspective and introduces concepts from social justice studies, development anthropology and applied anthropology. Crosslisted as: ANTH 349.
INTL 350. Rethinking a Continent: Europe. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103, INTL 101 or INTL 103; and UNIV 200 or HONR 200. An exploration of European political and sociocultural development from prehistory to modernity with an emphasis on integrative and disintegrative forces that have shaped cultures and identities in the European region as part of a larger geopolitical configuration. This course will focus on the diverse sociocultural compositions as well as the various cultural outputs of the region through an interdisciplinary approach. Crosslisted as: ANTH 350.
INTL 351. Middle Eastern Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative analysis of political systems in the Middle East including the study of contemporary aspects of traditionalism, the political nature of transition, the instruments of political modernization, and evolution and revolution in the political process of Middle Eastern states. The course will explore the primary bases of cleavage and conflict and the principal forces that shape the policies and political dynamics of the region. Crosslisted as: POLI 351.
INTL 352. European Governments and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative study of the political systems of selected western and eastern European countries. Crosslisted as: POLI 352.
INTL 353. Latin American Governments and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of politics characteristic of Latin American systems, including democratic reformism, military authoritarianism and revolutionary socialism. The course also examines the contemporary problems of fledgling democracies as they cope with economic and debt crises and various opposition challenges. Crosslisted as: POLI 353.
INTL 354. Russian and Eurasian Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the origins, institutions, processes and disintegration of the Soviet political system and the ongoing reform efforts during the post-Soviet period. Special emphasis is placed on the politics of the transition to a democratic political system and a market economy. Other topics include nationality issues, social problems and foreign policy. Crosslisted as: POLI 354.
INTL 355. Asian Governments and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative analysis of the politics and governments of major Asian states, with a focus on Japan, China and India. Crosslisted as: POLI 355.
INTL 356. African Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will introduce students to the basic outlines of government and politics in Africa. The course will consider such topics as colonialism, elitism, and nationalism and modernization strategies. Using the comparative approach, the course will primarily focus on West, East and Central Africa. Crosslisted as: POLI 356/AFAM 356.
INTL 357. Politics of Southern Africa. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of racial and political developments in the southern tip of Africa. While South Africa will be the primary focus of analysis, other countries in the region such as Zimbabwe, Angola and Mozambique will be studied. Crosslisted as: POLI 357/AFAM 357.
INTL 358. Concepts of Comparative Government. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Comparative study of politics and governments. Introduces concepts and theories used in the study of political systems. Topics include democratization and democratic governance, the role of the state, one-party and military regimes, revolution, and economic and political development. Crosslisted as: POLI 358.
INTL 360. World Religions’ Classics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical reading of selected works from among the spiritual classics of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism and other religious traditions. Crosslisted as: RELS 350.
INTL 361. Issues in World Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An exploration of several significant issues in world politics. Topics may include peacekeeping and collective security, international economic competitiveness, global environmental politics as well as selected others. Topics will vary with current events and trends in the international arena. Crosslisted as: POLI 361.
INTL 362. International Organizations and Institutions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the background development structure and operations of organizations and institutions such as the United Nations, the European Community and the Organization of American States. Crosslisted as: POLI 362.
INTL 363. U.S. Foreign Policy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analytical survey of processes and practices in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy, including an introduction to the goals, problems of implementation and current challenges faced by policy makers. Crosslisted as: POLI 363.
INTL 364. Vietnam. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analysis of the complete record of the conflict in Vietnam. The primary focus will be on the period of U.S. involvement. The course will examine closely how and why the U.S. became involved in Vietnam and what impact the Vietnam War has had on political institutions and behavior. In particular, the course will examine what impact the period of U.S. involvement has had upon U.S. foreign policy. The course also will consider additional topics including public opinion and the war, the relationship between the president and Congress in light of the war, and contemporary U.S. politics as a backlash against the political movements of the 1960s. Crosslisted as: POLI 364.
INTL 365. International Political Economy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of both theoretical and current policy issues in international political economy. Theories to be covered include liberalism, mercantilism, Marxism, regionalism, world systems theory and others. Policy issues include differing styles of capitalism in the industrialized world, the political economy of development, the politics of international corporate alliances and others. Crosslisted as: POLI 365.
INTL 366. African Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of regional and/or cultural traditions of African literature with special attention paid to socio-political perspectives. Crosslisted as: AFAM 363/ENGL 363.
INTL 367. Caribbean Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A survey of West Indian writings. Attention will be given to African, European and Amerindian influences, as well as to the emergence of a West Indian literary tradition. Crosslisted as: AFAM 365/ENGL 365.
INTL 368. Women and Global Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of women and global politics, providing both a feminist re-examination of traditional international-relations theories and a comparative analysis of the political, legal and economic status of the world's women. The impact of women on global political institutions such as the United Nations will be addressed as well as other feminist and grass roots means of taking political action. Crosslisted as: GSWS 366/POLI 366.
INTL 370. Studies in the Music of the African Continent and Diaspora. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: MHIS 243 or MHIS/AFAM 250. An in-depth examination of selected topics and issues in African-derived musical and cultural traditions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: AFAM 350/MHIS 350.
INTL 375. Interdisciplinary Methods for International Studies Research. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Survey course examining a range of humanistic and social scientific research methods used by international and global studies. This course equips students with the ability to generate unique, answerable and ethical research questions concerning world cultures, spaces and social formations. Data will be generated and analyzed through interviews, ethnography and participant observation, archival research, close reading, translation, discourse analysis, and action research. As a final product, students will produce a research proposal.
INTL 381. Modern Identities: Nation Building. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Critically explores how nation building and national identities have developed over the past two centuries among peoples across the globe. Class discussions will examine theoretical perceptions of these processes and focus on how they shaped and shape realities in different times and places. Crosslisted as: ANTH 381.
INTL 385. International Migration and Displacement. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An interdisciplinary approach to the study of contemporary migration and population displacement in the global context. In addition to an in-depth study of the theories of modern migration, the course also focuses on the examination of voluntary and involuntary movement across borders. Possible topics include narratives of migration, global migratory flows and patterns, environmental factors, refugees and asylum seekers, and tactics of bordering.
INTL 390. Historic and Ethnic Textiles. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 290 or IDES 446 or permission of instructor. An examination of the history of textile design and production around the world. Crosslisted as: FASH 390.
INTL 398. Directed Study Abroad. 8 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 0-8 credits per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits with approval of student's major department. Permission of academic adviser required. A course involving travel and/or residence in a foreign country as features of the student's work on a pre-arranged project. Intended primarily for students participating in student exchange programs.
INTL 409. Modern Islamic Thought and Global Trends. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Introduces students to the integral relationship of Islam to major events of global concern and contextualizes these events into the wider modern and postmodern developments of Islamic thought and its intellectual and ideological self-interrogation. This course will provide students with the opportunity to study both the background of modern Islamic thought and selected contemporary events. Crosslisted as: RELS 409.
INTL 412. Zen Buddhism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of Zen Buddhism, including backgrounds in Indian philosophy and practice, development in China and Korea, and present-day Zen theory and practice in Japan and in Western countries. Crosslisted as: PHIL 412/RELS 412.
INTL 415. Economic Anthropology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides an overview of the anthropological approach to the "economic" in social life. Analyzes the role played by systems of reciprocity and exchange in ethnographic contexts. Concepts employed by anthropologists in the study of traditional subsistence economies are used to examine modern industrialized societies. Crosslisted as: ANTH 415.
INTL 416. International Financial Management. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FIRE 311. Enrollment is restricted to students who have completed at least 54 credit hours (junior standing). Financial management of business in an international environment. Emphasis on tools and techniques to prepare financial managers of multinational firms to effectively respond to the challenges of the international environment. Crosslisted as: FIRE 316.
INTL 418. International Management. 3 Hours.
3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: junior standing. The study of the environment of international business, ethics and social responsibility in international settings, culture and its effect on behavior and management practice, and the strategies and management practices of firms engaged in international activities. Aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and sensitivities needed to be effective managers in the international business environment. Crosslisted as: MGMT 418.
INTL 419. Doing Business in Europe. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: junior standing and permission of instructor. Designed primarily as a core integrative course for students enrolled in the Certificate in International Management Studies, but other students are welcome. The course has three goals: a) integration of foreign languages, European studies and international management; b) infusion of other business areas relevant to doing business in Europe (such as international marketing, finance law and economics); and c) the development of cultural sensitivity and social responsibility. The course will be organized as a series of seminars with faculty and other speakers from the above disciplines. Crosslisted as: MGMT 419.
INTL 420. Women of Africa. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103 or AFAM 103. This course looks at the traditional roles of women in African societies and examines how women have coped in different environments. It focuses on the institutionalized aspects of similarities and differences in women's lives in pastoral and horticultural societies and those with mixed economies, and will contrast these with women's roles in large state societies of Africa and in the modern urbanized context. Crosslisted as: AFAM 420/ANTH 420.
INTL 421. Civilization of Latin America II. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. This course explores the cultural diversity of Latin America and the social and political forces behind cultural change. Topics will focus on a specific interdisciplinary theme, such as urban life, the politics of identity and on a specific area of Latin America. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: SPAN 421.
INTL 425. Religion, Magic and Witchcraft. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. A survey of the nature and variety of beliefs outside of the major streams of religious thought. Among topics considered are myth, totemism, taboo and sorcery. Emphasis on understanding supernatural beliefs and practices in relation to culture and society. Crosslisted as: RELS 425/ANTH 425.
INTL 441. Islamic Mysticism: the Sufis. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Introduces students to the major Sufi masters and their works. It covers ideological and practical development of Islamic mysticism as compared to the developments within Islam itself. Crosslisted as: RELS 441.
INTL 445. Activism and Dissidence. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will explore the history and theory behind activist and dissident movements. Readings will be drawn from many types of dissident texts, including political theory, sociology, philosophy, history, literature, theology, art and testimonials from activists on the ground. Students will explore the connections between today’s anti-authoritarian and anti-colonial movements around the world with historically relevant precedents and key texts of theoretical foundations. Core questions will include: Why do activists choose to engage in politics? Why have governments responded so differently to activists throughout history? What are the challenges facing people around the world as they contest established norms and injustices? Assignments will ask students to hone their writing skills and engage in conversation with activist communities in order to better understand multiple worldviews.
INTL 446. International Human Resource Management. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MGMT 331, INTL/MGMT 418 or ECON/INTL 329. Covers the application of human resource management activities in an international context. Highlights similarities and differences with domestic methods; current practices in the selection, development, compensation and maintenance of parent-country, host-country and third-country nationals; and the impact of regulatory and cultural differences between countries. Crosslisted as: MGMT 446.
INTL 448. Digital Marketing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: MKTG 301. Enrollment is restricted to students who have completed a minimum of 54 credit hours (junior standing). Examines social media, mobile and Internet marketing as necessary ingredients to successful marketing strategy. Analyzes and applies digital techniques for market evaluation, consumer and competitive analysis, market comparison and selection, and effective marketing communication design and delivery. Crosslisted as: MKTG 448.
INTL 449. Religion, Globalization and Social Justice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: RELS 340/INTL 341, WRLD 210 or WRLD 220; UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Explores the role religions are playing in the work of building a socially just and environmentally sustainable world community. Crosslisted as: RELS 450.
INTL 450. Francophone Literatures and Cultures. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321 or 330 or 331. Conducted in French. Introduces students to the literatures and cultures of the Francophone world. Provides an overview of the Francophone world and an in-depth study of literary works written in French from Africa, the Caribbean, North America, Asia and Europe. Also explores the impact of Colonial history on Francophone literatures and cultures. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: FREN 450.
INTL 451. Religion, Racism and Social Justice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: RELS 340/INTL 341, WRLD 210 or WRLD 220; UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Explores the complex history and contemporary relationships between religion, racism and social justice. Crosslisted as: RELS 451/AFAM 451.
INTL 452. The Politics of Developing Areas. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Analysis of the processes of political and economic development. Includes a study of various challenges facing developing countries, such as economic inequalities, environmental degradation, mass political participation, military coups, revolution and civil war. Crosslisted as: POLI 359.
INTL 453. Western Religions, Women and Social Justice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: UNIV 200 or HONR 200; and RELS 108, GSWS 201 or WRLD 210. Explores the experience and portrayal of women in the three Abrahamic traditions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Study focuses on how these religions and their texts bear upon the social, economic, political and spiritual lives of women. Special attention is given to the impact of globalization and religious fundamentalism on women. Crosslisted as: RELS 453/GSWS 453.
INTL 454. Cross-cultural Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 217, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A study of the dynamics of cross-cultural communication that applies linguistic tools to understanding cultural issues and solving communication problems. Crosslisted as: ENGL 454/ANTH 450.
INTL 455. Anthropology of Development and Globalization. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 103, INTL 101 or WRLD 210. Consists of a theoretical and practical understanding of development through an anthropological approach to social, cultural and economic change. Focuses on a critical examination of the agents of development: practitioners, consultants, non-governmental organizations and non-state agencies. Emphasis will be on the relation of development to the lived experiences of people around the world. Crosslisted as: ANTH 455.
INTL 457. Comparative Perspectives on Cultures and Societies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH/INTL 103; UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Examination of the theoretical, methodological and ethical problems that arise from anthropological comparisons of cultures. Crosslisted as: ANTH 457.
INTL 458. Religion and Ecojustice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RELS 108 or INTL/SOCY 250. Explores Eastern, Western and indigenous religious traditions’ understanding of the meaning of nature, including human nature; our ethical obligations to nature, including other species; and how different traditions imagine, value and interact with nature. Considers how diverse religious communities are involved in efforts to address socio-environmental issues like the climate crisis, consumerism, environmental racism, indigenous sovereignty, protection of forests and oceans, access to healthy air, water, land and food, and the establishment of an ecological society. Crosslisted as: RELS 458.
INTL 460. Contemporary Issues in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated once, with a different topic, for credit. Prerequisites: UNIV 200 or HONR 200; and INTL 201 or INTL/RELS 317. Provides advanced study and analysis of contemporary issues in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.
INTL 465. Rethinking Globalization. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: WRLD 210. Explores a variety of theories germane to the study, analysis and critique of globalization from an interdisciplinary perspective. Emphasis is placed on bringing different concepts and theoretical frameworks from across the humanities and social sciences into conversation and debate. Topics include challenges that have threatened the prospects of a globalized world from the early 1990s, the contemporary rethinking of globalization and the aspects of globalization that may be perceived as problematic.
INTL 468. Comparative National Security Policy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of national security policies and policy-making in a diverse set of nation-states. Emphasis is placed on comparing how threat perception, historical context, ideology, political structure and leadership impact national security policies of both powerful and weak nation-states. Crosslisted as: POLI 368.
INTL 480. China in Transition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Traces how China is making the transition from a planned to market economy, and what implications this transition has on the political, social and urban landscape. Class discussions are grounded on a basic understanding of China's modern history and regional geography. Crosslisted as: POLI 360.
INTL 490. Senior Capstone in International Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Enrollment is restricted to students with senior standing in the international studies major who have a minimum of 85 credits earned toward the degree, including a minimum of nine credits earned within the respective concentration. An individualized research project focusing on international issues and undertaken in a capstone seminar setting.
INTL 491. Topics in International Studies. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. An in-depth study of a particular topic in international studies. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
INTL 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. Maximum total of 4 credits in all independent study courses. Generally open to students of junior and senior standing who have acquired at least 12 credits in international studies courses. Determination of amount of credit and permission of instructor and director must be obtained before registration of the course.
INTL 493. International Studies Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 field experience hours. 1-3 credits (40 clock hours per credit). May be repeated for a maximum of six credits, however only three credits can count toward the major concentration. Prerequisite: completion of nine credits of upper-level (300- or above) INTL concentration course work. Enrollment is restricted to international studies majors with junior or senior standing, and registration requires approval through the internship coordinator. Student must be in good academic standing with a minimum major GPA of 2.25. Designed for the advanced international studies major to gain workplace experience in internationally oriented public and private organizations and agencies.
INTL 499. Senior Seminar. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisites: completion of 18 INTL credits at the 300- or 400-level; senior standing. Pre- or corequisite: INTL 490, 492, or 493. Focuses on self-assessment, compilation of a portfolio and curriculum vitae, career and graduate school preparation and on the lifelong application of skills and knowledge acquired in the program. Students will critically assess their experience in the international and area studies program.
Religious Studies
RELS 108. Human Spirituality. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the manifestations of one or more of the themes of religious studies in a diverse group of religious communities. The themes may include such wide-ranging topics as the sacred and profane, the epistemology of faith and knowledge, creation stories, human identity, the nature of the divine, the possibility of liberation or salvation, mythology, ritual, ethics, religion and art, religion and law, and religion and politics.
RELS 250. Death: Myth and Reality. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of intellectual and emotional responses to death and dying with emphasis upon their role in the development of religious thought and practice. Special attention will be paid to the death theme in literature, funeral practices and beliefs concerning the afterlife in selected world religions. Crosslisted as: ANTH 250.
RELS 280. Introduction to Catholic Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course provides an introduction to Catholicism's major doctrines, figures, historical events, philosophy and ethics from its beginnings in the first centuries of the Common Era through contemporary debates over such issues as abortion, sexuality and war. Students will learn about scripture, doctrine, theology, the sacraments, art and architectures, saints, social justice and gender, and the history and role of the Church.
RELS 291. Topics in Religious Studies. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Focused study of selected ideas, institutions, movements, time periods and/or thinkers. See Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester.
RELS 300. What is Religion?. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores the origins, nature and function of religion and religious phenomena through a critical engagement with a diversity of theories of religion that have shaped the field of religious studies. Examines how academic scholars collect, assemble and interpret religions/cultures, including oral and written stories, art, architecture, symbolism, rituals, ethics and morals, and basic ideas about the nature of existence. Also considers the practical consequences, including the politics and ethics, of different theories employed by scholars in the study of religion and religious phenomena.
RELS 301. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the Hebrew Bible from its beginning through the post-Exile period. Emphasis given to the literary and historical development of the text. Crosslisted as: HIST 305.
RELS 302. Introduction to the New Testament. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the New Testament with particular emphasis given to the historical development of the Canon. Crosslisted as: HIST 306.
RELS 305. Hebrew Prophets. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the literature and history of Israel as seen through the work of the writing prophets. Emphasis will be placed on the second part of the Hebrew Canon and the Book of Daniel.
RELS 306. Judaism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A general survey of the dynamics and characteristic patterns of Jewish civilization encompassing history, practices and beliefs. Crosslisted as: INTL 306.
RELS 307. Black Religion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analysis of the role of religion in the lives of blacks with an emphasis on African religions and philosophies, the black church in America, and the roles of the various faiths, sects and cults. Crosslisted as: AFAM 307/INTL 307.
RELS 308. High and Later Middle Ages. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A detailed historical overview of developments in Western Europe from the end of the first millennium through the end of the 15th century. Crosslisted as: HIST 311.
RELS 310. Mediterranean Religions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores the earliest evidence of religious practice and belief in the Mediterranean region and probes the ways that the ancient traditions shaped the religions that still endure today. Also investigates the effect of religion in the Mediterranean region on related issues of intercultural relations, peace and conflict, and migration.
RELS 315. The Ancient Near East. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the ancient Near Eastern civilizations from the preliterary period to the end of Kassite rule in Babylonia (c. 1160 B.C.). Crosslisted as: HIST 301.
RELS 317. Islam. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the emergence of Islam in Arabia in the seventh century and its subsequent developments, including a look at the Qur'an (the holy book), the Prophetic traditions, the concept of God, and mysticism (sufism) and law (shari'ah) and an overview of ritual practices, fundamental beliefs, theological principles and current issues in Islam and international relationship. Crosslisted as: INTL 317.
RELS 318. History of the Jewish People I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the Jewish people from the biblical period to the early modern period, including the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Judea in Hellenistic and Roman times, the Diaspora in Islam and in Europe, social and cultural trends, and Jewish settlement in the Ottoman Empire. Crosslisted as: HIST 333.
RELS 319. History of the Jewish People II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the Jewish people from the early modern to the present, including the impact of the Emancipation, the rise of the American Jewish community, the impact of modernism and growth of Reform, the beginnings and growth of Zionism, restoration in Palestine, the Holocaust, the creation of Israel, and the relations of Israel and world Jewry. Crosslisted as: HIST 334.
RELS 320. Taoism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of one of the most fundamental and influential philosophies of life in Chinese culture, focusing on the theory and practice of the basic principles of Taoism as formulated by the legendary Lao Tzu and further developed by Chuang Tzu.
RELS 321. Buddhism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical survey of the origins, basic beliefs, sacred text, themes, practices, history, key figures, subject matters, schools of thought and current issues in Buddhism. Crosslisted as: INTL 321.
RELS 322. Tibetan Buddhism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A basic introduction to the history, development and mythology of the Buddhism of Tibet focusing on the Indian heritage and shared basis of all Buddhist practices, a clear identification of the three vehicles found in Buddhism, and a careful consideration of the path of the Bodhisattva, the hero of Great Vehicle Buddhism. Crosslisted as: PHIL 322.
RELS 324. Indian Religious Traditions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A systematic analysis of the major theories of Indian religious and philosophical thought: Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Charvaka, Jainism, Buddhism, the six systems of Hinduism and contemporary developments. Crosslisted as: INTL 324/PHIL 324.
RELS 326. Existentialism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHIL 101, PHIL 103, PHIL 104, PHIL 201, PHIL 211, PHIL 212, PHIL 213, PHIL 214, PHIL 221 or PHIL 222. An examination of the nature of truth, freedom, responsibility, individuality and interpersonal relations as found in some principal writings of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Jaspers, Sartre, Heidegger, Camus, Buber and Marcel. Crosslisted as: PHIL 326.
RELS 327. History of Christianity I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A historical and theological examination of Christianity from its origin to the early modern period, or the age of the Reformations. Emphasis is placed upon an understanding of leading events, ideas, movements and persons in their historical settings. Crosslisted as: HIST 335.
RELS 333. Psychology and Religious Experience. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Religious belief and experience as viewed by major psychological theorists. How psychological methodology has been used to study religious experience. Topics include personality factors and development, conversion experiences, religious experiences and mental health and human values. Crosslisted as: PSYC 333.
RELS 334. Religion in Contemporary America. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course studies the history, literature, belief patterns and unique traits of religion in the United States. The evolution of religion and religious sentiment in a modern pluralistic, democratic society, including the varieties of religious experiences in contemporary America will be reviewed.
RELS 335. The American Jewish Experience. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The religious, social and cultural structure of American Jewry from the Colonial era to the present.
RELS 336. Religions in Latin America. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An interdisciplinary survey of the major religious groups of Latin America, with a focus on the development of Catholicism, Protestantism and the traditions of the African diaspora, such as Santeria and Voduo, during the 20th century.
RELS 337. Contemporary Cults and New Religious Movements. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of contemporary religious movements. Focuses on new groups that have emerged in the context of globalization. Involves understanding of what gives rise to these movements, how they are distinctive and how they develop.
RELS 338. Eastern Religions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introductory survey of Eastern religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto, including their historical formation and foundational ideas, symbols, stories, and rituals and influence on personal and social life. Crosslisted as: INTL 338.
RELS 339. Western Religions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introductory survey of Western religions, such as Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, including their historical formation and foundational ideas, symbols, stories, and rituals and influence on personal and social life. Crosslisted as: INTL 339.
RELS 340. Global Ethics and the World's Religions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical survey of ethical concepts and issues in the thought and practice of major religious traditions. Comparison of ethical perspectives on selected themes and attention to cooperative efforts toward a global ethic. Crosslisted as: INTL 341.
RELS 350. World Religions’ Classics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical reading of selected works from among the spiritual classics of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism and other religious traditions. Crosslisted as: INTL 360.
RELS 354. Religion and Film: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different themes for a total of six credits. Explores central themes present in all global religious traditions, such as ritual, faith, myth, suffering, redemption, the religious quest/pilgrimage, the nature of good and evil and perceptions of the sacred. Using readings from sacred texts and contemporary film critiques, the course juxtaposes ancient story and wisdom with contemporary narratives in film. Possible themes would include women and religion in world cinema, Christology in world cinema, and violence and redemption in film. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: CINE 354/WRLD 354.
RELS 360. Sociology of Religion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SOCY 101. A systematic review and assessment of major sociological theories of and empirical research on religious behavior and groups. Topics include the structure of religious organizations; social correlates and functions of religion; denominationalism; religion and social class, social change and population. Crosslisted as: SOCY 360.
RELS 361. The Bible as Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Literary aspects of the Bible will be considered. Also, attention will be given to the history of the English Bible. Crosslisted as: ENGL 361.
RELS 362. Shakespeare and Religion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of the religious ideas in selected plays by William Shakespeare and their relevance to contemporary religious thought and experience. Topics include the nature of God, the meaning of life, the problem of evil, moral authority and the question of immortality as found in Shakespeare's plays.
RELS 365. Archaeology and Religion: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Explores the archaeological record as evidence for the religious life of past and present societies with emphasis on the study of religion anthropologically. Topics may include thematic and/or geographical and/or literary approaches. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: ANTH 365.
RELS 371. Women in Islam. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200, RELS 108, GSWS 201 or ENGL 215. Critical study of the roles and rights of women in Islam. Crosslisted as: GSWS 371.
RELS 380. Global Catholic Thought. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of the contemporary Catholic Christian response to the questions, "Who is God?" and "Where/how do we experience the Sacred?" Methods of Catholic theology will be explicated and applied to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and current responses to those teachings in such areas as sacramental worship and liturgy and moral/ethical teachings of the Church.
RELS 391. Topics in Religious Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credits. A study of a selected ideas or concepts, religious thinkers or significant movements in the field of religion. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and prerequisites.
RELS 398. Directed Study Abroad. 1-8 Hours.
Semester course; 1-8 field experience hours. 1-8 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. A course involving travel and/or study in a foreign country. Intended primarily for students participating in pre-arranged projects, directed study abroad and/or exchange programs. The course meets the experiential learning requirement for the religious studies major.
RELS 401. Faith and Life Sciences. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Open to students of any school or program. Explores the complex relationships between faith traditions and the life sciences. Topics include epistemology, impact of life sciences on ideas of fate and responsibility, limits of science and technology, and scientific and religious perspectives on human origins, consciousness, aggression, forgiveness, health, illness and death. Crosslisted as: LFSC 401.
RELS 407. Modern Jewish Thought. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of the writings of the leading Jewish thinkers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Special reference will be made to the issues arising from the encounter of Judaism with the modern world: the nature of revelation and the authority of the Torah, the nature of God, the impact of the Holocaust, the meaning of redemption and the significance of the state of Israel.
RELS 409. Modern Islamic Thought and Global Trends. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Introduces students to the integral relationship of Islam to major events of global concern and contextualizes these events into the wider modern and postmodern developments of Islamic thought and its intellectual and ideological self-interrogation. This course will provide students with the opportunity to study both the background of modern Islamic thought and selected contemporary events. Crosslisted as: INTL 409.
RELS 412. Zen Buddhism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A study of Zen Buddhism, including backgrounds in Indian philosophy and practice, development in China and Korea, and present-day Zen theory and practice in Japan and in Western countries. Crosslisted as: PHIL 412/INTL 412.
RELS 414. Incarceration and Spirituality: _____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Enrollment requires permission of the instructor. Experiential seminar held at a local correctional institution that connects students to residents as learning partners. Examines themes, topics and problems in the world religions and social justice supplementing theoretical studies with the lived experiences of inmates and university students. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered.
RELS 422. Religion and Film. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different themes for a total of six credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Explores central themes present in all global religious traditions, such as ritual, faith, myth, suffering, redemption, the religious quest/pilgrimage, the nature of good and evil and perceptions of the sacred. Using readings from sacred texts and contemporary film critiques, the course juxtaposes ancient story and wisdom with contemporary narratives in film. Possible themes would include women and religion in world cinema, Christology in world cinema, and violence and redemption in film.
RELS 425. Religion, Magic and Witchcraft. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH/INTL 103 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200 with a minimum grade of C. A survey of the nature and variety of beliefs outside of the major streams of religious thought. Among topics considered are myth, totemism, taboo and sorcery. Emphasis on understanding supernatural beliefs and practices in relation to culture and society. Crosslisted as: ANTH 425/INTL 425.
RELS 430. Philosophy of Religion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHIL 101, PHIL 103, PHIL 104, PHIL 201, PHIL 211, PHIL 212, PHIL 213, PHIL 214, PHIL 221 or PHIL 222. An introduction to the major problems and questions of religion and reason. Special reference will be made to the nature of God, the nature of man, the problem of evil, the source of good, immortality and the basis of authority. Crosslisted as: PHIL 430.
RELS 440. Mysticism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. A critical analysis of the varieties of mysticism in world religions. Arguments for and against mysticism will be emphasized. Mysticism will be related to art, psychology, science, philosophy, theology and magic. Crosslisted as: PHIL 440.
RELS 441. Islamic Mysticism: the Sufis. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Introduces students to the major Sufi masters and their works. It covers ideological and practical development of Islamic mysticism as compared to the developments within Islam itself. Crosslisted as: INTL 441.
RELS 450. Religion, Globalization and Social Justice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: RELS 340/INTL 341, WRLD 210 or WRLD 220; UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Explores the role religions are playing in the work of building a socially just and environmentally sustainable world community. Crosslisted as: INTL 449.
RELS 451. Religion, Racism and Social Justice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: RELS 340/INTL 341, WRLD 210 or WRLD 220; UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Explores the complex history and contemporary relationships between religion, racism and social justice. Crosslisted as: AFAM 451/INTL 451.
RELS 453. Western Religions, Women and Social Justice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: UNIV 200 or HONR 200; and RELS 108, GSWS 201 or WRLD 210. Explores the experience and portrayal of women in the three Abrahamic traditions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Study focuses on how these religions and their texts bear upon the social, economic, political and spiritual lives of women. Special attention is given to the impact of globalization and religious fundamentalism on women. Crosslisted as: GSWS 453/INTL 453.
RELS 458. Religion and Ecojustice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RELS 108 or INTL/SOCY 250. Explores Eastern, Western and indigenous religious traditions’ understanding of the meaning of nature, including human nature; our ethical obligations to nature, including other species; and how different traditions imagine, value and interact with nature. Considers how diverse religious communities are involved in efforts to address socio-environmental issues like the climate crisis, consumerism, environmental racism, indigenous sovereignty, protection of forests and oceans, access to healthy air, water, land and food, and the establishment of an ecological society. Crosslisted as: INTL 458.
RELS 490. Senior Capstone Seminar. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: RELS 340/INTL 341; senior standing in religious studies major with a minimum of 85 credits earned toward the degree. Senior research project; written thesis and oral presentations using established concepts, theories and research methods in religious studies. Students will select the religious groups/traditions as the focus of their research, writing and oral presentations in consultation with the course instructor.
RELS 491. Topics in Religious Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: written permission of instructor. An in-depth study of selected ideas or concepts, religious thinkers or significant movements in the field of religion. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
RELS 492. Independent Study. 1-4 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 4 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study courses. Open generally to students of only junior or senior standing who have acquired at least 12 credits in the departmental discipline. Determination of the amount of credit and permission of instructor and department chair must be procured prior to registration of the course. An independent study course to allow interested students in religious studies to do research in an area of major interest under the direction of a professor qualified in that field.
RELS 493. Religious Studies Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits (40 clock hours per credit). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits, however only 3 credits can count toward the major. Prerequisites: completion of 9 credits of upper-level (300- or above) course work in religious studies, and permission of the internship coordinator. Student must be in good academic standing with a minimum major GPA of 2.25. Designed for the advanced student to gain workplace experience in a local, national or international organization offering opportunities in religious studies.
RELS 499. Senior Seminar. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisites: RELS 340/INTL 341; senior standing in religious studies major with a minimum of 85 credits earned toward the degree. Pre- or corequisite: RELS 490. Focuses on self-assessment, compilation of a portfolio and curriculum vitae, career and graduate school preparation, and on the lifelong application of skills and knowledge acquired in the program. Students will critically assess their experience in the religious studies program.
World Studies
WRLD 203. Cultural Texts and Contexts: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Through the analysis and interpretation of literary, cinematic and other cultural texts, this course explores the ways cultural and national identities have been shaped, imagined and contested in various regions of the world. While responding to the readings and films as artistic manifestations or social documents, students will also become familiar with the aesthetic, political and social contexts in which the works were and are produced. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
WRLD 210. International Social Justice Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of the issues, themes, disciplines, and areas of research and teaching that comprise international social justice studies in a variety of global contexts.
WRLD 220. Human Rights and Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores how literature and other forms of aesthetic expression address the concept of human rights. Particular attention will be given to works that bear witness to and resist human rights violations. In addition, students will examine the role of literature, the arts and media more broadly in illuminating tensions between the theory and practice of human rights in different cultural and social contexts.
WRLD 230. Introduction to World Cinema. 3 Hours.Play course video for Introduction to World Cinema
Semester course; 5 lecture/screening hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. An overview of the main theoretical frameworks, critical concepts and debates devoted to non-Hollywood world cinemas, with special emphasis on the rethinking of national cinema and the problematizing of identity in an increasingly transnational era. Broad interdisciplinary readings in film theory, film history and cultural studies will be supplemented by case studies of particular cinemas and filmmakers, so as to convey an appreciation of the main international movements in the history of cinema.
WRLD 291. Topics in World Languages and Cultures. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 6 credits. A study of a specialized topic in world cultures and languages. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
WRLD 294. Foundations in Experiential Research. 1-2 Hours.
Semester course; 1-2 research hours. 1-2 credits. Prerequisites: UNIV 200 or HONR 200; minimum of 9 credit hours earned in a specified field within the School of World Studies. Enrollment requires permission of the faculty supervisor. Introduces students to directed study of research processes undertaken in a specified field. Guides students through various phases of a research project (design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing) in conjunction with a School of World Studies faculty member. Provides students the opportunity to pursue research activity from the onset of their academic careers. Designed to prepare students for a progression of research engagement. Graded as pass/fail.
WRLD 302. Communicating Across Cultures. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Designed to increase understanding of the foundational concepts of communication and intercultural dialogue. Examines (among others) such concepts as individualism, collectivism, ethnocentrism, xenophobia, uncertainty avoidance, nonverbal communication and stereotyping.
WRLD 311. Civilization of the Mediterranean. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Exploration of the Mediterranean from pre-history to modernity, with an emphasis on cross-cultural engagement. Aims at exploring the interaction and cross-cultural fertilization between societies and cultures of the lands of the Middle Sea: North Africa, Middle East and southern Europe.
WRLD 325. The Humanities in International Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200. Examines a wide range of humanistic texts (such as fiction, poetry, visual arts and philosophical discussions) from around the world and considers the question of what it means to be human in an international or global context. Explores how texts mediate cultures across time and space, what is gained and what is lost in transit and translation, and how ideas of identity and difference are transferred and redefined across disparate historical, cultural and national boundaries.
WRLD 330. Global Film Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of film studies with special attention given to the elements of cinematographic language and filmic analysis from both a technical and aesthetic standpoint. Applies these elements to the study of curated films from around the world. Also introduces critical paradigms of the major film theories and debates informing the periodization of film history.
WRLD 335. Language and Society: Sociolinguistics in ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. An introduction to topics in sociolinguistics, including language variation, language attitudes, language planning, language contact and multilingualism, language and gender, language and identity, and more. Crosslisted as: ANTH 335.
WRLD 354. Religion and Film: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different themes for a total of six credits. Explores central themes present in all global religious traditions, such as ritual, faith, myth, suffering, redemption, the religious quest/pilgrimage, the nature of good and evil and perceptions of the sacred. Using readings from sacred texts and contemporary film critiques, the course juxtaposes ancient story and wisdom with contemporary narratives in film. Possible themes would include women and religion in world cinema, Christology in world cinema, and violence and redemption in film. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: CINE 354/RELS 354.
WRLD 359. International Media Coverage: The Middle East. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MASC 101 or MASC 151 with a minimum grade of C. This interdisciplinary course explores the media's role in covering cultural, political, religious and other issues in the Middle East. Students will examine the role and impact of the media in both the United States and Middle East in shaping global and regional public opinion. Using webcam and online technology, VCU students will discuss cross-cultural perspectives with students from the other U.S. universities and universities in the Middle East. Crosslisted as: MASC 359.
WRLD 391. Topics in World Languages and Cultures. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 6 credits. An in-depth study of a specialized topic in world cultures and languages. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and prerequisites.
WRLD 394. Research Assistantship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 research hours. 1-3 credits (40 clock hours/credit). Prerequisites: UNIV 200 or HONR 200; minimum of 18 credits, including 12 upper-level, earned within a specified discipline in the School of World Studies. Enrollment requires permission of the faculty mentor. Engages students in research processes undertaken in their field. Intended for advanced students capable of undertaking more complicated projects, but not yet prepared for 400-level independent study or internship. Students will work on various phases of a research project (design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing) under a School of World Studies faculty mentor's close supervision. Designed to enhance the student's career pursuits for either graduate-level training or post-baccalaureate employment. Meets the experiential learning requirement for the School of World Studies. Graded as pass/fail.
WRLD 422. World Cinema Cultures. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different themes for a maximum of six credits. Tracing the development of cinematic traditions across national and international contexts, this course focuses on the thematic selections and stylistic techniques particular to cinematographic cultures. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific theme to be offered each semester.
WRLD 430. Film and the City. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Focuses on cinematic representations of cities worldwide, so as to probe the increasingly cross-cultural dynamics of urban landscapes. Films discussed will span the entire history of cinema across genres and national traditions.
WRLD 490. Seminar in World Cultures and Languages. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Restricted to seniors in world cultures and languages with at least 85 credit hours earned toward the degree. Research and analysis of a selected topic in world cultures and languages in a seminar setting.
WRLD 491. Topics in World Languages and Cultures. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 6 credits. An intensive and comprehensive examination of specialized areas of interest in world cultures and languages. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester and prerequisites.
WRLD 493. World Cultures Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits (40 clock hours per credit). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits, however only 3 credits can count toward the major concentration. Prerequisites: completion of 9 credits of upper-level (300- or above) course work toward any non-foreign-language concentration within the School of World Studies, and permission of the internship coordinator. Student must be in good academic standing with a minimum major GPA of 2.25. Designed for the advanced student to gain workplace experience in internationally oriented public and private organizations and agencies.
WRLD 495. World ePass Portfolio. 0 Hours.
Semester course; variable independent study hours (delivered online). 0 credits. Corequisite: WRLD 490, INTL 490, ANTH 490 or RELS 490. Enrollment is restricted to students with senior standing (90 credits earned) majoring in anthropology, international studies, foreign language or religious studies in the School of World Studies. Students create a personalized online portfolio, highlighting academic and experiential learning achievements and articulate post-graduation goals.
WRLD 499. Senior Capstone Seminar. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisite: completion of 6 credits of 400-level courses in the major and senior standing. Open only to students enrolled as majors in the School of World Studies, including anthropology, religious studies, and world cultures and languages. Capstone seminar summarizing and synthesizing studies in World Studies programs. Preparation for entry into career search. Organization and polishing of written works representing skills aquired in programs. Assembly of individual portfolio as means of assessment and career tool.
Foreign language courses
Arabic
ARBC 101. Beginning Arabic I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to Arabic to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
ARBC 102. Beginning Arabic II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ARBC 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
ARBC 201. Intermediate Arabic I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ARBC 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Arabic. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
ARBC 202. Intermediate Arabic II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ARBC 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Arabic. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
ARBC 205. Intermediate Conversation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ARBC 201. Designed to increase student proficiency in the spoken language through audio-oral exercises, dialogues and conversation.
ARBC 301. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ARBC 202, ARBC 205 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Arabic. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills.
ARBC 391. Topics in Arabic: ____. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: ARBC 202 or equivalent. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credits. Conducted in Arabic. An in-depth study of selected topics in Arabic. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
Chinese
CHIN 101. Beginning Chinese I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to Chinese to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of Chinese. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
CHIN 102. Beginning Chinese II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CHIN 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
CHIN 110. Intensive Elementary Chinese. 8 Hours.
Semester course; 10 lecture and 10 laboratory hours. 8 credits. This intensive course combines CHIN 101 and 102 into a single-semester class. Students may receive credit toward graduation for either the CHIN 101-102 series or CHIN 110, but not both.
CHIN 201. Intermediate Chinese I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CHIN 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Chinese. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
CHIN 202. Intermediate Chinese II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CHIN 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Mandarin Chinese. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
CHIN 210. Intensive Intermediate Chinese. 6 Hours.
Semester course; 6 lecture hours. 6 credits. This intensive course combines CHIN 201 and 202 into a single-semester class. Students may receive credit toward graduation for either the CHIN 201-202 series or CHIN 210, but not both.
CHIN 300. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CHIN 202 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Mandarin Chinese. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills. This course is not intended for native speakers.
CHIN 301. Self and Society: Effective Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CHIN 202, CHIN 300 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Mandarin Chinese. Students advance their knowledge of the Chinese language and Chinese-speaking cultures while developing their reading and writing skills. Students examine a variety of texts and media and gain strategies for interpretation and discussion, with a focus on effective writing. This course is not intended for native speakers.
CHIN 391. Topics in Chinese. 1-4 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-4 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 16 credits. Prerequisite: CHIN 202 or 210. An in-depth study of selected topics in Chinese. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
Foreign Languages
FRLG 100. Basic Language and Cultural Awareness Abroad: ____. 1 Hour.
Semester course. 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Introduces basic language skills and cultural customs and expectations to students of all disciplines planning foreign travel to a specific location. Students will learn useful vocabulary and phrases to apply in many different travel situations. Predominant focus will be placed on the culture of the specific region and include foundational communication skills. This course cannot be used to fulfill foreign language requirements for major, minor, collateral or General Education purposes. See Schedule of Classes for specific languages being taught each semester. Graded as pass/fail.
FRLG 101. Foreign Languages: ____. 4 Hours.
Continuous courses; 5 lecture/recitation hours. 4-4 credits. Prerequisite: completion of FRLG 101 to enroll in FRLG 102. Elementary grammar, reading and oral skills. Course may be repeated with different languages.
FRLG 102. Foreign Languages: ____. 4 Hours.
Continuous courses; 5 lecture/recitation hours. 4-4 credits. Prerequisite: completion of FRLG 101 to enroll in FRLG 102. Elementary grammar, reading and oral skills. Course may be repeated with different languages.
FRLG 201. Foreign Languages: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRLG 102. Continuation of the essentials of grammar with emphasis on achieving proficiency in aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills. Course may be repeated with different languages.
FRLG 202. Foreign Languages: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FRLG 201. Designed to increase the student's proficiency through the study of selected cultural and literary texts. Course may be repeated with different languages.
FRLG 204. Language and Groups in the United States. 3,4 Hours.
Semester course; 3-4 lecture hours. 3-4 credits. Taught in English. This course introduces students to the sociocultural experience and formation of identity of non-English-speaking peoples in the United States. Students explore the dynamic between English and a specific heritage language and its interaction with artistic, cultural and social issues through fiction and nonfiction texts, films and multimedia pertaining to specific language groups, such as: Latinos, Italian-Americans, German-Americans or Native Americans. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: INTL 204.
FRLG 328. Language, Culture and Cognition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or 230. Introduces theoretical and methodological foundations for the study of language from sociocultural perspectives. The perspectives include linguistic, philosophical, psychological, sociological and anthropological contributions to the understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication as a social activity embedded in cultural contexts. No prior training in linguistics is presupposed. Crosslisted as: ANTH 328/ENGL 392/LING 392.
FRLG 345. Great Cities of the World. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An interdisciplinary course with a focus on the origin, expansion and significance of one or more cities, the specifics of its/their culture and the role of language. Particular emphasis will be placed on relating the physical, social and economic aspects of the city's growth and development to the cultural expression of urbanism. Crosslisted as: INTL 345/URSP 350.
FRLG 493. World Languages Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits (40 clock hours per credit). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits, however only 3 credits can count toward the major concentration. Prerequisites: prior completion of 9 credits in the respective foreign language at the 300 level, with a course in advanced grammar and composition, one in conversation and one in civilization. Designed for the advanced student to gain workplace experience in the target foreign language in internationally oriented public and private organizations and agencies. All course work must be completed in the target language.
French
FREN 101. Beginning French I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to French to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of French. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
FREN 102. Beginning French II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
FREN 110. Intensive French I. 8 Hours.
Semester course; 10 lecture and laboratory hours. 8 credits. This intensive course combines FREN 101 and 102 into a single semester.
FREN 201. Intermediate French I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in French. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
FREN 202. Intermediate French II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in French. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
FREN 205. Intermediate Conversation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 201. Designed to increase the student's proficiency in the spoken language through audio-oral exercises, dialogues and free conversation.
FREN 210. Intensive French II. 6 Hours.
Semester course; 6 lecture and laboratory hours per week. 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 101 and 102, or FREN 110. This intensive course combines FREN 201 and 202/205 into a single semester.
FREN 300. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in French. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills.
FREN 301. Self and Society: Effective Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205 or FREN 300. Conducted in French. Students advance their knowledge of the French language and French-speaking cultures while developing their reading and writing skills. Students examine a variety of texts and media and gain strategies for interpretation and discussion, with a focus on effective writing.
FREN 305. Oral Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, FREN 205, FREN 300 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in French. Practice in the spoken language with emphasis on discussions relating to topics of current interest.
FREN 307. French Conversation and Film. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. The course is designed to develop the student's conversational skills, oral comprehension ability and knowledge of contemporary culture through discussion of selected French films. Emphasis is also placed on vocabulary development and writing practice.
FREN 320. French Civilization and Culture I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. Conducted in French. A survey of French civilization and culture from its origins to the French Revolution. Introduction to and analysis of the most important aspects of Gallo-Roman society and of the Merovingian, Carolingian and Capetian dynasties which influenced the institutions of the Ancien Regime and still serve as cultural archetypes and icons in contemporary French culture.
FREN 321. French Civilization and Culture II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. Conducted in French. A survey of French civilization and culture from the Napoleonic era to the present. This course retraces important cultural and social traditions found during the first Empire, the Restoration, the Second Republic, the Second Empire, the Commune, the Third and Fourth Republics which influenced and continue to shape contemporary French civilization and culture of the Fifth Republic.
FREN 330. Survey of Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3, 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. Conducted in French. First semester: through the 18th century. Second semester: 19th and 20th centuries.
FREN 331. Survey of Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3, 3 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 202, 205 or 300. Conducted in French. First semester: through the 18th century. Second semester: 19th and 20th centuries.
FREN 420. French Regional Culture. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321. Conducted in French. Focuses on the culture and civilization specific to each of France's 22 regions. History, culture, architecture as well as sociopolitical, linguistic identities, artisanal trades and folklore are presented for each region. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
FREN 421. French Contemporary Culture. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321. Conducted in French. Focuses on the contemporary culture found in French society. The individuals and events shaping current French social, political, artistic and cultural life are examined. Each theme is illustrated by current audiovisual materials. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
FREN 422. French Cinema. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321. Conducted in French. Tracing French cinema from les Frores Lumiore and Georges Melius through the New Wave to new contemporary directors, this course focuses on the thematic selections and stylistic techniques particular to French cinematographic culture. The class is offered concurrently with the annual VCU French Film Festival, thereby permitting students to directly communicate with French actors and directors participating in the festival. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
FREN 425. French Media. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321 or 330 or 331. Conducted in French. Analysis of the French media: written press, radio and television. Advanced comprehension skills required and stressed through regular exercises pertaining to different journalistic discourses and styles. Proficiency in journalistic writing is developed in class through the creation of an electronic French newspaper on the Internet. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
FREN 428. Earth Ahead: Contributions by French Authors, Artists and Activists. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or FREN 307; and FREN 320, FREN 321, FREN 330 or FREN 331. Conducted in French. Explores the theme of the earth, nature, and the environment in the philosophy, literature and art of contemporary Francophone cultures, and the extent to which these intellectual and cultural contributions have entered academic and popular discussions in 21st-century France and elsewhere in the world. Analyzes how these diverse manifestations of environmental discourse inform, shape and articulate Francophone cultural praxes of activism concerned with defending our natural world.
FREN 435. Contemporary French Literature. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 330 or 331. Conducted in French. An overview of French literature from 1900 to the present. Discusses texts that have particular resonance in relation to contemporary issues, including literary works that have contributed most saliently to French culture over this time period.
FREN 440. Commercial French. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321 or 330 or 331. This course introduces students to the cultural, economic and linguistic dimensions of the Francophone commercial sector. It builds the student's reading, writing, listening and speaking proficiencies through active engagement with business-related materials and activities. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
FREN 450. Francophone Literatures and Cultures. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321 or 330 or 331. Conducted in French. Introduces students to the literatures and cultures of the Francophone world. Provides an overview of the Francophone world and an in-depth study of literary works written in French from Africa, the Caribbean, North America, Asia and Europe. Also explores the impact of Colonial history on Francophone literatures and cultures. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: INTL 450.
FREN 491. Topics in French. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credits. Prerequisites: FREN 301; FREN 305 or 307; FREN 320 or 321 or 330 or 331. An in-depth study of selected topics in French. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
FREN 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 3 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study courses in French. Prerequisite: FREN 301; FREN 320 or 321; Senior standing with a minimum of 85 credits earned toward the degree. Determination of course content and permission of the instructor must be obtained prior to registration of the course. A course designed to give students an opportunity to become involved in independent study in a literary or linguistic area or subject in which they have an interest.
German
GRMN 101. Beginning German I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to German to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of German. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
GRMN 102. Beginning German II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
GRMN 201. Intermediate German I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in German. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
GRMN 202. Intermediate German II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in German. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
GRMN 205. Intermediate Conversation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 201. Conducted in German. Designed to increase the student's proficiency in the spoken language through audio-oral exercises, dialogues and free conversation.
GRMN 300. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 202, GRMN 205 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in German. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills.
GRMN 301. Self and Society: Effective Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 202, GRMN 205, GRMN 300 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in German. Students advance their knowledge of the German language and German-speaking cultures while developing their reading and writing skills. Students examine a variety of texts and media and gain strategies for interpretation and discussion, with a focus on effective writing.
GRMN 305. Oral Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 202, GRMN 205, GRMN 300 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in German. Practice in the spoken language with emphasis on discussions relating to topics of current interest.
GRMN 307. German Conversation and Film. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 202, GRMN 205 or GRMN 300; GRMN 300 recommended. Conducted in German. The course is designed to develop the student's communication skills, oral comprehension ability and knowledge of contemporary culture through discussion of selected German films. Emphasis is also placed on vocabulary development and writing practice.
GRMN 311. German Through the Media. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 202, GRMN 205 or GRMN 300; GRMN 300 or GRMN 301 recommended. Designed to develop language proficiency by using material available through the various media: newspapers, magazines, films, Internet, podcasts and radio broadcasts.
GRMN 314. Commercial German. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 301. Designed to develop the student's ability to use German as a means of oral and written communication in the business world. Emphasis on the acquisition of technical tools necessary for business exchanges in specialized fields.
GRMN 320. From the Vandals to Kant: Civilization and Literature I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GRMN 202, GRMN 205 or GRMN 300; GRMN 300 or GRMN 301 recommended. Conducted in German. A survey of German-speaking culture and literature from its origins to the Enlightenment. Also emphasizes enhancing German-language skills in vocabulary, reading, speaking and writing.
GRMN 321. From Faust to Nazism: Civilization and Literature II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 202, GRMN 205 or GRMN 300; GRMN 300 or GRMN 301 recommended. Conducted in German. A treatment of German culture and literature from the Age of Goethe to the rise of Nazism. Also emphasizes enhancing German language skills in vocabulary, reading, speaking and writing.
GRMN 322. From Kafka's World to the EU: Civilization and Literature III. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 202, GRMN 205 or GRMN 300; GRMN 300 or GRMN 301 recommended. Conducted in German. A survey of German culture and literature from the 1920s to today. Also emphasizes enhancing German language skills in vocabulary, reading, speaking and writing.
GRMN 420. The Turn of the Century. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 300; GRMN 305 or 307 or 311; GRMN 301 or 320 or 321 or 322. Conducted in German. A course dealing with the major intellectual, philosophical, artistic and cultural trends from the turn of the century through the Weimar period as reflected in the writings of authors such as Kafka, Mann and Hesse. Includes impressionism, expressionism and neue Sachlichkeit.
GRMN 421. The Postwar German Scene. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 300; GRMN 305 or 307 or 311; GRMN 301 or 320 or 321 or 322. Conducted in German. A course dealing with the political, social and intellectual developments of the German-speaking countries from the end of World War II to the present as reflected in the literary works of their major authors.
GRMN 422. German Film. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 300; GRMN 305 or 307 or 311; GRMN 301 or 320 or 321 or 322. Study of selected topics in German film from the beginnings to today, particularly as seen in their social, historical and cultural contexts. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
GRMN 423. Folk/Popular Culture. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 300; GRMN 305 or 307 or 311; GRMN 301 or 320 or 321 or 322. Study of selected topics related to folk traditions and/or popular culture in German-speaking countries. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
GRMN 424. Culture and Society. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 300; GRMN 305 or 307 or 311; GRMN 301 or 320 or 321 or 322. Study of issues in the culture and society of German-speaking countries today. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
GRMN 425. Language in Context: ____. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 300; GRMN 301, 305, 307 or 311; and GRMN 320, 321 or 322. Conducted in German. Study of German language and linguistics. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
GRMN 491. Topics in German. 1-3 Hours.
Variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credits. Prerequisites: GRMN 300; GRMN 305 or 307 or 311; GRMN 301 or 320 or 321 or 322. An in-depth study of selected topics in German. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
GRMN 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 3 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study courses in German. Prerequisites: GRMN 301; GRMN 320 or 321 or 322; GRMN 420 or 421 or 422 or 423 or 424 or 491; and senior standing with a minimum of 85 credits earned toward the degree. A course designed to give students an opportunity to become involved in independent study in a literary or linguistic area or subject in which they have an interest.
Italian
ITAL 101. Beginning Italian I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to Italian to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of Italian. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
ITAL 102. Beginning Italian II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
ITAL 201. Intermediate Italian I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Italian. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
ITAL 202. Intermediate Italian II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Italian. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
ITAL 205. Intermediate Conversation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 201. Designed to increase the student's proficiency in the spoken language through audio-oral exercises, dialogues and free conversation.
ITAL 300. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 202, ITAL 205 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Italian. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills.
ITAL 320. Italian Cinema: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for maximum of six credits. Prerequisite ITAL 202 or ITAL 205. Conducted in Italian. Examines Italian culture, history and society by exploring some of the most important genres, directors and actors in Italian cinema. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester.
ITAL 330. Themes in Italian Literature: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 202 or ITAL 205. Conducted in Italian. An in-depth study of selected topics in Italian texts. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester.
ITAL 391. Topics in Italian. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credits. Pre- or corequisite: ITAL 320 or ITAL 330. Conducted in Italian. An in-depth study of selected topics in Italian. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
Latin
LATN 101. Beginning Latin I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to Latin to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of Latin. Beginning grammar, reading and writing skills.
LATN 102. Beginning Latin II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: LATN 101 or the equivalent. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading and writing skills. Introduction to Latin authors and related aspects of Roman civilization.
LATN 201. Intermediate Latin I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: LATN 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Brief grammar review with a parallel study of political and literary trends and developments as found in several of the major Latin writers with emphasis on prose of Cicero, Pliny the Younger and Sallust.
LATN 202. Intermediate Latin II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: LATN 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Brief grammar review with a parallel study of political and literary trends and developments as found in several of the major Latin writers. Poetry, with selected readings from Catullus, Tibullus, Ovid and Vergil.
LATN 330. Themes in Latin Literature: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisites: LATN 202. An in-depth study of selected topics such as science and medicine, law, or satire in works by authors such as Caesar, Cicero, Horace, Catullus, Ovid, Virgil, Marcus Aurelius and Lucretius. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester. Texts are in the original language.
LATN 331. Representative Authors in Latin Literature: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisites: LATN 202. Selected readings by authors from the Archaic Period, the Classical Age, Silver Age and Patristic Latin with a focus on their impact on the political and social agendas of the day and on us today. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester. Texts are in the original language.
Portuguese
PORT 101. Beginning Portuguese I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to Portuguese to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of Portuguese. Beginning grammar, reading, writing, reading and oral skills.
PORT 102. Beginning Portuguese II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PORT 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
PORT 201. Intermediate Portuguese I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PORT 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Portuguese. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
PORT 202. Intermediate Portuguese II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PORT 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Portuguese. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
PORT 391. Topics in Portuguese. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: PORT 202. An in-depth study of selected topics in Portuguese. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester.
Russian
RUSS 101. Beginning Russian I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to Russian to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of Russian. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
RUSS 102. Beginning Russian II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RUSS 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
RUSS 201. Intermediate Russian I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RUSS 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Russian. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
RUSS 202. Intermediate Russian II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RUSS 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Russian. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
RUSS 205. Intermediate Russian Conversation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RUSS 201. Designed to increase the student's proficiency in the spoken language through audio-oral exercises, dialogues and free conversation.
RUSS 300. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RUSS 202, RUSS 205 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Russian. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills.
RUSS 311. Conversation and Media. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 semester hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for up to six credits with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: RUSS 202 or 205. Conducted in Russian. An introduction to everyday life in Russia and topics of current interest. Students will explore diverse media to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
RUSS 330. Literature and Culture: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for up to six credits with different topics. Prerequisite: RUSS 202 or 205. Conducted in Russian. Students will examine salient themes in Russian culture as expressed in a range of classic and contemporary texts. This course develops skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topic to be offered each semester.
RUSS 422. Russian Film. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits with the permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: completion of six credits of Russian at the 300-level. Conducted in Russian. While the course is designed to develop the student's conversational skills in Russian, it will also provide practice in reading, listening and writing. Discussions will center on films from the Soviet and post-Soviet periods.
RUSS 491. Topics in Russian. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for maximum of 9 credits. An in-depth study of selected topics in Russian. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
Spanish
SPAN 101. Beginning Spanish I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Enrollment requires any student with previous exposure to Spanish to take the placement test to determine eligibility. For students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. Beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
SPAN 102. Beginning Spanish II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 101 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Continuation of beginning grammar, reading, writing and oral skills.
SPAN 201. Intermediate Spanish I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Spanish. Building toward intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
SPAN 202. Intermediate Spanish II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Spanish. Increasing intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing through authentic materials.
SPAN 205. Intermediate Spanish Conversation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 201. Designed to increase the student's proficiency in the spoken language through audio-oral exercises, dialogues and free conversation.
SPAN 300. Communication and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, SPAN 205 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Spanish. Building toward intermediate-high proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Authentic materials enhance intercultural competence and communication skills.
SPAN 301. Self and Society: Effective Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 300. Conducted in Spanish. Students advance their knowledge of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures while developing their reading and writing skills. Students examine a variety of texts and media and gain strategies for interpretation and discussion, with a focus on effective writing.
SPAN 302. Literary Readings and Composition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 300. Conducted in Spanish. An introduction to literary genres, stylistics and analysis designed to increase the student’s mastery of persuasive, descriptive and narrative skills, including creative writing.
SPAN 305. Oral Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, SPAN 205, SPAN 300 or a satisfactory score on the VCU Language Placement Test within the one-year period immediately preceding the beginning of the course. Conducted in Spanish. Practice in the spoken language with emphasis on discussions relating to topics of current interest.
SPAN 307. Spanish Conversation and Film. 3 Hours.
Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3, 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, SPAN 205 or SPAN 300. Designed to develop the student's conversational skills, oral comprehension ability and knowledge of contemporary culture through discussion of selected Spanish and Latin American films. Emphasis is also placed on vocabulary development and writing practice.
SPAN 311. Spanish Through the Media. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, SPAN 205 or SPAN 300. Further development of listening, reading, writing, speaking and cultural skills through a focus on mass media in Latin America and Spain. Spanish language and current events will be taught through direct contact with newspapers, journals, television and radio programming, and online media. Students will view programs outside of class, participate actively in class discussions, create presentations and conduct research.
SPAN 320. Civilization of Spain I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 300; SPAN 305 or 307 or 311; corequisite: SPAN 301. Conducted in Spanish. A treatment of salient manifestations of Spanish culture and civilization from its origins to the present.
SPAN 321. Latin American Civilization I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 300; SPAN 305 or 307 or 311; corequisite: SPAN 301. Conducted in Spanish. A treatment of salient manifestations of Latin American culture and civilization from pre-Columbian times to the present.
SPAN 322. Hispanic Immigrants in the U.S.. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 300; SPAN 305 or 307 or 311; corequisite: SPAN 301. Conducted in Spanish. Analysis, research and discussion of the life and history of Hispanics in the U.S. Topics such as identity, assimilation, immigration laws, education, jobs, housing, health, religion and politics will be covered. Students will apply their course learning through 15 hours of community service for Hispanics.
SPAN 330. Survey of Spanish Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 300; SPAN 305 or 307 or 311; corequisite: SPAN 301. Conducted in Spanish. A survey of Spanish literature up to the present.
SPAN 331. Survey of Latin American Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SPAN 300; SPAN 305 or 307 or 311; corequisite: SPAN 301. Conducted in Spanish. An introduction to major authors and trends up to the present. Crosslisted as: INTL 331.
SPAN 332. Latino Writers in the U.S.. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 300; SPAN 305 or 307 or 311; corequisite: SPAN 301. Conducted in Spanish. Explores Latino cultural identity and the Latino contribution to U.S. cultural life through a variety of works in the different literary genres produced by Latino writers, both immigrants and those raised in the U.S.
SPAN 402. Language Issues in the Spanish-speaking World. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. Through a variety of topics this course explores the links between language and human behavior as exemplified by language phenomena in the Spanish-speaking world. Topics will be drawn mainly from sociolinguistics, language and culture, and education and applied linguistics. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: LING 402.
SPAN 403. History of the Spanish Language. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. A study of the evolution of Spanish from Latin through the Middle Ages to the Modern era. Historical phonology, etymology, morphology, orthography, semantics and syntax of standard Castilian. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
SPAN 414. Commercial Spanish. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. This course will develop the student's ability to use the Spanish language as a means of oral and written communication in the business world. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
SPAN 420. Civilization of Spain II. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. This course explores the cultural diversity and differences of Spain. Topics focus on a particular interdisciplinary theme, such as the formation of cities, ethnicity and on a particular area of Spain. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
SPAN 421. Civilization of Latin America II. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. This course explores the cultural diversity of Latin America and the social and political forces behind cultural change. Topics will focus on a specific interdisciplinary theme, such as urban life, the politics of identity and on a specific area of Latin America. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester. Crosslisted as: INTL 421.
SPAN 422. Spanish and Latin American Cinema. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different themes, up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish and/or Latin American cinema from the 1940s to the present, including the works of important directors, such as Bunuel, Saura, Almodovar, Emilio Fernandez, Glauber Rocha, Solanas or Gutierrez-Alea. The formal and aesthetic issues of cinematic texts and the historical, cultural and social contexts of their production. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific theme to be offered each semester.
SPAN 430. Literary Genres. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. An in-depth look at the development and expression of varieties of literature in Spanish. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
SPAN 431. Literary Periods. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Course can be repeated with different topics up to a total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. An in-depth synchronic look at movements and their context in literature in Spanish. See the Schedule of Classes for the specific topic to be offered each semester.
SPAN 432. Hispanic Culture Through Literature. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. An in-depth analysis of Hispanic texts dealing with cultural topics such as love relationships, death, family, religion, politics, gender and ethnicity, as well as their relationships to cultural values, behaviors, ideologies, beliefs and the histories of Spain and Spanish America.
SPAN 433. Don Quixote. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. Conducted in Spanish. An in-depth analysis of Miguel de Cervantes’s masterpiece. Focuses on questions of the literary, linguistic and cultural complexity of “Don Quixote.” Examines the work in the social and historical context of Early Modern Spain.
SPAN 485. Spanish Study Abroad. 1-12 Hours.
Semester course; 1-12 lecture hours. 1-12 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. This course offers all students the opportunity to improve their oral and written proficiency in Spanish, to enhance their awareness of cultural diversity and to become independent learners of Spanish language and the cultures of its speakers.
SPAN 491. Topics in Spanish. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of nine credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. An in-depth study of selected topics in Spanish. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
SPAN 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 independent study hours. 1-3 credits. Maximum of three credits per semester; may be repeated for total of six credits. Prerequisites: SPAN 301; and SPAN 320, SPAN 321, SPAN 322, SPAN 330, SPAN 331 or SPAN 332. A course designed to give students an opportunity to become involved in independent study in a literary or linguistic area or subject in which they have an interest.