Cross-Cultural Studies

Dates

Registration for winter 2025 classes opens October 31.
Registration for spring 2025 classes opens November 18.

Register  Now

 

EN 235 African American Literature
EN 274 Voices of Civil Rights in American History
EN 335 Working Women in the United States: 1865 to Present
HA 115 Crossroads: Global Art and Its Histories, 1450-1750
HA 117 East Asian Art and Civilization
HA 118 Introduction to Fashion History: Materials, Motifs & Meanings
HA 121 Cities and Civilizations: The Eastern Mediterranean World, c. 3000 BCE-1000 CE
HA 123 African Art and Civilization
HA 126 Islamic Art and Civilization
HA 201 History of Fashion Photography
HA 202 Feminist Art Histories, Theories, and Practic-es
HA 217 History of Avant-Garde Film
HA 218 Art and Myth in the Classical World
HA 219 African American Art
HA 228 Oceanic Art and Civilization
MC 200 Mediterranean Crossings: Migration, Integration, and Social Unrest
MC 203 Gender as Performance: Representation of Masculinities in Latin American/Latinx Theatre
MC 206 Arab Literature and Culture: An Introduc-tion
MC 208 Paris: Imagined and Real
MC 209 Hispanic Cultures In New York
MC 241 Italian American Cultural Studies
MC 302 Faire La Cuisine: French Food and Identi-ty
MC 304 Introduction to Caribbean Studies
MC 305 Tang Poetry and Calligraphy: Classical Traditions of China (618-907 CE)
MC 306 Africa: Contemporary Voices in Francophone Culture
MC 345 Food for Thought: Gastronomy in Italian Literature and Culture
MU 202 Latin American and Carribbean Music
MU 203 Survey of American Music
SS 304 Introduction to Caribbean Studies
SS 315 Contemporary Issues Impacting the Caribbean Region
SS 354 Comparative Political Systems
SS 356 Asia in Motion: National, International, and Transnational Relations
SS 374 Cross-Cultural Studies
SS 376 Clothing and Society
SS 378 Asian Global Popular Culture
SS 386 Youth Subculture, Identity, and Fashion: A Sociological Perspective

EN 235
African American Literature
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course surveys African American literature from the colonial period to the present. Through reading and analyzing literature in various genres, and presenting their responses orally and in writing, students will identify the social, economic, and political forces that have influenced African American writers from the past to present day. Prerequisite(s): EN 121 or ES 129 or equivalent

EN 274
Voices of Civil Rights in American History
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

An examination of the evolution of civil rights rhetoric in U.S. history. Students study civil rights speeches and texts to learn about political, social, and cultural events. Using traditional and contemporary rhetorical theory, civil rights movements and activism by Black/African Americans, women, and the LGBTQIA community are analyzed. Prerequisite(s): EN 131 or equivalent

EN 335
Working Women in the United States: 1865 to Present
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

A survey of U.S. history and literature through the lens of working women’s lives and experiences. Students learn the contexts of women’s struggle—as well as their contributions—in shaping America as they fought for social and economic justice. Class and racial differences along with political, social, cultural, and technological changes will be examined. Prerequisite(s): EN 121 or ES 129 or equivalent

HA 115
Crossroads: Global Art and Its Histories, 1450-1750
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course introduces the art histories of global cultures, 1450-1750. Students think critically about the impact of cultural exchanges and colonization on art, religion, politics, and societal values. Diverse cultural definitions of art and artists are explored, with focus on perspectives from Eurasia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands.

HA 117
East Asian Art and Civilization
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course introduces the major characteristics and artistic traditions of East Asian countries. Through lectures and surveys, students will examine the historical, religious, and social aspects of these civilizations. Consideration will be given to how East Asian countries respond to the arts of their neighbors, near and far, in comparison with other major civilizations. Emphasis is placed on art techniques and materials unique to East Asian art.

HA 118
Introduction to Fashion History: Materials, Motifs & Meanings
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

This course explores the history of trade, inspiration, and appropriation between cultures through case studies. It examines how fashion shapes identity and the complex intersection of materials, motifs, and meanings. It teaches how to ethically study global fashion, factoring in existing and historic power structures and cultural values.

HA 121
Cities and Civilizations: The Eastern Mediterranean World, c. 3000 BCE-1000 CE
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

Students examine the art and civilization of the ancient to medieval eastern Mediterranean (including western Asia) from a non-Western perspective. Illustrated lectures and discussions survey the cultures, societies, and arts of the great urban centers of antiquity up to the Crusades.

HA 123
African Art and Civilization
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This class introduces students to the art and visual cultures of sub-Saharan Africa, and its contexts within a continent with an exceptionally long and varied history of creativity and artistic production. The course analyzes a series of themes and corresponding case studies in historical framework, paying particular attention to formal analysis, social contexts, and the uses of art in Africa, past and present.

HA 126
Islamic Art and Civilization
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course examines the art and civilization of the Islamic world, from the birth of Islam in the 7th century CE/1st century art history to the present. Students are introduced to the religious, philosophical, and sociopolitical contexts that frame the formation of this multiethnic and geographically expansive visual culture.

HA 201
History of Fashion Photography
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

This course surveys fashion photography from its origins in the nineteenth century to the present, emphasizing its relation to major movements in art and photography and to fashion itself. Through lectures, museum visits, readings and discussions students will consider the work of leading fashion photographers as well as study the fashions they depict. Prerequisite(s): Any HA course

HA 202
Feminist Art Histories, Theories, and Practices
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

Feminist movements around the world gave rise to gender-based activist art and theory. This course explores feminist art histories, theories, and practices globally, from the 1960s to the present, through selected case studies highlighting differences and specificities of feminist movements worldwide, as well as their intersections with other social movements and art practices, specifically ecofeminism.

HA 217
History of Avant-Garde Film
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

This course is cross-listed with FI 224 This course is a survey of major moments in avant-garde film from 1895 to the present. Through readings and discussions, students explore theories of avant-gardism, and study how such films are expressions of the historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts of their production. Prerequisite(s): Any HA course or FI 111

HA 218
Art and Myth in the Classical World
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

Illustrated lectures examine the Greek myths—and their depiction in Greek and Roman art—in relation to their social and religious contexts.

HA 219
African American Art
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

Surveys diverse African traditions that have contributed to the rich fabric of American life since the 17th century. Students explore the continuities and disruptions of these traditions in art, and analyze concepts of race and racism, from the first moments of slavery through the contemporary era. (G7 Humanities; G10 American History)

HA 228
Oceanic Art and Civilization
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

Students study the art and culture of Oceanic or Pacific Island cultures and civilizations, from the prehistoric era to colonialism to the present. Focus is placed on ceremonial/sacred and utilitarian objects in diverse media and architecture, and the contexts in which such objects were made.

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MC 200
Mediterranean Crossings: Migration, Integration, and Social Unrest
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course looks at how migratory experiences through the Mediterranean have been depicted by migrant writers and filmmakers. Students examine selected films and literary texts and analyze them within the context of migratory phenomena. Texts discussed also include short stories, films and documentaries, photography, literary criticism, and popular songs.

MC 203
Gender as Performance: Representation of Masculinities in Latin American/Latinx Theatre
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course provides an introduction to Latin American and Latinx theater from the point of view of gender studies and the representation of masculinities. Students gain an understanding of the different trends that led to the development of theatrical manifestations in Latin America while learning about their historical, socio-economic, political, and cultural context from the late 60s up to today.

MC 206
Arab Literature and Culture: An Introduction
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

This course examines the rich and variegated cultural background of the Arab tradition by looking at language varieties, literary traditions, customs, and representative institutions. It provides an interdisciplinary overview of the major aspects of Arab culture through the study of primary literary texts, media and films. Taught in English.

MC 208
Paris: Imagined and Real
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

In this course, we explore the space that Paris occupies in both the imagination and history. Paris is many things to many people, as evidenced in various genres of literature, painting, photography and film portraying Europe’s most populous city. Students will be encouraged to complement and/or readjust their own perceptions of the City of Lights, based on readings, screenings, and forays into the works of literature and literary expression depicting and representative of Paris.

MC 209
Hispanic Cultures In New York
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

This course focuses on the development of Hispanic culture in New York from the turn of the 20th Century to the present. Students examine the cultural production from the earlier waves of Hispanic immigration to contemporary expressions of Latinx culture through diverse media sources: writing, video, film, audio, and the visual arts.

MC 241
Italian American Cultural Studies
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

An examination of the cultural expression of Italian Americans from the late 19th century to today. Students analyze a wide variety of texts including literature, theater, film, music, and the visual arts, and contextualize the history of Italian Americans within issues of ethnic identity in the United States.

MC 302
Faire La Cuisine: French Food and Identity
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

This course examines the construction of France’s complicated culinary identity, the power of its influence, and its struggle to remain relevant. Students explore a variety of French and Francophone texts such as recipes, cookbooks, etiquette guides, menus, articles, restaurant reviews, works of fiction, autobiographies, plus documentaries and films. In English.

MC 304
Introduction to Caribbean Studies
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

Introduction to Caribbean Studies introduces students to the Caribbean region and societies with an emphasis on their history, sociology, politics, and cultures. Systematically reflecting on the relevance of the past to the present, students will explore current global trends and their impact on the Caribbean region and its diaspora.

MC 305
Tang Poetry and Calligraphy: Classical Traditions of China (618-907 CE)
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00

This course introduces students to Chinese calligraphy and poetry during the Tang period (618-907 CE), the golden age of Chinese art and culture. Students develop extensive knowledge of the classical tradition of Chinese language and literature, an understanding and appreciation of Chinese thought and culture and their place in the broader East Asian cultural ecology since the Middle Ages.

MC 306
Africa: Contemporary Voices in Francophone Culture
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00

This course focuses on cultural contributions to the wealth of an Africa rising in the Francophone region. Students will be able to identify a shift from the center-periphery model of postcolonial theory to NgÅ«gÄ« wa Thiong’o’s notion of “globalectics.â€ù Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which film, literature, music, fashion, pop culture, and the visual arts produce knowledge about the cultures of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and their diasporas.

MC 345
Food for Thought: Gastronomy in Italian Literature and Culture
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

An overview of italian literature reveals how, through food, Italians have affirmed and defended their cultural heritage. Utilizing an analysis of influential literary texts, students examine the historical evolution of Italian cuisine from the excesses of the Roman table to today’s ‘slow food movement’ and Taught in English. Prerequisite(s): EN 121 or equivalent

MU 202
Latin American and Carribbean Music
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

A survey of Latin American music with an emphasis on the process of music composition and instrumentation that led to its creation. Students explore the creative process through in-class performances of musical excerpts and demonstrations of Latin American musical instruments. The class also focuses on the indigenous, cultivated, and vernacular traditions within Latin American music and their relation to regional histories. No previous musical background is required. (G6: Arts)

MU 203
Survey of American Music
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

A study of the major styles, trends, and significant composers in American music. Through lecture and demonstration, students explore various types of music, including blues, current trends, folk, jazz, rock, show, and symphonic, focusing on their relation to the American experience. No musical background is necessary. (G6: Arts)

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SS 304
Introduction to Caribbean Studies
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

Introduction to Caribbean Studies introduces students to the Caribbean region and societies with an emphasis on their history, sociology, politics, and cultures. Systematically reflecting on the relevance of the past to the present, students will explore current global trends and their impact on the Caribbean region and its diaspora.

SS 315
Contemporary Issues Impacting the Caribbean Region
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00

A central focus of this course is the examination of a variety of themes reflecting contemporary social, political, and economic tension in the Caribbean, especially those between national security and challenges to human rights and citizenship.

SS 354
Comparative Political Systems
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

This course is designed to provide a comparative study of political systems with a global perspective. It compares political ideologies, institutions and processes in democracies and various types of authoritarian regimes. The course also explores how these political systems manifest themselves in different types of regimes and intersect with important issues of the 21st century. Comparative Political Systems is designed to provide students with an understanding of some of the major issues associated with different political systems in the world.

SS 356
Asia in Motion: National, International, and Transnational Relations
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

This course is designed to give students an analytical framework to understand the diversity, complexity, and dynamics of East Asian and Southeast Asian politics. In this course, students will learn about Asia and its moves toward modernity by focusing on paradigm shifts in ideology, geopolitics, culture, and economic systems. Students will develop their knowledge and critical perspective about “Asiaâ€ù not only as a country-specific base but also in the transnational context.

SS 374
Cross-Cultural Studies
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

This course provides conceptual and practical knowledge of the cultures, economies, histories, and institutions of societies outside of Europe and the USA, such as Japan and India. Students are introduced to the range of cultural differences and are prepared to adapt to these differences as they move into international arenas.

SS 376
Clothing and Society
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

This course examines the development of dress, adornment, and appearance as a non-verbal mode of communication and explores the meaning of clothing and fashion in the U.S.

SS 378
Asian Global Popular Culture
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

Students examine the global production, consumption, and reproduction of popular culture products in Asian countries, such as Korea, Japan, and India. Cultural products such as films, television sitcoms, pop music, comic books, and animation from South and East Asian societies are examined from historical and contemporary local and global perspectives and analyzed using social scientific tools and methodologies.

SS 386
Youth Subculture, Identity, and Fashion: A Sociological Perspective
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

This course explores youth subcultures, in relation to gender, race and class identity. Students are introduced to various case studies of youth subcultures around the world, including Goth, Punk, and Lolita, and analyze how their values, norms, attitudes and beliefs are reflected on their styles.

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