Course Descriptions

Courses offered on a Pass / No Credit Only or Grade Only basis are so designated. All courses in the major, minor, options, concentrations and licensure must be taken on a Grade Only basis except Internships and Practicums. The P / NC option is available to non-majors unless otherwise noted.

 

200 - Introduction to Global Studies (3 SH)

This course introduces students to a framework for viewing the world as a single unit and explores a variety of contemporary global issues such as economic development, environmental problems, status of women, peacekeeping, etc.

 

202- Cultural Diversity Lab (1-2 SH) 

The proposed Diversity Lab is a 1 to 2 credit service learning class that is predicated on the notion that service learning is a means of integrating classroom theory with active learning in the world, and a way to help others while gaining first hand knowledge about another culture. Through structured service opportunities WSU students will discern how theoretical aspects of higher education can facilitate successful relations with minority communities in general, and Hmong and Latino preschoolers and their families in particular. WSU students will generate enriching literacy and school readiness activities for young children within their homes/communities, and thereby link minority communities with the university community in a productive and collaborative manner.

 

205 – Cultural Encounters – 3 SH

This course conducted as a learning community seeks to bring together linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse students in an effort at academic and social cross-fertilization of their backgrounds and academic concentrations to promote cultural understanding and enrichment. Offered every other year.

 

210 – Introduction to North America – 3 SH

This course is an introduction to the physical, historical, social, political, literary and cultural aspects of the three primary North American countries of Canada, the United States and Mexico with emphasis on the interrelationships among them and the human experience throughout them, especially that of peoples who have been marginalized in the past.

 

215 - Introduction to Japanese Culture - 3-4 SH

This course introduces students to Japanese society and culture, and examines how they are depicted in popular culture. The course is an introduction to the unique culture of Japan and how it contributes to global cultural diversity and richness. 

 

232 - Introduction to Latin America - 3 SH

The Latin America-Caribbean region is one of the world's most misunderstood regions. Geographically, this region is very complex and culturally diverse; historically, it has been the scene of constant abuse and violent changes. In this introductory course, a global explanation of the processes that link the three major cultural groups (indigenous peoples, Afro-American, and Iberian or Portuguese settlers) will be explored. The interactions will be examined within social, historical, and ethnographic contexts. Grade only. Offered every other year.

 

233 - Latin American and Caribbean Immigrants in the US - 3 SH

This course focuses on immigration as a process, not an event, and on the diversity of the Hispanic experience in the US. It integrates historical, economic, and cultural sources to achieve a broad perspective in understanding the fastest growing ethnic group in the 21st Century. Grade only. Offered every other year.

 

250 - Introduction to Asia – 3 SH

This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the areas that make up the Global Studies Asian Regional Perspective: East, Southeast, and South Asia. An introduction to this region, its societies, political economies, geography, religions, arts, and history will be provided. Offered every year.

 

255 – Peoples and Cultures of South and Southeast Asia – 3 SH

This course focuses on the particular peoples and cultures of South and Southeast Asia- two of the most populous regions of the world- the issues that their cultural diversity raise and their contribution to understanding of similar diversity issues globally. Offered once in two years.

 

300 - Contemporary China - 3SH

This course provides an overview of the changes occurring in China. Building upon a description of its culture, history and people, the course will enable students to understand contemporary China by emphasizing the changes affecting its economy, its educational system, its environment, its evolving value system and its international relations.

 

315 – Special Topics in Japanese Studies – 1-12 S.H.

This course is designed to facilitate Japanese studies not falling under the rubric of other established courses.  These topics may include Japanese history, linguistics, economics, business Japanese, popular culture, performing or visual arts, or any other field of study related to Japan, depending on the professional training and expertise of the instructor.

325 - Readings in Japanese Literature - (3-4 SH)

This course is designed to introduce students to various topics in Japanese literature.  It may be a survey of general literary movements, or organized on specific themes, such as Japanese literary modernism and postmodernism, war literature, the relationship between literature and the media, and so on.  Prior knowledge of Japanese language and culture will be an advantage, but is not required, as all texts will be read in English translation

335 - Global Poverty and Sustainable Development - 3SH

This course provides an interdisciplinary analysis of global material poverty and sustainable development, and related key socioeconomic issues and objectives.  Students have the opportunity to study particular global and local approaches to poverty reduction and sustainable development, including the work of global and local development organizations working as well as to focus on specific sustainable development organizations. Once students have completed the campus-based course, they will have the option of completing a further three credits by participating in a service learning project based in a developing country.  Offered every other year.

 

350 - Cross-Cultural Field Experience (1-9 SH)

The cross-cultural field experience is typically part of a WSU-approved Study Abroad Program. The Field Experience gives students an opportunity to explore cultural issues through experiences outside the classroom situation and to integrate direct cultural experiences with theoretical understanding of cultural issues. May be repeated for up to 9 semester hours. This course cannot be used to fulfill general education credit. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor or the GSP Director.

 

355- Asian International Relations - 3 SH

This course provides an introduction to international relations in Asia, including East, Southeast and South Asia. The course will focus both upon Inter-Asian relations well as the role of Asia in shaping international and global affairs. Course offered once in two years.

 

360 – Contemporary Asian Issues – 3 (SH)

This course provides an interdisciplinary analysis of current issues in Asia including globalization, regional cooperation, immigration, development, the environment, conflict, and human rights. Offered every other year.

 

400 - Global Studies Seminar (3 SH)

This course allows students to engage in an in-depth examination of global issues, using a cross-disciplinary approach. Offered yearly. Prerequisite: GS 200.

 

435 - Indigenous Social Movements in Latin America (3 SH)

This course allows student to engage in an in-depth analysis and research of Indigenous Movements in Latin America. In addition to exploring diverse ethnic traditions, the course will analyze and compare how indigenous groups are transforming cultural, economic and political life in the region.

 

450 - Global Studies Internship- 1-21 SH (P/F only)

The purpose of this course is to enable students to have practical hands -on experience and  develop professional work related skills  in a public or private organization that is either based abroad or that is based in the US but has international operations. Global Studies majors will be expected to examine the relevance of what they learn in the class room  in the context of actual field operations and  report on their overall experience. Non majors may take this course  to supplement their academic preparation at the university. Only six credits can be applied toward the global studies major or minor. ( This course can be taken for a maximum of 21 credits but only 1-15 credits can be taken during a semester)

451 - Global Studies Internship- 3 SH (for letter grade only)

The purpose of this course is to enable students to have practical hands -on experience and  develop professional work related skills  in a public or private organization that is either based abroad or that is based in the US but has international operations. Global Studies majors will be expected to examine the relevance of what they learn in the class room  in the context of actual field operations and  report on their overall experience. Non majors may take this course  to supplement their academic preparation at the university. 

460 - Independent Study (1-9 SH)

Directed independent work on specific topics of interest to the student. The course topic, requirements, meeting times and number of semester hours are to be determined through consultation with the instructor. Repeatable for up to at total of 9 semester hours. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and the GSP Director.

 

Chinese  Language (CHIN)

101 – Beginning Chinese I - 4 SH

Beginning Chinese 101 is designed to acquaint students with grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate for beginning learners. Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge.

 

102 – Beginning Chinese II – 4 SH

Continuation of CHIN 101. CHIN 102 is designed to acquaint students with grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate for beginning learners.  Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge. Prerequisite:CHIN 101 or equivalent.

 

201 – Advanced Beginning Chinese I - 4 SH

CHIN 201 introduces students to more advanced beginning Mandarin pronunciation, grammar, and orthography (in both Pinyin and characters). Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge.

 

202 - Advanced Beginning Chinese II - 4 SH

CHIN 202 continues to introduce students to more advanced beginning Mandarin pronunciation, grammar, and orthography (in both Pinyin and characters). Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge.

 

CHIN 301- Advanced Chinese – 4 S.H.

CHIN301 is designed for students who have completed two years of college-level training in Chinese to continue to develop their skills of aurally understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Students will continue to improve their linguistic skills with a manageable degree of challenge. At the functional level, this course aims at helping students solidify their ability to comprehend and produce paragraph-level Chinese. It seeks to enable students to understand face-to-face conversations on most familiar topics, give factual accounts, read materials written in formal shumianyu Chinese and write simple essays, reports and all types of correspondence. Taught annually, fall semesters

 

Japanese  Language (JPN)

101 – Beginning Japanese I -  4 SH

JPN 101 is designed to acquaint students with grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate for beginning learners. Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge. 

 

102 – Beginning Japanese II- 4 SH

Continuation of JPN 101. JPN 102 is designed to acquaint students with grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate for beginning learners. Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge. Prerequisite: JPN 101 or equivalent.

 

201 – Advanced Beginning Japanese I - 4 SH

JPN 201 is designed as a continuation of JPN 102 to acquaint students with grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate for advanced beginning learners. Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge.  

 

202- Advanced Beginning Japanese II - 4 SH

JPN 202 is designed as a continuation of JPN 201 to acquaint students with grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate for advanced beginning learners. Instruction focuses on development of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and cultural knowledge.

 

JPN 301 – Advanced Japanese – 4 S.H.

Taught annually, fall semesters.  JPN 301 is designed to build upon skills acquired in the JPN 101-202 (Beginning and Intermediate Japanese) course sequence.  While continuing its general emphasis on building speaking proficiency, Advanced Japanese also seeks to expand reading and writing skills, and contains substantial reading assignments.  Students will also be required to master approximately 400 new Kanji (Chinese characters)

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 14:10