International Studies Courses
Our coursework helps students understand, diversify, connect and respect different cultures from around the world. We take a grassroots approach to global issues in order to foster the genuine empathy needed to work within a community.
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 (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 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 (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. 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. Enrollment is restricted to international studies majors and requires permission of the internship coordinator. Designed for international studies majors 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.
INTL 591. Topics in International Studies. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Open to undergraduate (junior or senior level) and graduate students. A detailed study of selected topics in one or more geographic areas or comparative studies of global phenomena. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.