Global Studies

This course introduces students to an overview of contemporary human patterns from geographic; environmental; linguistic; socio-cultural; religious; political; and economic perspectives. From this global framework; students learn to communicate (and think) across cultures.

An open course; varying in content from year to year; which allows for concentration in specialized areas. (Sufficient demand)

This course engages with works by contemporary queer authors; film makers; artists; and singers from France and Francophone countries (Algeria; Morocco; Ivory Coast; etc.). We will identify the concerns of this generation and discuss their place and visibility in society. Readings; films; and class discussions will provide students with the concepts and terminology to understand; discuss and analyze the experiences of queer individuals today. Please note: the course touches on topics of a potentially sensitive nature and includes some sexually explicit materials. Course is in English.

This course introduces students to Latin American film from the 1940’s to the present. Students analyze filmic representations of gender; race; sexuality; and socio-economic class in historical context; exploring relationships among art; politics and culture. Students develop an understanding of film-making practices and acquire and apply critical skills and theoretical approaches to thinking; speaking; and writing about films.

An open course; varying in content from year to year; which allows for concentration in specialized areas. (Sufficient demand)

This course is an introduction to Japanese visual arts; material culture; and architecture from prehistory to the present. Major monuments of Japan are analyzed according to their historical; social; and religious contexts. A field trip to study objects in the Johnson Museum Collection at Cornell University is part of the course.

In this course students analyze global media (news and entertainment) in order to better understand how global media messages influence societies and audiences worldwide. Students also develop an understanding of how to create their own objective and persuasive global media messages. (Alternating Spring)

lobal Communication introduces students to communication and media issues impacting the global community in the digital age; including: international telecommunication networks; transnational media corporations (based in America; Asia; the Middle East; etc.); global news; global advertising; the Internet and information flow.

An open course; varying in content from year to year; which allows for concentration in specialized areas. (Sufficient demand)

Academic inquiry into an area not covered in any established course; and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.

This seminar focuses on how photography and its modern modes of vision were disseminated and adapted around the globe since its 1839 invention in Europe. The course is designed as a research lab: students develop both a short written report and related visual project.

Internships with an international focus may receive Global Studies credit. Please contact the Director of Global Studies for more information.

This integrative capstone course allows seniors to study a variety of global issues in-depth and to present the results of their own particular global experiences and studies. Topics examined will vary from year to year. The seminar may be focused on a central theme or on a variety of issues; depending upon the students' international interests and the instructor's discretion.

This course explores service learning as a way of accomplishing and demonstrating civic engagement through weekly class discussions; reflective writing; and weekly service hours in the local community. Each student selects a service project to satisfy the main requirement of at least 4 hours of service work per week. Service projects vary from term to term.