Cross-Cultural Studies

Dates

Fall Semester: August 25–December 19, 2025
Fall registration: April 28–August 31, 2025

Please note: Tuitions listed here are for the 2024-25 academic year, which includes summer courses. Tuitions for fall courses will be announced in June. Students who register for fall courses will not be billed until June, and they will be billed at 2025-26 tuition rates.

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EN 204 Contemporary U.S. Immigrant Literature and History
EN 245 Intercultural Communication
EN 274 Voices of Civil Rights in American History
HA 117 East Asian Art and Civilization
HA 123 African Art and Civilization
HA 126 Islamic Art and Civilization
HA 201 History of Fashion Photography
HA 214 Art in New York
HA 215 History of Menswear in Europe and North America
HA 219 African American Art
HA 225 Art and Civilization of India
HA 228 Oceanic Art and Civilization
MC 208 Paris: Imagined and Real
MC 241 Italian American Cultural Studies
MC 262 Revolution as Spectacle: Mexico
MC 302 Faire La Cuisine: French Food and Identity
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
MC 351 From Modern to Contemporary Latin American Women Writers
MU 202 Latin American and Carribbean Music
PC 202 Bollywood and the Making of India
PC 356 Asia in Motion: National, International, and Transnational Relations
PL 143 Introduction to Asian Philosophies
SO 272 Sex Roles, Marriage, and Family in Transition
SO 313 Cultural Awareness, Design Responsibility, and the Law
SO 374 Cross-Cultural Studies
SO 378 Asian Global Popular Culture
SS 304 Introduction to Caribbean Studies

EN 204
Contemporary U.S. Immigrant Literature and History
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course on contemporary works from the mid-1900s to the present, focuses on history and narratives of U.S. immigrant experience and border crossing. Students consider how migration is reflected in literary and historical narratives among overlapping discourses of place, nation, family, gender roles, cultural hybridity, transnationalism, history,

and ethnicity. Prerequisite(s): EN 131 or equivalent

EN 245
Intercultural Communication
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

This course is designed to examine the relationship between culture and communication. Students will explore cultural patterns, social power dynamics, verbal and nonverbal communication, and cultural expressions in intercultural interactions. Course content will balance theory and application to examine inclusive and equitable intercultural interactions. 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

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 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 19th 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 214
Art in New York
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

Selected studies in the history of art, utilizing resources available in New York City. Critical and historical investigations arise from direct study of art and architecture.

HA 215
History of Menswear in Europe and North America
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

This course surveys the history of men's fashion in Europe and North America from its foundation in antiquity through the late 20th century, in the context of the history of art and design and with emphasis on expressions of ideals of masculine beauty, status, and power. Prerequisite(s): HA 112 or HA 115 or HA 118

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 225
Art and Civilization of India
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

Introduces major characteristics of Indian civilization through a survey of its traditions of art and architecture. Illustrated lectures survey artistic tradition in relation to historical, religious, and social aspects of this civilization.

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 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 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 262
Revolution as Spectacle: Mexico
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2028.00

An exploration of the cultural context of Mexican Revolution, between 1910 and 1940. Cultural production is examined using interconnected perspectives from critical sources and written and visual archival material. Study of the impact of Mexican literary and artistic revolutionary movements in Latin America and the United States during this period. This course is taught in English.

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 Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's notion of "globalectics". 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." Taught in English. Prerequisite(s): EN 121 or equivalent

MC 351
From Modern to Contemporary Latin American Women Writers
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2757.00

An introduction to Latin American literature written by women. Using the lens of sociopolitical realities on the Latin American continent, students critically examine work created in diverse genres. Course is taught in English.

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)

PC 202
Bollywood and the Making of India
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

Bollywood cinema has played a significant role in managing euphoria, as well as political, social, and religious crises confronting postcolonial India following partition, independence, globalization, and the rise of populism. In so doing, it captures and reflects anxieties and aspirations about an idea—a unique experiment called India. This class studies Bollywood movies, their history, and their connections with the world.

PC 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 "Asia," not only as a country-specific base but also in the transnational context. Formerly SS 356.

PL 143
Introduction to Asian Philosophies
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

Introduces the major philosophies of the Asian world that underlie and shape Eastern cultures. Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are emphasized. (G7: Humanities; G9: Other World Civilizations)

SO 272
Sex Roles, Marriage, and Family in Transition
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1983.00

Sociological study of sex roles and relationships in modern society. Analysis of traditional marriage and family systems, new alternatives, and future trends. Formerly SS 272.

SO 313
Cultural Awareness, Design Responsibility, and the Law
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2712.00

This course investigates the legal, financial, and social implications of cultural appropriation and the misuse of cultural property. A variety of indigenous and cultural groups, ranging from the Wixáritari people of Mexico to the hip-hop community, will be examined through case studies. Students develop strategies of how to design and collaborate with cultural groups in a sensitive and responsible manner. Formerly SS 313.

SO 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. Formerly SS 374.

SO 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. Formerly SS 378.

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.

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