The courses in this list are designed to support students as they develop the tools to navigate new perspectives that they will experience in the workplace and in their everyday lives. The course list includes classes that prepare students to work in international settings, to understand languages and cultures, to develop insights into the history of different cultures, and to experience topics that may offer new perspectives from those they have previously been exposed to, be it in literature, music or art.
All Intercultural Competency courses will address one of these themes:
- Language & Culture: Explore differences in cultural values, social norms, communication styles, and historical artifacts to foster understanding of others’ perspectives and differences.
- Contextual Awareness: Explore how historical events, narratives, and contexts shape cultural identities, relationships, and perspectives, and how that information can be utilized to enable more empathetic and effective interactions.
- Intercultural Communication: Build skills to engage and communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. Examine the role of culture and local history on interpersonal relationships and customary interactions.
- Social Structures: Examine how societies are organized, including political, organizational, and institutional frameworks. Explore how culture, traditions, and hierarchies influence social interactions and opportunities.
Intercultural Competency Courses
Required: 3 credits (3000-4000 level)
Use water-based paints to explore colors' expressive potential. Develop your personal color palette. Study color theory. Consider the visual and metaphorical power of color. Analyze colors in cultural contexts. Prior drawing experience highly recommended.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): ART 1100 or ART 1110 or ART 2100 or ART 2130 or ART 2190 or ART 2195 or ART 2350 or ART 3130 or ART 3190
Introduction to traditional ways of making sculpture around the world. Students develop studio skills while studying creative traditions from varied cultures. Hands-on studio work, lectures, discussions. Class takes place in Rozsa gallery; includes student exhibit at end of semester.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): ART 1100 or ART 1110 or ART 2110 or ART 2130 or ART 2140 or ART 2145 or ART 2190 or ART 2195 or ART 2350 or ART 3130 or ART 3190
The course will provide students with greater understanding of the interaction between spirituality and healthcare. Students will be encouraged to explore and define their own spirituaity, identify and consider the spirituality of others, and explore the interaction between spirituality, health, illness, and adversity.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Introduction to health issues, such as: infectious diseases, obesity, mental health, healthcare disparities, health insurance, drug addiction, and vaccines. Students will analyze health issues from a diverse cultural, ethical, social, and global perspective.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Introduction to international economics, including balance of payments, accounting, foreign exchange markets, international trade theory, barriers to trade, trade and development, regional economic integration, and current U.S. international economic issues.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001
Economic analysis of labor markets and human resources. Topics include the supply and demand for labor, wage determination, human capital theory, returns to education and training, causes of wage differentials, and economic effects of discrimination.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001
In this course, students gain knowledge in indigenous history, culture, and policy to enhance understanding of the rights and privileges associated with treaties, government-to-government relationship, and diversity of people, practices and values. Students engage in multidisciplinary scholarship with relevance for today's shared management regime.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Examines technology as a tool of oppression or liberation with regards to identity categories and differences in ability, ethnicity, race, age, class, gender, and sexuality. Explores design methodologies focused on values of equity and justice.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Examines communication practices and styles across selected cultures and multicultural groups, drawing on an interdisciplinary range of research fields. May address social issues, language and cultural differences, gender, race, ethnicity, class, disabilities, age, religion, family and national identity.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
An introduction to German-speaking culture (in English) in a comparative perspective. Includes a survey of Central-European history and its influence on modern-day German-speaking societies through movies, media, and recent technologies, and a critical examination of cross-cultural differences between German and North-American cultures.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
An introduction to Spanish-speaking cultures (in English) in comparative historical perspectives. Includes a survey and a critical cross-cultural examination of Latin-American cultures and Spanish-speaking societies (European, Caribbean, and North, Central and South American) through literature, music, film, art, and other media.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Study of German literature and cultures. Topics may include postwar German literature, Germany since WWII, or emphasis on a major contemporary writer. Readings, discussion and writing in German.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3282 or HU 3283 or Language Placement German >= 561 or CEEB German Language >= 3
Study of selected works of literature, culture, and civilization from selected regions of the Spanish-speaking world. May incorporate study of literary genres and historical periods as related to Spain and/or Latin American cultures. Students completing this course may apply for placement credits.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3293 or Language Placement Spanish >= 631 or CEEB Spanish Language >= 4 or CEEB Spanish Literature >= 4
Overview of Iberian and/or Latin American literatures and cultures from colonial through contemporary periods, including the arts and popular movements, from a multidisciplinary perspective. Course is repeatable up to six credits.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3293 or Language Placement Spanish >= 631 or CEEB Spanish Language >= 4 or CEEB Spanish Literature >= 4
This course focuses on mainstream and/or independent films in their historical and sociocultural contexts from selected regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
This course provides students with a better understanding of underrepresented populations within the United States by examining the culture and experience of African American; American Indian; Asian American; Latina/Latino American; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transsexual; or Post-Colonial peoples.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Interrelations of gender and culture, including comparative analysis of constructions of gender. May examine different societies and/or different historical periods.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Survey of the major mythological systems of the world with particular attention to those areas of commonality among various civilizations. Films may provide contextual background.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
An advanced study of a specific transnational or trans-Atlantic historical period or aesthetic movement that illustrates the development of literary and/or cinematic traditions. Courses will include relevant theory and criticism.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
In this course students examine the interdisciplinary relationship between literature and environmental and ecological studies. Topics to be explored include eco-criticism, eco-feminism, environmental (in) justice, indigeneity, sustainability, and animal studies.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Study of literary genres, themes, and movements, with emphasis on comparing and contrasting perspectives reflected in literatures from Western and non-Western cultures. Topics may focus on historical, social, aesthetic, and cultural factors as they influence these literatures. Films may be used.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Close study of significant works in science fiction and fantasy. Examines genre features and usage and attends to a writer's style and methods. Regularly focuses on historical fiction and fantasy using film to help establish literary context.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Theory and practice of researching customers' professional and personal lives to create better foundations for product and service designs. Students conduct field research projects using multiple methods based on user experience industry case studies.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
A study of ethical questions confronting individual engineers and the engineering profession. Among the issues to be explored are the meaning of professionalism, the social responsibilities of engineers, engineer-employer and engineer-client relationships, whistle-blowing, conflicts of interest, and competitive bidding.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Examines contemporary forms of mediated communication. Emphasis on understanding media economics and impacts of media on attitudes, values, behavior, and identity. Topics may include propaganda, advertising, political communication, journalism, media violence, social media, surveillance, and media policy.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Examines the sources of creativity and the ways that it has been used to change cultural values, feelings, beliefs, and practices. A project-based course that cultivates and applies creative action toward cultural change.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Examines the way that artificial intelligence (AI) and culture are intertwined, focusing on theoretical and historical perspectives. Considers struggles over meaning that open up possibilities for social, cultural, and political change.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
How social, cultural, and political power arrangements create the contexts of activism and the impact of technology on acts of resistance. We will foster critical thinking around notions of power, violence, discourse, technology, and the media environment.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Introduces fundamentals of cultural theory and media criticism. Considers historical, social, political, and economic contexts of popular culture from a media studies perspective.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Examines relationships among changing communication technologies and communication theories. Emphasizes issues involving emerging technologies and emerging theory.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Immersion in techniques of listening to the soundscapes of daily life and identifying interrelationships between sound, culture, and one's perceptions of the world. Exploration of sound history, technologically produced and mediated sound, architectural and urban sound, and ecological soundscapes.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Language and power. Critical study of the representation of politics, economies, and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students read texts in German and in English translation. Course offered every third year beginning 2008-2009.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3284 or HU 3285
Individual and society. Critical study of the relationship between the individual and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students read texts in German and in English translation. Course offered every third year beginning 2009-2010.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): (HU 3284 or HU 3285) and UN 1015
Technology in literature and film. Critical study of the relationship between modern technology and literature, film, and authentic documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students read texts in German and in English translation. Course offered every third year beginning 2010-2011.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3284 or HU 3285
Language and power. Critical study of the representation of politics, economies, and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic texts in French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students read texts in Spanish and English translation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3294 or HU 3295 or HU 3296
Individual and society. Critical study of the relationship between the individual and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic documents from French, German and Hispanic speaking communities. Students read texts in Spanish and in English translation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3294 or HU 3295 or HU 3296
Technology in literature and film. Critical study of the relationship between modern technology and literature, film, and authentic documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students read texts in Spanish and in English translation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 3294 or HU 3295 or HU 3296
Introduction to the philosophical traditions of existentialism and phenomenology. Topics might include: the nature of human existence and of freedom; the importance of world, self, anxiety, death, and authenticity; and the foundations of knowledge, experience and meaning.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Covers concepts of human relations and organizational behavior through the study of people's behavior at work. Develop understanding, attitudes, and skills leading to increased personal effectiveness.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Addresses the complexities and challenges faced by companies operating in an increasingly globalized world. Focuses on political, legal, ethical, cultural, economic issues, and on the entry, growth and knowledge management strategies of developed and developing country firms.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Discusses the critical elements of international marketing strategy: socio-politico-economic environment, global consumer culture, entry strategy, and global marketing mix. Utilizes cases and examples in order for students to better understand the globalized marketplace.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): MKT 3000
This course reviews the history and evolution of the construct of race as a psychological and historical construct. The course will emphasize a theoretical and conceptual approach toward understanding the foundations of racialized world views. The historical and contemporary implications for policy and practice are considered.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): PSY 2000 and UN 1015
Survey of social, cultural, and cognitive influences on individual and group behavior. Introduces attitude formation, social conformity, personal perception, aggression, cooperation, and interpersonal and intergroup relations.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PSY 2000 and UN 1015
The course explores the relationship between culture and cognition and their interactions. Theories and research methodologies related to culture and cognition are covered. The course involves developing an awareness of personal analytic frameworks. Application in different arenas are considered (e.g. family and community spaces, workplaces).
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PSY 2000 or HF 2000) and UN 1015
Exploration of contemporary Native American and Indigenous communities worldwide, using a cross-cultural and comparative approach, with some historical context. Topics examined include the legacy of settler colonialism, issues facing Indigenous communities today, and Indigenous renewal and resistance, with emphasis on Native North America.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
Compares the embedded nature of culturally defined food production and consumption habits: the crux of nature meeting and mixing with culture. The course features classic food system scholarship as well as emerging topics and contemporary case studies.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
This course explores from an anthropological perspective themes concerned with the increasing interconnectedness of world cultures and economies after 1400. Focusing on Western expansion and the establishment of global networks in the Modern Era and tracing the social, political, and economic interactions that have shaped our contemporary world.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
This course examines the diverse, but interconnected, cultures of Latin America. The class will examine the sources and patterns of particular cultural traditions, while at the same time understanding the trajectory of social, political, and economic transformations throughout the region.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Summer, in odd years
An exploration of the social, cultural, political, and economic history of Detroit from the era before European contact through the present. The course will combine lectures, discussion, activities, examinations and an analytical essay in order to investigate the history of Detroit from a variety of perspectives.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
An introduction to the field and study of International Relations (IR). This course will cover major IR theories and current topics in global politics including: globalization, terrorism, human rights, and environmentalism.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Applies legal and ethical principles to evolving computer technology. Explores current legal issues such as surveillance, privacy, free speech, crime, encryption, on line contracting, intellectual property and censorship, as well as legislative efforts to resolve these and other computing dilemmas.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Introduces the U.S. Constitution and how it has been interpreted by the Supreme Court over time. Explores historical, social and political consequences of major constitutional themes such as federalism, judicial review, and evolving view of individual rights and liberties.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
Seminar focused on the rights and liberties guaranteed by US Constitutional amendments. Students learn constitutional theory and interpretation on topics of privacy, speech, media, religion, criminal justice, and gender/ethnic equality. Constitutional Law I is not required.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
A critical assessment of social and cultural processes associated with group-based or categorical patterns of inequality. Examines the creation, persistence, and attempts at reduction of structured inequality based on categorical factors such as social class, race, ethnicity, and gender. May explore other significant sources of social inequality.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years
This course focuses on the histories, theories, and practices of environmental justice in local, national, and global contexts. Topics to be explored include environmental racism, industrial facility siting, sustainable development, as well as food, energy, and climate justice.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
This course focuses on concepts that are fundamental to energy policy: energy security and energy justice. It introduces students to the three main views of energy security (supply, demand, and energy services). In addition, the course provides a critical perspective of evaluating energy decision-making through the lenses of justice.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
Survey of a major branch of American anthropology or archaeology, or a specific time period or region. Topics may include North American prehistory, experimental archaeology, applied anthropology, economic anthropology, or other specialized themes. Readings will emphasize both theoretical and substantive contributions. May be repeated if topics differ.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
Preparation for study abroad, service learning, and cross-cultural research or internships. Students reflect on their cultures; explore how to live and work effectively with other cultural groups, discuss cross-cultural professional ethics; and practice collecting and analyzing data from cross-cultural, immersive field work.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
A course that surveys basic concepts of qualitative methods with topics that may include: field observation, interviews, field notes, and write-up research.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Provides a broad and deep overview into the prevalent debates, cases, and methods within the transdisciplinary fields of memory and heritage studies; students apply these processes in collaborative and individualized cases. Memory work in post-violence and post-industrialization communities, politics, and performances will be framed globally.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
A sustainable and systematic approach and critique to tourism planning and development. Students assess issues of inequity, exploitation, and environmental impacts in tourism planning, modes of redress and resistance, and develop solutions in hypothetical and applied scenarios.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-2-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): (SS 2450 or SS 2100 or SS 2400 or SS 2700) and UN 1015
Covers the geographies of ethnic identity and nationalism, national identity and territory, borderlands and diasporas, national separatism and the variety of ways in which cultural difference asserts itself.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Study of the Cultural History of Theatre from its likely beginnings through the contemporary period, including traditions of both eastern and western theatre.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
A study of costume fashion, emphasis on the western world, from antiquity through the 20th Century. Including: basic characteristics of each period, environmental & cultural influences, specific costume terminology. Comparative analysis of historic costume choices found in film & theatre.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Fundamentals of designing costumes through various explorations and projects. Focus on professional design development and presentation techniques: costume renderings, patterning, color/fabric analysis. Also script/character analyses, research, design concepts.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman