General Education: Transcultural & Global Awareness Courses

We examine the social and political currents which first gave rise to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and how these helped it to come to power in 1949. We look at how the CCP consolidated its power and began its attempt to make China, strong, prosperous and socialist. This includes tracing the evolution of CCP ideology, the development and ultimate failure of Maoism (e.g. the Great Leap Forward and Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution). We examine how the CCP initiated a process of reform under Deng Xiaoping, a process which continues to have profound effects on the development of Chinese society and politics. Subsequent social change has created major problems for the CCP. We discuss the ability of the Party to respond to the challenges of political reform, such as whether and/or how to become more democratic, as well as the problems facing continued CCP rule.

This course will address the historical background for current problems of globalization in areas selected from the following: histories of globalization, colonialisms, the unequal distribution of wealth, global health, including a history of plagues, world trade, ethnic wars and their consequences, terrorism, culture and globalization.  

(Also AFS 216) Emma Amos, Betty Saar, Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawrence. Do you recognize the names of these artists? Study the achievements of artists of color. How have they integrated their cultural identity with their self-expression? Where and when have African, European, Latino and Caribbean influences affected their art? How have African-American artists established strong, creative communities? Visits to museums, galleries, and cultural centers in New Jersey and New York.

 (Also CAT 216) Emma Amos, Betty Saar, Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawrence. Do you recognize the names of these artists? Study the achievements of artists of color. How have they integrated their cultural identity with their self-expression? Where and when have African, European, Latino and Caribbean influences affected their art? How have African-American artists established strong, creative communities? Visits to museums, galleries, and cultural centers in New Jersey and New York.

(Also AFS/WMS 222) Selected poetry, drama, fiction, autobiography, and essays by African-American authors, with emphasis on literary excellence. Authors range from Phillis Wheatley to Frederich Douglas, Imamu Amiri Baraka, Alice Walker, and Ishmael Reed. Lecture, discussion.

Selected poetry, drama, fiction, autobiography, and essays by African-American authors, with emphasis on literary excellence. Authors range from Phillis Wheatley to Frederich Douglas, Imamu Amiri Baraka, Alice Walker, and Ishmael Reed. Lecture, discussion.

Selected poetry, drama, fiction, autobiography, and essays by African-American authors, with emphasis on literary excellence. Authors range from Phillis Wheatley to Frederich Douglas, Imamu Amiri Baraka, Alice Walker, and Ishmael Reed. Lecture, discussion.

(Also AFS/WMS 226) Varied works of western and/or non-western literature that illustrates how different races, ethnic groups, genders, and classes view themselves

(Also AFS/ENG 226) Varied works of literature that illustrate how different races, ethnic groups, genders, and classes view themselves and each will be studied.  Included are works of Philip Roth, Mary Gordon, Ishmael Reed and Alice Walker.

Varied works of western and/or non-western literature that illustrates how different races, ethnic groups, genders, and classes view themselves.

This course studies the major world communities in their independent development before European exploration. Students will compare the social and political structures, family structures, economics and technology, religious belief systems, and cultures of the major societies of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Modern American political thought. Conservatism and liberalism in the American context. The ideologies of the left and the right in contemporary American politics as well as an analysis of their respective constituencies. The role of ideology in American political life.

This course will deal with the so-called "primitive’’ religious traditions of the Americas (e.g. Navaho), Polynesia, Australia, and Africa. The course will examine the basic beliefs, practices, world views, and mythologies of these disappearing societies. It will also reconsider the usage of terms such as "primitive,’’ "advanced,’’ etc.

(Also ENG 232) Survey of Latin American literatures from the sixteenth century to the present. Emphasis is upon literary discourses the reflect and shape the diverse array of Latin American cultural identities throughout the region.

(Aso AFS 232) This course will introduce the student to the basic beliefs and practices of Islam. It will also survey major historical, cultural, theological, and social developments. Special attention will be given to the Arabian origins of Islam and to its subsequent growth into a dynamic global tradition. The role of Islam in the modern world and its impact on American society will also be considered.

Be it anime, judo, sushi, the films of Kurosawa, the cars of Toyota, or the latest game from Nintendo, Japanese culture is very much a part of the American way of life. This course offers a fascinating look at both traditional and contemporary Japanese art forms within the context of Japanese politics, history, and lifestyle. Test, film, multimedia, guests, and class trips will inspire and prepare you for a visit to Japan, and each class session will include lessons in speaking basic conversational Japanese.  

(Also REL 232) This course will introduce the student to the basic beliefs and practices of Islam. It will also survey major historical, cultural, theological, and social developments. Special attention will be given to the Arabian origins of Islam and to its subsequent growth into a dynamic global tradition. The role of Islam in the modern world and its impact on American society will also be considered.

(Also LAC 232) Survey of Latin American literature from the sixteenth century to the present. Emphasis is upon literary discourses the reflect and shape the diverse array of Latin American cultural identities throughout the region.

This course provides for the study of various religious traditions and topics not covered in the regular course offerings. Possible topics may include: contemporary issues in religion; “new” religious movements; religion and art; religion in ancient Egypt, etc.

Please contact your instructor for specific topic.

On the cutting edge of new media innovation yet drawing upon a rich cultural heritage, Korea is clearly a country on the move. The land of Buddhist temples, tae kwon do, kim chee, hanji papermaking, and other exquisite traditional crafts is also Asia’s most wired nation. Readings, movies, guest speakers, and class trips provide an overview of Korean culture within a historical and political context. Each class session will include lessons in speaking basic conversational Korean, which is accessible to Westerners because it uses a conventional alphabet (han’geul) of vowels and consonants rather than pictographic characters.  

European art and architecture from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, taught from the perspective of international travel, trade, and cultural interactions. We will study works of art first-hand in New York and local museums and see the influence of key artists on each other, the evolution of their styles, technical practices, and content.  

This course surveys both˙ Western and non- Western civilizations and cultures from 1500 to the present. Emphasis is on the political, social, and cultural developments of the major civilizations; the interactions between those civilizations; and the development of a global community since 1500. 

An in-depth exploration of the beliefs, practices, and social institutions of Buddhism. Students will explore the history of Buddhism from its origin in India through its developments in China, Japan, and more recently in Europe and North America. We will also consider increasing importance of Buddhism in modern America culture society

An in-depth exploration of the beliefs, practices, and social institutions of Hinduism. Students will explore the history of Hinduism from its origin in India through its developments in recent centuries as Hindus have migrated around the globe. We will also consider the increasing importance Hinduism in modern American culture and society.

An in-depth study of the elements of the various styles of American music that were to become hip-hop. Includes examination of how to formulate hip-hop lyrics and beats. Hands-on experience with sequencing software, computers and samplers and opportunities to rhyme and free-style to beats made by class members will also be provided.