Fall 2024

Analysis of race and the economic, political, gender, and social dimensions of contemporary Los Angeles including topics such as residential segregation, economic inequality, and city politics.

An introduction to cultures and people in the Americas; the social, historical, economic and cultural formations that together make up the Latino/a American imaginary.

Examination of the ways that different nations and cultures have remembered the Vietnam War or the American War as it is called in Vietnam. (Duplicates credit in former AMST 377)

Examines the politics of interracial marriage and intimacy, mixed race identities, and trans-racial adoption.

This course examines black social movements for freedom, justice, equality, and self determination. Beginning with Reconstruction, movements include labor, civil rights, radical feminism, socialism, reparations, Black Nationalism, prisoners' rights, and Hip Hop.

Examination of the constructions of American ethnicity/race in film.

Everyday life, politics, social transformations, and cultural practices in the People's Republic of China, from cultural studies and social science perspectives.

Communication strategies to manage workplace diversity. Historical, social, legal precedents. Institutional barriers to diversity. Race, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disabilities, culture.

Studies of the presence and influence of Zen Buddhism and Daoism in Asian literature, with a focus on China and Japan.

Cultural variables and social psychological processes that influence intercultural interaction; relationship between communication and culture in diverse settings including business, medicine, and education.

A critical history of art, design, visual culture, and visual theory since 1960, addressing through a postcolonial/decolonial lens the concepts and practices of "global" art.

Exploration of the discursive foundations, political motivations, and aesthetic strategies of dance writers and artists whose works have enabled the category of "black dance."

Examining the role that vernacular dance and music play in the creation of Jazz Dance, taught in lecture format; practical studies in Jazz Dance, from recreational to professional settings.

Study of difference as represented through French, Francophone and related narratives of disability and illness, with attention to race and gender. Conducted in English.

Comparison of national and international differences in health status as influenced by cultural practices and lifestyles within geographic, economic, and political environments.

Basic concepts of world affairs for non-majors. Development ofcompetency to understand and critically evaluate global relationsand international events, stressing empirical approaches. Not available for major credit.

Comprehensive introduction to contending theoretical and analytical approaches; development of critical, evaluative, cognitive, and analytical competencies regarding historical and contemporary issues.

Examines the strategies for managing global issues in the post Cold War period. Explores ways that international institutions, national governments and non-state actors work separately and together to provide order and control over complex international issues areas. Issues that will receive attention could include financial and monetary relations, trade and foreign investment, preservation of the environment, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, population and migration, terrori

Globalization makes national borders and regulations increasingly obsolete. Analyzes the economic foundation of globalization, its consequences and efforts to manage it.

Explores the role of journalism and social media in society - its influence on government, technology, business, national security, sports, science and entertainment.

Explores Jewish participation in the social, cultural, political and economic life of the modern Middle East.

Historical background and responses to the Holocaust, withspecial emphasis on ethical implications.

Sources and structure of law; history of Bill of Rights emphasizing effect on criminal justice system; limits of law in solving problems in American society.

Discourse patterns among diverse social groups in institutional and interpersonal settings; interrelationships among language practices and gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity; social structures and cultural values as reflected in language policies and practices.

Introduction to the natural and cultural diversity of the Middle East.

An examination of the economic, political and cultural forces operating in a number of Middle Eastern cities.

Exploration of music and cultures of the world. Engagement with international musicians, global issues, field work and musical diasporas in Los Angeles.

A uniquely American genre, the Broadway musical serves as a catalyst for inquiry into human diversity, cross-culturalism, and significant social and political issues.

A chronicle of the musical contribution of Africans and African Americans to American society and to the foundations of musical genres and styles throughout the world.

A history of hip-hop music from its inception to the present: its musical processes and styles, as well as attendant social, political and cultural issues.

Critical study of controversial social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, war and terrorism, sexual morality, affirmative action and economic justice.

Overview of human rights controversies across the globe. Introduction to techniques of analysis for social issues, interdisciplinary research methods, and interpretation of complex political problems.

Interdisciplinary analysis of the religions traditions, institutions, and experiences of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

How drugs impact culture in individual, society and global communities

Theory and history behind the ideal of "the local, grassroots volunteer": a direct link between theory and research using Los Angeles as a case study.

The influence of sustainability science on public policy and vice versa in the context of social/ethical theories, analytical methods and solutions.

The role of food systems in human nutrition and environmental health, and system transformations needed to achieve good health, equity and sustainability.

Multidisciplinary survey of gender assumptions in relation to sexuality, mental health, social and political relations, and artistic expression.

History and theory of global feminist movements; case studies in bodily autonomy; labor rights; gender justice.