Global Interdisciplinary Studies

Degrees and Certificates

The Department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) provides students with a tripartite of skills, knowledge, and values that foster critical thinking, problem solving, and preparation for responsible global citizenship. Students gain an understanding of global studies, acquiring the know-how in global and digital literacy, cultural diversity and intercultural competences, interdisciplinary research, and a passion for social justice, nurtured in experiential learning.

 All students must choose one specialization from the sections listed below. 

The Department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies also offers minors in the following programs: Arabic Language and Cultural Studies, Chinese Language and Cultural Studies, Japanese Language and Cultural Studies, Russian Language and Cultural Studies. Visit these individual pages to view requirements. 

Classes

AFR 3000 : Constructs of Blackness

Interdisciplinary examination of ideas of black identity, culture, and politics. Course covers African and African Diaspora experience in society, history, literature, health, and others in global and national contexts. Team taught

Credits

Credits 3

ARB 1111 : Basic Arabic I

Functional use of Modern Standard Arabic for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. Recitations, readings and oral drills.

Credits

Credits 6

ARB 1112 : Basic Arabic II

Functional use of Modern Standard Arabic for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. Recitations, readings and oral drills, supplementary language laboratory work. Prerequisites: ARB 1111 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 6

ARB 1121 : Intermediate Arabic I

Review of grammar and vocabulary. Recitations, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. Prerequisites: ARB 1111 and 1112 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 5

ARB 1122 : Intermediate Arabic II

Review of grammar and vocabulary. Recitations, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. Prerequisites: ARB 1111 and 1112 and 1121 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 5

ARB 1131 : Intensive Adv Arabic I

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. ARB 1125 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

ARB 1132 : Intensive Adv Arabic II

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. ARB 1131 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

ARB 1141 : Intro to Colloquial Arabic

Training in the use of colloquial Egyptian Arabic, focusing on listening and speaking skills. Supplementary laboratory work and drills.

Credits

Credits 3

ARB 2143 : Arab Culinary Culture

Examines the development and fundamental characteristics of Arab culinary culture. Presenting Arab cuisine elements absorbed from the cultures with which the early Arabs mixed when they migrated from the Arabian Peninsula and settled into the surrounding countries.

Credits

Credits 3

ARB 3412 : Special Topics

Advanced study of topics of special interest in Arabic literary and/or cultural studies. May be repeated for credit if topic changes. Fulfills core requirements for Arabic minor.

Credits

Credits 3

CHI 1111 : Basic Chinese I

Functional use of Chinese for students with no prior knowlege of Chinese. New pronunciation system, PINYIN, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work.

Credits

Credits 6

CHI 1112 : Basic Chinese II

Continuation of CHI 1111-Basic Chinese I New pronunciation system, PINYIN, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1111 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 6

Prerequisites

CHI 1111 :D

CHI 1121 : Intermediate Chinese I

Review of Grammar and vocabulary. New pronunciation system, PINYIN, reading and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1112 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 5

CHI 1122 : Intermediate Chinese II

Review of grammar and vocabulary. New pronunciation system, PINYIN, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1121 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 5

CHI 1131 : Advanced Chinese I

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1122 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

CHI 1132 : Advanced Chinese II

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1131 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

CHI 1133 : Advanced Chinese III

Advanced communication skills including reading & discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1132 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHI 1132

CHI 1134 : Advanced Chinese IV

Advanced communication skills including reading & discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1133 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHI 1133

CHI 1137 : Advanced Chinese V

Further refinement of advanced communication skills in writing and the reading and analysis of Chinese text. Refinement of conversational skills through reading and discussion of current events. Prerequisites: CHI 1134 or approval of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHI 1134

CHI 1138 : Advanced Chinese VI

Further refinement of advanced communication skills in writing and the reading and analysis of Chinese text. Refinement of conversational skills through reading and discussion of current events. Prerequisites: CHI 1137 or approval of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHI 1137

CHI 2143 : Chinese Culture

Chinese culture and civilization from the beginning to the present. Conducted in English.

Credits

Credits 3

CHI 3412 : Chinese Special Topics

Advanced study of topics of special interest in Chinese literary and/or cultural studies. May be repeated for credit if topic changes. Taught in English.

Credits

Credits 3

CHI 3413 : Chinese Calligraphy

Two part course: Textual study: History of Chinese calligraphy emphasizing how the Chinese culture blossomed and developed; Calligraphy practice: an on-hand developing of Chinese characters including the study of character's original meaning, transformation, and cultural context.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 1100 : Special Studies

Studies in Critical Languages not included among the languages and cultural studies typically offered in GIS, in related areas, usually through Study Abroad, such as: Korean, Hindi, Thai, Yoruba, Hebrew, Luo; readings, discussions, drills.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 2000 : Intro to Global Interd Studies

Gateway course to Global Interdisciplinary Studies, preparing for area studies specializations and GIS interdisciplinary programs. Focuses critical thinking skills through the comparative lens of both global and interdisciplinary analyses. Mandatory preparatory course for advanced study in GIS major.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 3992 : Global Topics Abroad

Co-requisite 1-credit course designed to provide an embedded study-abroad experience to complement a requisite GIS course.

Credits

Credits 1

Corequisites

GIS 5011

GIS 4281 : The Tale of Shanghai and Tokyo

Struggling with their identity while being nurtured by their traditional culture for more than a century, today's Shanghai and Tokyo eventually emerged from a feudal society as modern, sophisticated, and diversified metropolises on the global stage. Explore how the two Asian cities encountered the West, as well as how they were forced to change through revolutions and reforms in the realms of culture, sociology, literature, history, ideology, and philosophy of life.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 4283 : Global Tea Culture

Interdisciplinary, team taught course which will explore the history and influence of tea in various cultures of the world through a comparative perspective.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 4284 : Glob. Racial Images Film & Lit

An examination of the globalization of racial images through a comparative study of film and literature, using historical inquiry and literacy criticism. Topics include institutional and intellectual racism, imperialism and segregation, racial violence, miscegenation and sexuality, and resistance to stereotypes.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 4285 : GIS Special Topics

Interdisciplinary study of topics of special interest in Global Interdisciplinary Studies related to course(s) taken through the International Studies Program. May be repeated for credit if topic changes.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 4286 : Bridging Global Cult Conflict

Interdisciplinary, team taught course which will explore culturally global based conflicts with social, political, economic elements through a comparative perspective. This is a team taught course and will be capped at maximum student enrollment of 17 students.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 4290 : African & Caribbean Pol & Lit

Interdisciplinary exploration of diverse literary traditions of Africa and its large diaspora in the Caribbean through political science and development economics theories. Examines political dysfunctions that follow postcolonialism; offers theoretical and aesthetic tools to appreciate interface between politics and culture.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 5000 : Special Topics

Intensive seminar taught by distinguished visiting faculty on a topic of global and interdisciplinary significance.

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

GIS 2000 :Y

GIS 5011 : GIS Select

Interdisciplinary team-taught courses offered by GIS to fulfill requirements for the Junior Research Seminar and additional GIS Select course. May be taken by GIS majors in any of the specializations, including Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice Education, to fulfill requirements in their specialization if the specific GIS Select topic carries the attribute of their specialization.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 5012 : GIS Select

Interdisciplinary team-taught courses offered by GIS to fulfill requirements for the Junior Research Seminar and additional GIS Select course. May be taken by GIS majors in any of the specializations, including Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice Education, to fulfill requirements in their specialization if the specific GIS Select topic carries the attribute of their specilization.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 5021 : GIS Select

Interdisciplinary team-taught courses offered by GIS to fulfill requirements for the Junior Research Seminar and additional GIS Select course. May be taken by GIS majors in any of the specializations, including Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice Education, to fulfill requirements in their specialization if the specific GIS Select topic carries the attribute of their specialization.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 5022 : GIS Select

Interdisciplinary team-taught courses offered by GIS to fulfill requirements for the Junior Research Seminar and additional GIS Select course. May be taken by GIS majors in any of the specializations, including Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice Education, to fulfill requirements in their specialization if the specific GIS Select topic caries the attribute of their specialization.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 5031 : GIS Select

Interdisciplinary team-taught courses offered by GIS to fulfill requirements for the Junior Research Seminar and additional GIS Select course. May be taken by GIS majors in any of the specializations, including Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice Education, to fulfill requirements in their specialization if the specific GIS Select topic carries the attribute of their specialization.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 5032 : GIS Select

Interdisciplinary team-taught courses offered by GIS to fulfill requirements for the Junior Research Seminar and additional GIS Select course. May be taken by GIS majors in any of the specializations, including Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice Education, to fulfill requirements in their specialization if the specific GIS Select topic carries the attribute of their specialization.

Credits

Credits 3

GIS 6500 : Capstone I: Research

Team-taught, interdisciplinary seminar. Integration of work for GIS major, leading to the research & writing of the major thesis, topic determined by faculty of record. Senior standing.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

GIS 2000

Corequisites

GIS 6600 : Capstone 2:Thesis

Directed research seminar focusing on the writing of the major theseis. Senior standing.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

IS 1111 : Introductory Irish Language I

Groundwork in Irish (Gaelic), including oral proficiency, aural comprehension, and reading knowledge; for students with no prior knowledge of Irish. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills.

Credits

Credits 4

IS 1112 : Introductory Irish Language II

Groundwork in Irish (Gaelic), including oral proficiency, aural comprehension and reading knowledge; for students with one semester of Irish study completed. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills. Students should have completed IS 1111 or equivalent.

Credits

Credits 4

IS 1121 : Intermediate Irish Language I

Review of grammar and vocabulary in Irish (Gaelic). Recitations, readings and oral drills. Supplementary cultural study, language laboratory, and conversation comprehension. Prerequisites: IS 1111 and 1112, equivalent or permission of instructor. Taught by a Fulbright language instructor from Ireland. Counts toward the Irish Studies Concentration.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

IS 1112

IS 3100 : Topics: Irish Studies

Study of topics of special interest in Irish Studies, both on campus and abroad. May be repeated two times if topics change.

Credits

Credits 3

IS 4000 : Intro Irish Studies Abroad

On the culture, history, politics of Ireland. Presentations by the Academic Program Coordinator, readings on Irish culture and society, and field trips. Required of all students participating in the summer abroad program at NUI Galway, Ireland.

Credits

Credits 1

Corequisites

VAB 1000

IS 4101 : Studying in Ireland

Intercultural education preparing for study in Ireland through critical readings, reflective writing, and foundational concepts in Irish Studies.

Credits

Credits 1

JPN 1111 : Introductory Japanese I

Functional use of Japanese for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. Communication skills (speaking and listening), reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1111 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 6

JPN 1112 : Introductory Japanese II

Functional use of Japanese for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. Communication skills (speaking and listening), reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1112 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 6

JPN 1121 : Intermediate Japanese I

Further practice of communication skills (speaking and listening), reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer.

Credits

Credits 5

JPN 1122 : Intermediate Japanese II

Further practice of communication skills (speaking and listening), reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1121 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 5

JPN 1131 : Advanced Japanese I

Advanced practice of communication skills - oral, speech and discussion skills, reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1122 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

JPN 1132 : Advanced Japanese II

Advanced practice of communication skills - oral, speech and discussion skills, reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1131 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

JPN 1133 : Advanced Japanese III

Advanced practice of communication skills including reading, discussing topics on current events and speech. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1132 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

JPN 1134 : Advanced Japanese IV

Advanced practice of communication skills including reading, discussing topics on current events and speech. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1133 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

JPN 1133

JPN 2102 : Japanese Film

Introduction to Japanese film to those who are interested in but not necessarily exposed to Asian culture and language. Fulfills requirements for minor in Japanese.

Credits

Credits 3

JPN 2143 : Japanese Animation

Explores how anime is a refection of Japanese society, art & culture. Introduction to rich & varied world of Japanese animated films by considering anime as medium, art, culture, & industry. Introduction to history, theory, aesthetics & cultural aspects of anime, with emphasis on 'the art of communication' with the medium. Fulfills requirement for Japanese minor.

Credits

Credits 3

JPN 2144 : Japanese Culinary Culture

General introduction to Japanese culinary culture, relationship to Japanese society & culture in general, & historical & cultural reasons it has developed as it has. Familiarizes students with historical & modern Japanese cuisine. Discusses historical, geographical & religious background as well as foreign influences. Fulfills requirement for Japanese minor.

Credits

Credits 3

JPN 3412 : Special Topics

Advanced study of topics of special interest in Japanese literary and/or cultural studies. May be repeated for credit if topic changes. Fulfills requirements for Japanese minor and concentration in East Asian Studies. Taught in English.

Credits

Credits 3

RUS 1111 : Introductory Russian I

Functional use of Russian for students with no prior knowledge of Russian. Recitations, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work.

Credits

Credits 6

RUS 1112 : Introductory Russian II

Functional use of Russian for students with no prior knowledge of Russian. Recitations, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. RUS 1111 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Credits

Credits 6

RUS 3412 : Russian Culture in Context

Advanced study of topics of special interest in Russian language, literary and/or cultural studies. May be repeated for credit if topic changes.

Credits

Credits 3

RUS 4110 : Russian Film

Understanding of Russian life and culture today by focusing on basic historical, ideological, economic, religious and cultural developments. Each student chooses one aspect of social development for further research. Conducted in English.

Credits

Credits 3

SWA 1111 : Intro Swahili Language l

Groundwork in Swahili, including oral proficiency, aural comprehension, and reading knowledge; for students with no prior knowledge of Swahili. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills.

Credits

Credits 4

SWA 1112 : Intro Swahili Language ll

Groundwork in Swahili, including oral proficiency, aural comprehension, and reading knowledge; for students with one semester of Swahili completed. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills.

Credits

Credits 4

Prerequisites

SWA 1111