All Undergraduate Courses

All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated.

All Courses: 

Comparative Studies Courses   3000-level courses        4000-level courses        5000-level courses  

Sorted by General Education Requirement: 

 

Religious Studies

 

Religious Studies 2102.01 Literature and Religion
 
Study of relationships between religion and secular literature; analysis of religious and spiritual elements of literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
 
Religious Studies 2102.02 Comparative Sacred Texts
 
Introduction to religious views of the universe, the supernatural, social organization, ethics, etc., through sacred texts (oral and written) of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
 
Religious Studies 2210 The Jewish Mystical Tradition
 
The history of Jewish mysticism from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on its implications for the comparative study of religious experience. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Cross-listed in Hebrew.  Honors version.
 
Religious Studies 2222 From Ishtar to Christ: The History of Mediterranean Religions
 
This course introduces students to the historical facts of 10 ancient Mediterranean religions in a context that trains them to study religions more generally. It also teaches them how two of the most prominent religions today--Judaism and Christianity--succeeded within a richly diverse religious marketplace, and how religions respond to their political, economic, and social environments.
 
Religious Studies 2370 Introduction to Comparative Religion
 
Introduction to the academic study of religion through comparison among major traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) and smaller communities. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
 
Religious Studies 2670 Science and Religion
 
A philosophical examination of the relationship between science and religion; concentration on issues regarding the creation of the universe and the origins of life. GE Cultures and Ideas course. Cross-listed in Philosophy.
 
Religious Studies 2677 Religion and Environmentalism
 
Examines the complex intersections between religion and environmental movements in North America, beginning with early contact between Europeans and Native Americans.
 
Religious Studies 3210 The Jewish Mystical Tradition
 
The history of Jewish mysticism from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on its implications for the comparative study of religious experience.
 
Religious Studies 3671 Religions of India
 
History and structure of South Asian religions with attention to myth, ritual, art, philosophy, and social stratification.
 
Religious Studies 3672 Native American Religions
 
Comparative survey of indigenous religions of North America; patterns and diversity in religious experience, cosmologies, myths, rituals, social organizations, and sacred roles.
 
Religious Studies 3872H Varieties of Christianity
 
Explores various expressions of Christianity, historically and cross-culturally. Readings are from different disciplines, including anthropology, archeology, religious studies, sociology.
 
Religious Studies 3673 The Buddhist Tradition
 
History and structure of Buddhism from founding to present in South, Southeast, and East Asia; emphasis on rituals, beliefs, and local and regional variations. Cross-listed in EALL.
 
Religious Studies 3674 African Religions
 
Survey of African traditional religions and their interaction with Islam and Christianity in Africa and the diaspora; emphasis on cosmologies, myth, ritual, ethics, and witchcraft. Cross-listed in AfAmASt.
 
Religious Studies 3678 Religion and American Culture
 
Examines contemporary relationships between religion and popular culture, particularly the media in the U.S., from historical, ethnographic, and cultural studies perspectives. GE Diversity: Social Diversity in the U.S.
 
Religious Studies 3679 Popular Culture and World Religion
 
The representation of religion in visual culture, in the United States and around the world; the ways that religious traditions are represented or misrepresented; the ways religious traditions appropriate popular culture for their own purposes; new forms of religious practice and community that grow directly out of popular culture
 
Religious Studies 3680 Religion and Law in Comparative Perspective
 
Comparative, interdisciplinary approach to studying religion and law. Drawing on concrete cases, historical studies, and theoretical literature, the course explores how the relationship between religion and law has been configured differently in different liberal democracies, such as the U.S., France, and Israel, and what this might mean for contemporary debates. Team-taught w/ faculty in History. GE Historical Study and Diversity: Global Studies. Cross-listed in History. Option for distance learning delivery. 
 
 
Religious Studies 3877 Myth and Ritual
 
Ritual, myth, and literature: structural and thematic relationships.
 
 
Religious Studies 3972 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
 
Survey of contemporary theories and methods used in the academic study of religion. Prereq: 2370 (270) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 520.
 
 
Religious Studies 4871 Religion and American Politics
 
Investigates relationships among conservative politics, culture, and religion in the U.S. from the mid - 20th century to the present.
 
 
Religious Studies 4873 Contemporary Religious Movements in Global Context
 
Examination of contemporary religious movements within the context of larger political, cultural, and economic processes, including post-colonialism, modernization, and globalization.  Not open to students with credit for 525, or IntStds 4873 (525). Cross-listed in IntStds 4873.
 
 
Religious Studies 4874 New Age and New Religious Movements
 
Study of new age and new religious movements in contemporary American culture. Not open to students with credit for 526.
 
 
Religious Studies 4875 Gender, Sexuality, and Religion
 
Explores intersections of gender, sexuality and religion in comparative and cross-cultural contexts. Not open to students with credit for 515.
 
 
Religious Studies 5871 The Japanese Religious Tradition
A survey of the Japanese tradition, including Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, New-Confucianism, and folk religion from the 6th century B.C.E. to the present.   Not open to students with credit for 641, or Japanese 5271 (641). Cross-listed with Japanese 5271.
 
 

 

Comparative Studies

(top of page)

 

Comparative Studies 1100  Introduction to the Humanities: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Explores the role of literature and the arts in constructing, maintaining, and questioning the values and beliefs of diverse cultures and historical periods; topics vary.  GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2099 The Question of Comparative Studies 

This course offers an introduction to the Comparative Studies major. It is designed to help students to take advantage of curricular, research, and advising opportunities; to manage the particular challenges of independent and interdisciplinary work; to link classroom work to social and political engagement with relevant communities; and to prepare for life after graduation.This course is graded S/U. Option for distance learning delivery. 

Comparative Studies 2101 Literature and Society

Study of relationships among politics, society, and literature; analysis of social and political elements of literature and film from diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2103 Literature and the Self

Study of relationships between psychology and literature; analysis of psychological concepts and processes as represented in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2104 Literature, Science, and Technology

Study of relationships among literature, science, and technology; analysis of representations of science and technology in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2105 Literature and Ethnicity

Study of relationships between literature and ethnicity; analysis of concepts of ethnicity as represented in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Social Diversity in the U.S.

Comparative Studies 2193 Individual Studies

Designed to give students an opportunity for personal study with a member of the faculty.                                                                                                               Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs or 6 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Comparative Studies 2194 Group Studies

Designed to give groups of students an opportunity to pursue special studies not otherwise offered.
Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs or 6 completions. Honors version.  This course is graded S/U.

Comparative Studies 2214 Introduction to Sexuality Studies

Provides an introduction to sexuality studies through an interdisciplinary approach. To apply the knowledge learned, this course requires a fieldwork component.  Cross-listed in EduPAES.

Comparative Studies 2220 Introduction to South Asian Studies

A multi-disciplinary introduction to South Asia's geographical, political, cultural, and religious contexts and connections.  Cross-listed in NELC. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 2264 Introduction to Popular Culture Studies

Introduction to the analysis of popular culture texts, with special emphasis on the relationship between popular culture studies and literary studies. Cross-listed in English. GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 2281 American Icons

Interdisciplinary methods in American studies; emphasis on the plurality of identities in American culture. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2301 Introduction to World Literature

Analysis of oral and written literatures of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Option for distance learning delivery. 

Comparative Studies 2321 Introduction to Asian American Studies

Introduction to Asian American studies; history, experiences, and cultural production of Americans of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, Filipino, and Southeast Asian ancestry. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2322 Introduction to Latino Studies

Introduction to Latino studies; history, politics, and cultural production of Latino/a communities in the U.S. and its borderlands. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Cross-listed in Spanish 2242.

Comparative Studies 2323 Introduction to American Indian Studies
 
Explores the legal, cultural, historic, and political foundations, experiences, and perspectives and futures of American Indians in the U.S. Prereq: English 1110 or equiv. GE cultures and ideas and diversity soc div in the US course.
 

 

Comparative Studies 2340 Introduction to Cultures of Science and Technology

Critical analysis of the multiple relations of science to society, with emphasis on knowledge, power, authority, values, and ethics.  GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 2341 Technology, Science, and Society

Critical analysis of the relations among science, technology, and culture, with particular emphasis on ethical issues in technology and engineering. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 2350 Introduction to Folklore

A general study of the field of folklore including basic approaches and a survey of primary folk materials: folktales, legends, folksongs, ballads, and folk beliefs. GE Cultures and Ideas. Honors version. Cross-listed in English.

Comparative Studies 2360 Introduction to Comparative Cultural Studies

Introduction to interdisciplinary field of cultural studies; emphasis on relation of cultural production to power, knowledge, and authority, globally and locally. GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 2367.02 U.S. Latino Identity

Latino/a identity in the U.S.; emphasis on Latino/a cultural history and expression and on role of race, class, gender, and sexuality in identity construction. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2367.04 Science and Technology in American Culture

Role of science and technology in contemporary American society; their relationship to human values; sources of concern about their impact; evaluation of selected issues. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2367.07 Religious Diversity in the U.S.

Exploration of the concept of religious freedom and the position of minority religious groups in American society. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2367.08 American Identity in the World

American culture viewed from inside and from the perspective of foreign cultures, as seen in literature, film, art, music, journalism, folklore, and popular culture. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version. Option for distance learning delivery. 

Comparative Studies 2420 American Food Cultures

Historical perspective on the development of the American food system, including associated discourses and cultures, leading to exploration of contemporary concerns about industrial food, the American diet, and the politics surrounding these issues. GE cultures and ideas and diversity soc div in the US course.

Comparative Studies 2689 City and Culture in the U.S.

Interdisciplinary perspectives on the development, accuracy, and influence of popular images and stereotypes of city and country.

Comparative Studies 2797 Introduction Study at a Foreign Institution

An opportunity for students to study at a foreign institution and receive Ohio State credit for that work. This course is Progress ('P') graded. Students will pay Ohio State fees and any fees in excess of Ohio State tuition, as well as all travel and subsistence costs. Specific content, location,semester(s) of offering, and prerequisites vary; contact department office for details. Repeatable to a maximum of 30 cr hrs. 

Comparative Studies 2864H Modernity and Postmodernity: Issues and Ideas

Examination of some of the defining ideas of modern thought and how those ideas have problematically affected modern life in both developed and developing countries. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.

(top of page)

Comparative Studies 3052 Mediterranean Voyages: Migration and Travel

An exploration of human movement in the contemporary Mediterranean: tourism vs. migration. Survey of the historical varieties of travel in the Mediterranean and the examination of contemporary written and filmed narratives of migration in the Mediterranean zone. Prereq: English 1110 or equiv. Not open to students with credit for Italian 3052. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. Cross-listed in Italian.

Comparative Studies 3302 and 3302E Translating Literatures and Cultures

Introduction to issues and problems inherent to translating literatures and cultures. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Embedded honors version.

Comparative Studies 3360 Introduction to Globalization and Culture

History and contemporary dimensions of globalization, focusing on period preceding European hegemony, era of European colonialism, period of decolonization, and contemporary contexts. 

Comparative Studies 3501 Humanitarianism in Question

This course addresses questions related to the history, practices, institutional dimensions, impact, criticism, and function of humanitarian and philanthropic work. Students learn about relationships between donors and targeted communities, both domestically and abroad. Discussions reflect upon reasons for giving, the goals of the supported initiatives, and mechanisms for evaluating success. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs. GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 3603 Love in World Literature

Selected representations of love in different cultures and time periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 3606 The Quest in World Literature

Motif of the quest in world literature; physical and mental journeys as metaphors of personal transformation and salvation. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 3607 Film and Literature as Narrative Art

Relationships between film and literature; emergence of cinematic art as a form of representation with emphasis on diverse cultural traditions. GE Visual and Performing Arts and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 3608 Representations of the Experience of War

Representations of war in works of literature, religious texts, and film from diverse cultures and time periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies

Comparative Studies 3620 Everyday Life in South Asia

An examination of everyday life as experienced by members of the culturally diverse population of South Asia. GE Cultures and Ideas. Cross-listed in NELC.
 

Comparative Studies 3645 Cultures of Medicine

Humanistic, scientific, and clinical perspectives on medical issues; literary uses of medical themes; medicine as art and science. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 3646 Cultures, Natures, Technologies

Cultural perspectives on issues related to technology, nature, and culture; examines cultural approaches to uses of technology and their relation to natural and human worlds. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv.  GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 3657 Contemporary Folklore in the Arab World

Study of contemporary folklore of the Arab world, including verbal art, material culture, visual self-presentation, and performance. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Cross-listed in Arabic.

Comparative Studies 3658 Folklore in the Americas

Comparative study of folklore and folk groups of the Americas; topic varies: folk narratives, beliefs, customs, practices of Latino/a, Asian, African, Native, and Anglo cultures. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 cr hrs.

Comparative Studies 3661 The City and Culture

Introduction to the comparative and cross-cultural study of cities, urban culture, and urbanism. Cross-listed in IntStds.

Comparative Studies 3686 Cultural Studies of American Musics

Investigation of the social, political, and cultural contexts of the development of popular musics in the U.S. GE Visual and Performing Arts and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Option for distance learning delivery. 

Comparative Studies 3689 Transnationalism and Culture in the Americas

Transnationalism as a central feature of cultural and artistic production in the Americas, focusing on the politics of language, race, citizenship, migration, and national belonging.
Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 339. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 3692 Comparative Social Movements

Comparative and interdisciplinary analysis of social movements and theories about social movement in various global contexts.

Comparative Studies 3797 Topical Study at Foreign Institution

An opportunity for students to study at a foreign institution and receive Ohio State credit for that work. This course is Progress ('P') graded. Students will pay Ohio State fees and any fees in excess of Ohio State tuition, as well as all travel and subsistence costs. Specific content, location,semester(s) of offering, and prerequisites vary; contact department office for details. Repeatable to a maximum of 30 cr hrs. 

Comparative Studies 3798 Japanese Popular Culture

This course takes up Japanese popular culture in order to get at big questions about nationalism and cosmopolitanism, appropriation and authenticity, and being human in a world of commodities. This is an intensive summer course: two weeks in Columbus and two weeks in Japan, where we will be based in Tsukuba and make trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Uji. Knowledge of Japanese is not required.

Comparative Studies 3808 Utopia and Dystopia

Exploration and critique of utopian thinking in different historical and cultural contexts.

 

Comparative Studies 3903 Theorizing World Literatures

Discussion of world literatures in theoretical, historical, and cultural contexts, with particular attention to translation, language, nationalism, globalization, and internationalism.

Comparative Studies 3990 Approaches to Comparative Studies

Introduces comparative studies majors to theoretical tools, methods of investigation, and key concepts in comparative studies research and scholarship. CompStd major, or permission of instructor.

(top of page)

Comparative Studies 4191 Research Internship in Comparative Studies

Intensive research experience in Comparative Studies; individualized research training; students collaborate closely with faculty member on research project; projects either student-initiated or faculty research. Permission of instructor required. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs or 6 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Comparative Studies 4193 Individual Studies

Designed to give students an opportunity for personal study with a member of the faculty. Permission of instructor required. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs or 6 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Comparative Studies 4597.01 Global Studies of Science and Technology

Explores relations among culture, science, and technology in changing global contexts. Previous completion of 2367.02 or 367.02 recommended.
Prereq: Completion of a Second Writing course and Natural Science sequence, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 597.01. GE Diversity: Global Studies and Cross-Disciplinary Seminar.

Comparative Studies 4597.02 Global Culture

Examines contemporary global cultural flows, the concepts useful in analyzing them, and the questions they raise about power and cultural change.
Prereq: Completion of Second Writing course. Not open to students with credit for 597.02. GE Diversity: Global Studies and Cross-Disciplinary Seminar.

Comparative Studies 4597.03 Global Folklore

Examines contemporary folklore around the world; introduces students to key concepts in folklore scholarship; focuses on transmission and transformation of cultural knowledge and practice, particularly in situations of conflict or upheaval.
Prereq: Completion of a Second Writing course. Not open to students with credit for 597.02. GE Diversity: Global Studies. 

Comparative Studies 4655 Studies in Ethnography

Explores the history, theory, and methods of ethnographic study in different contexts (e.g., religious, ethnic, occupational groups). Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs.

Comparative Studies 4685 Comparative Ethnic and American Studies

Examines relationships between interdisciplinary fields of American Studies and Ethnic Studies.

Comparative Studies 4803 Studies in Asian American Literature and Culture

Focused study of a topic in Asian American literary and cultural studies. Not open to students with credit for 587 or English 4587 (587). Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs. Cross-listed in English 4587.

Comparative Studies 4804 Studies in Latino Literature and Culture

Focused study of a topic in Latino/a literary and cultural studies. Not open to students with credit for English  4588 (588), or 4587. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs. Cross-listed in English 4588.

Comparative Studies 4805 Literature of the Americas

Examines U.S. ethnic and Latin American literatures, including intercultural contact, exchange, exploitation, transformation.  Explores hemispheric literary traditions.  Taught in English language; option of reading texts in Spanish.

Comparative Studies 4809 The Twentieth-Century Novel: Transnational Contexts

Analysis of 20th-century fiction from western and nonwestern traditions: issues include colonialism, post-colonialism, nationalism, capitalism, revolution, migration. Not open to students with credit for 510.

Comparative Studies 4822 Native American Identity

Historical and contemporary issues of American Indian identity, primarily in U.S.; focus on American Indian authors, artists, and scholars.  Not open to students with credit for 542. GE: Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 4845 Gender, Sexuality, and Science

Examination of relations between gender and science; topics include gendering of "science" and "nature," biological theories of sexual inequality, feminist critiques of science and technology.
Not open to students with credit for 535 or WGSSt 4845 or 535. Cross-listed in WGSSt.

Comparative Studies 4903 World Literature: Theory and Practice

Discussion of world literatures in theoretical, historical, and cultural contexts, with particular attention to translation, language, nationalism, globalization, and internationalism.

Comparative Studies 4921 Intersections: Approaches to Race, Gender, Class, and Sexuality

Examines intersections of race, gender, class, and sexuality in various sites within American culture (e.g., legal system, civil rights discourse, social justice movements). Not open to students with credit for 545, or AfAmAst 4921 (545), or WGSSt 4921 (545). Cross-listed in AfAmASt 4921 and WGSSt 4921.

Comparative Studies 4990 Senior Seminar in Comparative Studies

Writing seminar based on students' independent research.  Prereq: 3990 (398), and 500 or 4000-level course in CompStd, and Senior standing, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 598.

Comparative Studies 4998 Undergraduate Research in Comparative Studies

Undergraduate research in variable topics; independent study.  Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 cr hrs or 3 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Comparative Studies 4998H Honors Undergraduate Research in Comparative Studies

Undergraduate research in variable topics; independent study.  Prereq: Honors standing. Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 cr hrs or 3 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Comparative Studies 4999 Undergraduate Thesis

Independent study for 4th-year students wishing to complete a senior thesis.  Prereq: Senior standing and permission of the instructor under whose supervision the work is to be completed. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs or 2 completions. This course is graded S/U.

Comparative Studies 4999H Honors Thesis

Senior honors course leading to graduation with distinction and a thesis; independent study for the student with special aptitude. Honors thesis credits must be completed in addition to coursework requirements for all major and minor programs.   Prereq: Honors and Seniorr standing, and permission of instructor. A grade of A in at least half of the Comp Std courses taken and an average of B in the remainder. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs or 2 completions. This course is graded S/U.

(top of page)

Comparative Studies 5189S Comparative Studies Field School

Introduction to ethnographic field methods (participant-observation, writing field notes, photography, interviewing), archiving, and public humanities. An introduction to fieldwork is followed by a field experience (where students will reside together in local housing) followed by accessioning, exhibition planning, and reflection. 

Comparative Studies 5194 Group Studies 

Open to both undergraduates and graduate students. Repeatable up to a maximum of 9 cr hours.

Comparative Studies 5240 Race and Public Policy in the United States

This course explores Race and Public Policy in the United States from Reconstruction to the present. In particular, the class is designed to look at the long list of "hot topics" in the current policy landscape, including policing, housing, wealth gap, immigration, voting, political representation, and others. Crossslisted in AAAS and PUBAFFAIRS.

Comparative Studies 5668 Studies in Orality and Literacy

Examination of major theories of writing and of oral composition and transmission, in juxtaposition to case material deriving from a variety of Middle Eastern cultures.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 648, or NELC 5568 (648). Cross-listed in NELC 5568.

Comparative Studies 5691 Topics in Comparative Studies

Critical study of selected themes and topics in a comparative and cross-cultural perspective; emphasis on issues of method, critical theory, representation, power, knowledge, and authority.  Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 651. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs

Comparative Studies 5797 Study at a Foreign Institution

An opportunity for students to study at a foreign institution and receive Ohio State credit for that work. Students will pay Ohio State fees and any fees in excess of Ohio State tuition, as well as all travel and subsistence costs.

Comparative Studies 5864 Modernity and Postmodernity: Concepts and Theories

Introduces key issues and concepts defining modernity; focuses on how modernity has shaped recent and contemporary politics and culture; discussions of globalization.  Not open to students with credit for 660.

Comparative Studies 5957.01 Comparative Folklore

Comparative study of folklore. Topics vary, e.g., folklore and gender politics; theories of myth; folklore, memory, and history. Prereq: English 2270 (270) or equiv. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs.

Comparative Studies 5957.02 Folklore in Circulation

Study of transmission of culture.  Topics vary, e.g., tourists, travelers, tricksters; cultures of waste and recycling; orality and literacy.  Prereq: English 2270 (270). Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr hrs.

Comparative Studies 5980 Ancient and Modern Narrative: Cognition, Affect, Ethics, Belief

This course will juxtapose narratives from an ancient culture with narratives from a modern culture to explore the hypothesis that the power of narrative arises from its capacity to affect the lives of audiences by engaging their cognition, affect, ethics, and beliefs. Team-taught w/ faculty in English.

Prereq: Not open to students with credit for English 5980. Cross-listed in English.

 

GE Literature

 
Comparative Studies 1100  Introduction to the Humanities: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
 
Explores the role of literature and the arts in constructing, maintaining, and questioning the values and
beliefs of diverse cultures and historical periods; topics vary.  GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 2101 Literature and Society
 
Study of relationships among politics, society, and literature; analysis of social and political elements of
literature and film from diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Religious Studies 2102.01 Literature and Religion
 
Study of relationships between religion and secular literature; analysis of religious and spiritual elements of literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
Religious Studies 2102.02 Comparative Sacred Texts
 
Introduction to religious views of the universe, the supernatural, social organization, ethics, etc., through sacred texts (oral and written) of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
Comparative Studies 2103 Literature and the Self
 
Study of relationships between psychology and literature; analysis of psychological concepts and processes as represented in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 2104 Literature, Science, and Technology
 
Study of relationships among literature, science, and technology; analysis of representations of science and technology in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 2105 Literature and Ethnicity
 
Study of relationships between literature and ethnicity; analysis of concepts of ethnicity as represented in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Social Diversity in the U.S.
 
Comparative Studies 2301 Introduction to World Literature
 
Analysis of oral and written literatures of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
Comparative Studies 2864H Modernity and Postmodernity: Issues and Ideas
Examination of some of the defining ideas of modern thought and how those ideas have problematically affected modern life in both developed and developing countries. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 2864H Modernity and Postmodernity: Issues and Ideas

Examination of some of the defining ideas of modern thought and how those ideas have problematically affected modern life in both developed and developing countries. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 3603 Love in World Literature
 
Selected representations of love in different cultures and time periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 3606 The Quest in World Literature
 
Motif of the quest in world literature; physical and mental journeys as metaphors of personal transformation and salvation. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
Comparative Studies 3608 Representations of the Experience of War
 
Representations of war in works of literature, religious texts, and film from diverse cultures and time periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. 


(top of page)
 

GE Diversity: Global Studies

 
Comparative Studies 1100  Introduction to the Humanities: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
 
Explores the role of literature and the arts in constructing, maintaining, and questioning the values and
beliefs of diverse cultures and historical periods; topics vary.  GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 2101 Literature and Society
 
Study of relationships among politics, society, and literature; analysis of social and political elements of
literature and film from diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Religious Studies 2102.01 Literature and Religion
 
Study of relationships between religion and secular literature; analysis of religious and spiritual elements of literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Religious Studies 2102.02 Comparative Sacred Texts
 
Introduction to religious views of the universe, the supernatural, social organization, ethics, etc., through sacred texts (oral and written) of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
Comparative Studies 2103 Literature and the Self
 
Study of relationships between psychology and literature; analysis of psychological concepts and processes as represented in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 2104 Literature, Science, and Technology
 
Study of relationships among literature, science, and technology; analysis of representations of science and technology in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Religious Studies 2210 The Jewish Mystical Tradition
 
The history of Jewish mysticism from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on its implications for the comparative study of religious experience. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Cross-listed in Hebrew.  Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 2220 Introduction to South Asian Studies
 
A multi-disciplinary introduction to South Asia's geographical, political, cultural, and religious contexts and connections.  Cross-listed in NELC. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.
Religious Studies 2222 From Ishtar to Christ: The History of Mediterranean Religions
 
This course introduces students to the historical facts of 10 ancient Mediterranean religions in a context that trains them to study religions more generally. It also teaches them how two of the most prominent religions today--Judaism and Christianity--succeeded within a richly diverse religious marketplace, and how religions respond to their political, economic, and social environments.
 
Comparative Studies 2301 Introduction to World Literature
 
Analysis of oral and written literatures of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. 
 
Comparative Studies 2340 Introduction to Cultures of Science and Technology
 
Critical analysis of the multiple relations of science to society, with emphasis on knowledge, power, authority, values, and ethics.  GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
Comparative Studies 2341 Technology, Science, and Society
 
Critical analysis of the relations among science, technology, and culture, with particular emphasis on ethical issues in technology and engineering. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
Comparative Studies 2864H Modernity and Postmodernity: Issues and Ideas
 
Examination of some of the defining ideas of modern thought and how those ideas have problematically affected modern life in both developed and developing countries. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
Comparative Studies 3052 Mediterranean Voyages: Migration and Travel

An exploration of human movement in the contemporary Mediterranean: tourism vs. migration. Survey of the historical varieties of travel in the Mediterranean and the examination of contemporary written and filmed narratives of migration in the Mediterranean zone. Prereq: English 1110 or equiv. Not open to students with credit for Italian 3052. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. Cross-listed in Italian.

Religious Studies 3210 The Jewish Mystical Tradition
 
The history of Jewish mysticism from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on its implications for the comparative study of religious experience.
 
Comparative Studies 3302 and 3302E Translating Literatures and Cultures
 
Introduction to issues and problems inherent to translating literatures and cultures. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Embedded honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 3603 Love in World Literature
 
Selected representations of love in different cultures and time periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 3606 The Quest in World Literature
 
Motif of the quest in world literature; physical and mental journeys as metaphors of personal transformation and salvation. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
Comparative Studies 3607 Film and Literature as Narrative Art
 
Relationships between film and literature; emergence of cinematic art as a form of representation with emphasis on diverse cultural traditions. GE Visual and Performing Arts and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 3608 Representations of the Experience of War
 
Representations of war in works of literature, religious texts, and film from diverse cultures and time periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
 
Comparative Studies 3645 Cultures of Medicine
 
Humanistic, scientific, and clinical perspectives on medical issues; literary uses of medical themes; medicine as art and science. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.
 
Comparative Studies 3657 Contemporary Folklore in the Arab World
 
Study of contemporary folklore of the Arab world, including verbal art, material culture, visual self-presentation, and performance. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Cross-listed in Arabic.
Comparative Studies 3679 Popular Culture and World Religion
 
 
This course considers the intimate relationship between religion and vision—seeing and believing—as it plays out in contemporary popular cultures around the world. Focusing on the ways in which religious iconographies and popular visual cultures borrow from one another, we’ll look at a diverse set of materials: from horror movies to comic books, Kanye West to Japanese carnivals, Disney World to hell houses. Together we’ll explore how popular cultures consume the sacred, and how religious people use popular repertoires to formulate questions of ultimate concern.
Comparative Studies 3689 Trnasnationalism and Culture in the Americas
 
Transnationalism as a central feature of cultural and artistic production in the Americas, focusing on the politics of language, race, citizenship, migration, and national belonging.
Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 339. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.
Comparative Studies 3692 Comparative Social Movements

Comparative and interdisciplinary analysis of social movements and theories about social movement in various global contexts.

Comparative Studies 4597.01 Global Studies of Science and Technology
 
Explores relations among culture, science, and technology in changing global contexts. Previous completion of 2367.02 or 367.02 recommended. Prereq: Completion of a Second Writing course and Natural Science sequence, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 597.01. GE Diversity: Global Studies and Cross-Disciplinary Seminar.
 
Comparative Studies 4597.02 Global Culture
 
Examines contemporary global cultural flows, the concepts useful in analyzing them, and the questions they raise about power and cultural change.
Prereq: Completion of Second Writing course. Not open to students with credit for 597.02. GE Diversity: Global Studies and Cross-Disciplinary Seminar.
 
Comparative Studies 4597.03 Global Folklore
 
Examines contemporary folklore around the world; introduces students to key concepts in folklore scholarship; focuses on transmission and transformation of cultural knowledge and practice, particularly in situations of conflict or upheaval. Prereq: Completion of a Second Writing course. Not open to students with credit for 597.02. GE Diversity: Global Studies and Cross-Disciplinary Seminar. 
 

GE Diversity: Social Diversity in the US
 

Comparative Studies 2105 Literature and Ethnicity
 
Study of relationships between literature and ethnicity; analysis of concepts of ethnicity as represented in literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods. GE Literature and Diversity: Social Diversity in the U.S.
 
Comparative Studies 2281 American Icons
 
Interdisciplinary methods in American studies; emphasis on the plurality of identities in American culture. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US
 
Comparative Studies 2321 Introduction to Asian American Studies
 
Introduction to Asian American studies; history, experiences, and cultural production of Americans of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, Filipino, and Southeast Asian ancestry. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.
 
Comparative Studies 2322 Introduction to Latino Studies
 

Introduction to Latino studies; history, politics, and cultural production of Latino/a communities in the U.S. and its borderlands. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Cross-listed in Spanish 2242.
  

Comparative Studies 2323 Introduction to American Indian Studies

Explores the legal, cultural, historic, and political foundations, experiences, and perspectives and futures of American Indians in the U.S. 
Prereq: English 1110 or equiv. GE cultures and ideas and diversity soc div in the US course.
 

Comparative Studies 2367.02 Latino Identity
 

Latino/a identity in the U.S.; emphasis on Latino/a cultural history and expression and on role of race, class, gender, and sexuality in identity construction. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.
 

Comparative Studies 2367.04 Science and Technology in American Culture

Role of science and technology in contemporary American society; their relationship to human values; sources of concern about their impact; evaluation of selected issues. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2367.07 Religious Diversity in the U.S.

Exploration of the concept of religious freedom and the position of minority religious groups in American society. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2367.08 American Identity in the World

American culture viewed from inside and from the perspective of foreign cultures, as seen in literature, film, art, music, journalism, folklore, and popular culture. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2420 American Food Cultures

Historical perspective on the development of the American food system, including associated discourses and cultures, leading to exploration of contemporary concerns about industrial food, the American diet, and the politics surrounding these issues. GE cultures and ideas and diversity soc div in the US course.

Comparative Studies 3686 Cultural Studies of American Musics

Investigation of the social, political, and cultural contexts of the development of popular musics in the U.S. GE Visual and Performing Arts and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 4822 Native American Identity

Historical and contemporary issues of American Indian identity, primarily in U.S.; focus on American Indian authors, artists, and scholars.  Not open to students with credit for 542. GE: Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.


(top of page)

GE Cultures and Ideas 

Religious Studies 2210 The Jewish Mystical Tradition

The history of Jewish mysticism from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on its implications for the comparative study of religious experience. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Cross-listed in Hebrew.  Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2220 Introduction to South Asian Studies

A multi-disciplinary introduction to South Asia's geographical, political, cultural, and religious contexts and connections.  Cross-listed in NELC. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Religious Studies 2222 From Ishtar to Christ: The History of Mediterranean Religions
 
This course introduces students to the historical facts of 10 ancient Mediterranean religions in a context that trains them to study religions more generally. It also teaches them how two of the most prominent religions today--Judaism and Christianity--succeeded within a richly diverse religious marketplace, and how religions respond to their political, economic, and social environments.

Comparative Studies 2264 Introduction to Popular Culture Studies

Introduction to the analysis of popular culture texts, with special emphasis on the relationship between popular culture studies and literary studies. Cross-listed in English. GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 2281 American Icons

Interdisciplinary methods in American studies; emphasis on the plurality of identities in American culture. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2321 Introduction to Asian American Studies

Introduction to Asian American studies; history, experiences, and cultural production of Americans of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, Filipino, and Southeast Asian ancestry. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2322 Introduction to Latino Studies

Introduction to Latino studies; history, politics, and cultural production of Latino/a communities in the U.S. and its borderlands. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Cross-listed in Spanish 2242.

 

Comparative Studies 2323 Introduction to American Indian Studies

Explores the legal, cultural, historic, and political foundations, experiences, and perspectives and futures of American Indians in the U.S. 
Prereq: English 1110 or equiv. GE cultures and ideas and diversity soc div in the US course.

Comparative Studies 2340 Introduction to Cultures of Science and Technology

Critical analysis of the multiple relations of science to society, with emphasis on knowledge, power, authority, values, and ethics.  GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 2341 Technology, Science, and Society

Critical analysis of the relations among science, technology, and culture, with particular emphasis on ethical issues in technology and engineering. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 2350 Introduction to Folklore

A general study of the field of folklore including basic approaches and a survey of primary folk materials: folktales, legends, folksongs, ballads, and folk beliefs. GE Cultures and Ideas. Honors version. Cross-listed in English.

Comparative Studies 2360 Introduction to Comparative Cultural Studies

Introduction to interdisciplinary field of cultural studies; emphasis on relation of cultural production to power, knowledge, and authority, globally and locally. GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 2367.04 Science and Technology in American Culture

Role of science and technology in contemporary American society; their relationship to human values; sources of concern about their impact; evaluation of selected issues. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2367.07 Religious Diversity in the U.S.

Exploration of the concept of religious freedom and the position of minority religious groups in American society. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2367.08 American Identity in the World

American culture viewed from inside and from the perspective of foreign cultures, as seen in literature, film, art, music, journalism, folklore, and popular culture. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2420 American Food Cultures

Historical perspective on the development of the American food system, including associated discourses and cultures, leading to exploration of contemporary concerns about industrial food, the American diet, and the politics surrounding these issues. GE cultures and ideas and diversity soc div in the US course.

Religious Studies 2670 Science and Religion

A philosophical examination of the relationship between science and religion; concentration on issues regarding the creation of the universe and the origins of life. GE Cultures and Ideas course. Cross-listed in Philosophy.

Comparative Studies 3052 Mediterranean Voyages: Migration and Travel

An exploration of human movement in the contemporary Mediterranean: tourism vs. migration. Survey of the historical varieties of travel in the Mediterranean and the examination of contemporary written and filmed narratives of migration in the Mediterranean zone. Prereq: English 1110 or equiv. Not open to students with credit for Italian 3052. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. Cross-listed in Italian.

Religious Studies 3210 The Jewish Mystical Tradition

The history of Jewish mysticism from antiquity to the present, with emphasis on its implications for the comparative study of religious experience.

Comparative Studies 3302 and 3302E Translating Literatures and Cultures

Introduction to issues and problems inherent to translating literatures and cultures. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Embedded honors version.

Comparative Studies 3620 Everyday Life in South Asia

An examination of everyday life as experienced by members of the culturally diverse population of South Asia. GE Cultures and Ideas. Cross-listed in NELC.

Comparative Studies 3645 Cultures of Medicine

Humanistic, scientific, and clinical perspectives on medical issues; literary uses of medical themes; medicine as art and science. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 3646 Cultures, Natures, Technologies

Cultural perspectives on issues related to technology, nature, and culture; examines cultural approaches to uses of technology and their relation to natural and human worlds. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv.  GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 3657 Contemporary Folklore in the Arab World

Study of contemporary folklore of the Arab world, including verbal art, material culture, visual self-presentation, and performance. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies. Cross-listed in Arabic.

Religious Studies 3677 South Asian American Religion and Culture

Historical overview and critical discussion of South Asian American identity; focus on religious identity, ethnicity, nationalism, globalism, gender. GE Cultures and Ideas.

Comparative Studies 3689 Transnationalism and Culture in the Americas

Transnationalism as a central feature of cultural and artistic production in the Americas, focusing on the politics of language, race, citizenship, migration, and national belonging. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 339. GE Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Global Studies.

Comparative Studies 3692 Comparative Social Movements

Comparative and interdisciplinary analysis of social movements and theories about social movement in various global contexts.

Comparative Studies 4822 Native American Identity

Historical and contemporary issues of American Indian identity, primarily in U.S.; focus on American Indian authors, artists, and scholars.  Not open to students with credit for 542. GE: Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.


(top of page)

GE Visual and Performing Arts


Comparative Studies 3607 Film and Literature as Narrative Art

Relationships between film and literature; emergence of cinematic art as a form of representation with emphasis on diverse cultural traditions. GE Visual and Performing Arts and Diversity: Global Studies. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 3686 Cultural Studies of American Musics

Investigation of the social, political, and cultural contexts of the development of popular musics in the U.S. GE Visual and Performing Arts and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Religious Studies 3679 Popular Culture and World Religion
 
The representation of religion in visual culture, in the United States and around the world; the ways that religious traditions are represented or misrepresented; the ways religious traditions appropriate popular culture for their own purposes; new forms of religious practice and community that grow directly out of popular culture

 

(top of page)

GE Writing and Communication: Level 2

 

Comparative Studies 2367.02 Latino Identity

Latino/a identity in the U.S.; emphasis on Latino/a cultural history and expression and on role of race, class, gender, and sexuality in identity construction. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2367.04 Science and Technology in American Culture

Role of science and technology in contemporary American society; their relationship to human values; sources of concern about their impact; evaluation of selected issues. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version.

Comparative Studies 2367.07 Religious Diversity in the U.S.

Exploration of the concept of religious freedom and the position of minority religious groups in American society. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US.

Comparative Studies 2367.08 American Identity in the World

American culture viewed from inside and from the perspective of foreign cultures, as seen in literature, film, art, music, journalism, folklore, and popular culture. GE Writing and Communication: Level 2 and Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the US. Honors version.

(top of page)

GE Cross-Disciplinary Seminar

 

Comparative Studies 4597.01 Global Studies of Science and Technology

Explores relations among culture, science, and technology in changing global contexts. Previous completion of 2367.02 or 367.02 recommended. Prereq: Completion of a Second Writing course and Natural Science sequence, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 597.01. GE Diversity: Global Studies and Cross-Disciplinary Seminar.

Comparative Studies 4597.02 Global Culture

Examines contemporary global cultural flows, the concepts useful in analyzing them, and the questions they raise about power and cultural change. Prereq: Completion of Second Writing course. Not open to students with credit for 597.02. GE Diversity: Global Studies and Cross-Disciplinary Seminar.

Comparative Studies 4597.03 Global Folklore

Examines contemporary folklore around the world; introduces students to key concepts in folklore scholarship; focuses on transmission and transformation of cultural knowledge and practice, particularly in situations of conflict or upheaval. Prereq: Completion of a Second Writing course. Not open to students with credit for 597.02. GE Diversity: Global Studies. 

(top of page)