The following courses are listed by academic area. Students are required to take one course outside the area which includes their major.
HST 313 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Modern Europe, 1870-1945
Rome only
Taking as its starting point Germany unification, this course will examine the central themes in European history encompassing nationalism, imperialism and other 20th century ideologies. It will address the rivalry of the Great Powers in Europe culminating in the First World War; then, the failure of the interwar peace will be studied leading to the causes and events of the Second World War which witnessed Germany’s unsuccessful bid for hegemony in Europe.
HST 316 (3 CREDITS)
Pictures of Power: History, Image, and Propaganda
The course aims to introduce students, by way of specific case-studies ranging from the ancient world to the modern day, to innovative methods of studying the past that utilise popular forms of visual culture and propaganda. While recognising the complexity of the propaganda process and the various influences that form and shape images, the course will focus on the historical relationship between propaganda (in architecture, cartoons, film, painting, pamphlets, photography, posters, sculpture, and television) and politics. The focus on the theme of propaganda and its relationship with various forms of media through the ages allows for the opportunity to compare and contrast particular case-studies over time and geographical space and therefore to distinguish elements of continuity and change, which will help students to ‘read’ historic images critically, both as vehicles for understanding the past and in order to identify the relationship between propaganda and power.
HST 319 (3 CREDITS)
Cultures of Imperial Power
This course examines the causes and consequences of empires throughout history from a broad range of comparative perspectives, including the economic, political, social and cultural. It investigates why empires are historically significant, how they rise and fall, whether or not they are good or bad, how they are defined, and how they can or can’t be fought. The course subject matter ranges from the earliest land superpowers of the ancient world (Assyria, Persia and Rome) to the current land and sea empire of the ‘New Rome’ – the United States. It finishes by suggesting other potential new contenders for imperial hegemony, including the Multi National Corporations in the age of globalization. It examines the question as to whether or not all history is essentially a history of empire, with the legacies of this imperial past (if not some of the empires themselves), still very much alive and well and continuing to set today’s political, cultural and economic agendas, despite developments such as decolonisation and postcolonialism. Where possible, the course will make use of museums and collections within London.
HST 323 (3 CREDITS)
The Rise of the Right: A History of Fascisms
This course is intended to be a comparative study of European and non-European fascisms from the end of World War I through to the early Twenty-First century. It explores some of the fundamental interpretative questions concerning the nature of fascism, the origins of the ideology, as well as some late nineteenth century/early twentieth century proto-fascist movements. The focus, however, is on individual fascist movements themselves, including European varieties such as Italy (where the Fascist prototype evolved), Germany (where it was taken to its extreme) and Spain (where its variant persisted until 1975), as well as the influence which fascism had outside of post-war Europe (apartheid South Africa, Peron Era Argentina, and Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq). The course will conclude with a discussion about the "return" of fascism, including: skinhead and Neo-Nazi violence, western immigration debates, ethnic cleansing, and the growth of the radical right. The course is highly interactive with guest speakers, class visits, and regular seminar sessions.
HST/PLT 324 (3 CREDITS)
Politics of the Middle East
Deals primarily with the politics of the Arab world, although Iran and Turkey are discussed where appropriate. This course is thematic rather than national in focus. Among the themes discussed are nationalism, revolution, the politics of oil, the great powers and the Middle East and religion in politics. A previous course in Middle Eastern history is strongly advised.
Prerequisite: PLT 150 or INR 203 or permission of instructor.
HST 339 (3 CREDITS)
US and UK Comparative History
Focuses on shared themes from the 1880’s to the present day, using a variety of approaches to enable students from different disciplines to participate in the course. Issues around popular culture, gender and ethnicity will be looked at, as well as peoples’ responses to major events like the Depression and wars. Concepts from economic history will be used to analyze the booms and slumps that have occurred and the changes to the US/UK that have taken place as a result. The decline of Britain as a world power and the parallel rise of the US will be studied, and this will help put into context the current debates on the post Cold War world order and globalization.
HST 347 (3 CREDITS)
Island to Empire: British History since 1800
Surveys the history of modern Britain during its formative period of industrialization and empire building. An agrarian society ruled by a powerful aristocracy made way, not without moments of crisis, for an industrial society with a democratic franchise and organized political parties. The interaction between the old order and the new provides this course with its basic theme.
HST 354 (3 CREDITS)
Of Myths and Monsters: A History of History
The aim of this course is to introduce students to historiography – how history is written, by whom, when – by studying key issues, ideas, practitioners, methodologies, theories and texts which have shaped the history of history, from its earliest origins in Antiquity through to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. A chronological survey of this kind will enable students the opportunity to sample writers such as Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, Vasari, Gibbon, Marx and Foucault, while emphasizing a comparative approach which highlights both continuity and change. Groups visits are made to archival collections in London to complement class material, give students practical researching skills, and prepare them for their own research topics.
Prerequisites: Junior status
HST 406 (3 CREDITS)
History and Culture
The course examines the changing methodologies which have characterized the writing of history in the past thirty years. The meaning of culture and civilization is explored through various cases studies. The course is designed to be interactive, with lectures, seminars, oral presentations, and, where appropriate, class visits to relevant exhibitions.
Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of instructor.
LIT 324 (3 CREDITS)
Travel Writing
Exposes students to the scope and the power of modern travel writing. It will endeavor to provide an intellectual framework for the understanding and analysis of this genre and will introduce students to many of the critical texts which will be drawn from Bryson, Raban and Naipaul, among others.
Prerequisite: ENG 215.
LIT 341 (3 CREDITS)
Postcolonial Women’s Writing
Focuses on writing by women from the developing regions who use the richness of the English language from their different cultural vantage points to illuminate a variety of cross-cultural experiences in contemporary societies. The class explores the limitations of Western feminist literary criticism and attempts to establish criteria for analyzing women’s literature from Africa, India and the Caribbean.
Prerequisite: ENG 215.
LIT 343 (3 CREDITS)
Culture, Identity, and Literature
This course exposes students to a variety of literary texts that explore issues relating to cultural identities, hybridity and marginalization. The growing body of cross-cultural and transnational writing, shaped by different ethnic and gendered perspectives, will be studied within theoretical frameworks related to postcolonialism and globalization.
Prerequisite: ENG 215.
MSC/SCL 395 (3 CREDITS)
Modern Popular Music
An interdisciplinary course examining the historical, sociological, aesthetic, technological, and commercial elements of contemporary popular music. It deals specifically with the origins and development of contemporary popular music; the relationship between culture, subculture, style, and popular music; and the production and marketing of the music. Audio-visual resources are combined with lectures, and, where appropriate, field trips to concerts in London.
Prerequisite: SCL 150 or equivalent.
RLG 300 (3 CREDITS)
Comparative World Religion
Explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism) and the ‘new age’ faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as ‘the self ’, and suffering. Primary and secondary sources will be studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion. Guest speakers and class visits form an integral part of the course.
INR 306 (3 CREDITS)
Human Rights
This course will cover the evolution of international human rights and of the various national, regional and international mechanisms designed for their protection. It will examine the theoretical foundations of the idea of human rights in various civilizations and cultures, evaluate its legacy within western and non-western traditions, and examine its meaning and relevance in addressing major issues in the contemporary world. The class principally draws on the theories and methodological approaches of the following disciplines: Sociology, International Law and International Relations.
INR 310 (3 CREDITS)
Globalization: Power, Networks, and Identity in the New World Order
Combining perspectives from anthropology, sociology, business studies, and international relations, this interdisciplinary course addresses the vitally important and complex phenomenon of contemporary globalization. Topics for discussion include the worldwide diffusion of political, economic, and cultural practices and relations across continents and the organization of social life on a global scale. The course will feature guest lectures and pesentations by recognized experts in various aspects of the globalization process.
INR 341 (3 CREDITS)
World Politics and the Multinational Corporation
The multinational corporation (MNC) has become increasingly important in the international system and this course is an inquiry into international political economy. Among the subjects investigated are the relations between home states (USA, UK, Japan) and the MNCs, the impact of MNCs on the process of development, the bargaining power of trade unions vis-a-vis the MNCs and the attempts to regulate the activities of MNCs through international cooperation in bodies such as the UN, OECD, the Andean Pact and the EU.
Prerequisite: Junior status.
INR 390 (3 CREDITS)
Foreign Policy Analysis
By considering the economic, political, psychological or systemic determinates of foreign policy, theories and practical examples are examined for reasons states make certain foreign policy choices. An underlying assumption examined is that there is a pattern in foreign policy behavior and decision-makers in similar circumstances tend to make similar choices.
Prerequisite: INR 203 or equivalent.
INR/SCL 426 (3 CREDITS)
The Sociology of Globalization
The constraints of geography are shrinking, limits of time and space are becoming compressed and the world is becoming a ‘single place’. Debates about the nature of political, economic and cultural globalization are now occupying central positions in sociology, international relations, cultural studies, geography and related social sciences. The aim of this course is to provide a senior-level review and critique of the globalization debate – a topic of great relevance to social science majors about to graduate from an international university which itself exemplifies many aspects of the issues under discussion.
Prerequisites: Any 200-level or above political science or international relations course and senior status.
PLT 309 (3 CREDITS)
Citizenship: National and Global
Examines the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship. Tracing the development of the concept from ancient societies to the present day, it examines both the theoretical constructs and the concrete political meanings of the term. The course therefore considers the development of the nation state and the establishment of both legal and social citizenship. The course also addresses the notion of global citizenship in the context of international governance as well as the globalization of both economies and environmental issues.
PLT 314 (3 CREDITS)
The Politics of Development and Environment
Examines the political, economic, ideological, and social dilemmas associated with developing countries, and environmental issues as they pertain to these dilemmas. The tension between developmental and environmental issues is often a central factor in the formation and implementation of polity at both national and international level. The course will consider both theoretical and empirical dimensions of these problems, in the context of globalization. Topics addressed include poverty and inequality, sustainable development, structural adjustment, good governance, the developmental state, energy policy, and international environmental treaties.
Prerequisite: Any 100- or 200-level Politics or International Relations course or a sociology of development course.
PLT/HST 324 (3 CREDITS)
Politics of the Middle East
Deals primarily with the politics of the Arab world, although Iran and Turkey are discussed where appropriate. This course is thematic rather than national in focus. Among the themes discussed are nationalism, revolution, the politics of oil, the great powers and the Middle East and religion in politics. A previous course in Middle Eastern history is strongly advised.
Prerequisite: PLT 150 or INR 203 or permission of instructor.
PLT 331 (3 CREDITS)
Ethnicity and Identity
Examines the questions of whether ethnicity is a universal phenomenon, and if ethnic conflict is inevitable. Investigates why ethnicity has become such an important tool of political organization in the 20th century. This course examines ethnicity, and to a lesser extent nationalism, as bases of social and political belonging and differentiation and sources of both creativity and conflict. Starting with the premise that identity is socially constructed, the ways in which ethnic identity has been formed and used in different societies will be examined. Different theories of ethnicity will be explored during the course, as well as specific case studies.
Prerequisite: Any lower division social science course.
PLT 348 (3 CREDITS)
Gender, Politics and International Relations
Explores the field of gender and politics. It addresses both theoretical and practical concerns. Starting from an analysis of gender, the course moves on to a discussion of feminist theory, followed by feminist criticisms of political and IR theory. The main body of the course is comprised of the examination of a range of issues from gendered perspectives including: political participation, social movements, citizenship and the state, nationalism and irredentism, war, development, international organizations, environmental degradation, and poverty.
Prerequisites: PLT 150 and INR 203 or equivalent.
PLT 362 (3 CREDITS)
Policy Making in the Globalized World
This course investigates the process of policy-making in modern states. It explores how in the new globalized world governments “import” and “borrow” policy ideas from each other, while analyzing how the different actors – states, bureaucrats, think-tanks, policy-networks, lobby groups, citizens, etc – participate and influence the policy-making process. Through role-play activities (such as writing a political manifesto, advising a President on a foreign-policy issue, or enacting a policy-network in the policy process) students will understand the complexities of policy-making and the challenges that the modern state faces in the era of globalization.
Prerequisite: Junior Status
PLT 364 (3 CREDITS)
Religion, Identity and Power
The recent emergence of a number of religious movements in many parts of the world has raised important questions about the role of religion in political and social life. This course explores the relationship between religion, political identity and its expression between and across nation-state borders. By focusing on a number of religious movements, such as various Islamic revivals and the new Christian right, this course will examine the various ways in which religious traditions are used as identity-building vehicles, particularly at times of cultural transition and social change. It examines how the internet and other communication networks serve as mediums for Religious identity formation.
PSY 340 (3 CREDITS)
Cross-cultural Psychology
Provides students with an understanding of cognitive processes as understood from the perspective of cross-cultural research. Students are introduced to contemporary research findings and models in the area of cognitive psychology as well as current cross-cultural research. Students are expected to develop a critical knowledge of the cognitive approach in psychology as well as an understanding of cognitive processes. In addition, the focus on research methodology and issues of reliability and validity is used to encourage students to critically evaluate emic and etic aspects of cognitive processes. Topics covered include: cognitive development, perception, language, memory and problem-solving.
Prerequisite: PSY 150 or PSY 201.
PSY 385 (3 CREDITS)
Childhood, Socialization and Culture
Explores the impact of ‘culture’ on aspects of child development. Traditional theories will be evaluated with reference to cultural influences. Areas of child development covered include cognitive, gender and personality development. Discussion topics include the effects of different child rearing practices, social structure and individualism vs. collectivism. Readings will be taken from both anthropological and psychological sources. Students will be expected to reflect on their own knowledge and experiences. Familiarity with the psychology of child development will be an advantage.
Prerequisite: PSY 221.
SCL 305 (3 CREDITS)
Minority and Ethnic Relations
Investigates the dynamics of relations between majority and minority groups in cultures throughout the world. The formation of ethnic groups, the role of ethnic groups in social organization and the distribution of goods, and the symbols and uses of ethnic identity, are examined, as well as the issues of prejudice and discrimination, assimilation, pluralism and segregation. This is followed by analysis of selected concrete case studies.
SCL 360 (3 CREDITS)
Masculinities and Feminisms
The course familiarizes students with current debates in cultural and media studies related to the social construction and enactment of gendered identities. The first part of the course explores the impact of feminist politics and postfeminist culture on the spectrum of masculinities. The second part adopts a cross-cultural perspective and considers the influence of global media on consumption practices and social change.
Prerequisites: SCL 210 or COM 231 or permission of instructor.
SCL 372 (3 CREDITS)
Sociology of Culture and Subculture
Introduces the field of cultural studies by examining various concepts of culture, the positions taken in cultural criticism, and the relationship between social and cultural transformation. Emphasis is placed on differences between US and UK culture and the theory of subcultures.
Prerequisite: SCL 150 or equivalent.
SCL/MSC 395 (3 CREDITS)
Modern Popular Music
An interdisciplinary course examining the historical, sociological, aesthetic, technological and commercial elements of contemporary popular music. It deals specifically with the origins and development of contemporary popular music; the relationship between culture, subculture, style and popular music; and the production and marketing of the music. Audio-visual resources are combined with lectures.
Prerequisite: SCL 150 or equivalent.
