International Studies Course Offerings

African Studies Course Offerings

Please see the section on “Course Description Symbols and Terms” in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

AFRI 050

Introduction to African Studies 3.0 Fa/Spr

An interdisciplinary approach to modern and traditional aspects of African life in the fields of history, geography, politics, ethnography, and socio-economic development. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as AFAM 050 which may be substituted.

AFRI 123

African and Afro-Haitian Dance 1.0 Fa/Spr

Through dance, song, reading, and discussion, students will experience the rich cultural traditions of West Africa and the island of Haiti, where African traditions have evolved and flourished in a “New World” setting for 300 years. Both dance forms challenge the strength and athleticism of the body. The African dances are high energy and polyrhythmic, with fast footwork, expressive and sweeping movements and free use of the back, head, shoulders, and pelvis. Haitian dance mixes African roots with indigenous, Spanish, and French colonial influences to create a unique form emphasizing spinal waves and torso, hip, and shoulder movements over rhythmic foot patterns. 2.0 hours activity.

This course is the same as PHED 123 which may be substituted.

AFRI 150

African Studies: 3.0 Fa/Spr
Contemporary Social Problems and Prospects

Series of in-depth studies, both thematic and topical, concerning major issues and current problems in sub-Saharan Africa, employing an interdisciplinary approach. Topics covered include South Africa, and revolution and ecological crises in Africa. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

AFRI 199

Special Problems 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is an independent study of special problems offered as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Credit/no credit grading only.

Asian Studies Course Offerings

ASST 100

Cultures of Asia 3.0 Fa/Spr

An introduction to the people and cultures of Asia, emphasizing India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. The course employs a multi-mediated approach to learning. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as ANTH 171 which may be substituted.

ASST 125

Japanese Culture & Civilization 3.0 Fa/Spr

An introduction to Japanese history and geography as well as Japanese art forms, literature, philosophy, education, economy, customs, language, and politics. Course also includes a comparison of Japanese and American organizational theories. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as JAPN 125 which may be substituted.

ASST 150

Asian Studies: 3.0 Fa/Spr
Contemporary Social Problems and Prospects

Study of problems and prospects related to Asia. This course will include a series of in-depth analyses of major issues, current problems, and prospects of Asia. Extensive research, writing, and oral presentations will be required. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as AAST 150 which may be substituted.

ASST 167

Sociology of Mainland Southeast Asia 3.0 Inquire

This course discusses the sociology of mainland Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam). Focus is on the rapid social change which occurred during the twentieth century. Among the subjects covered are the emergence of national identities, the role of economic forces, southeast Asian peasant societies, war, and migration. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as SOCI 167 which may be substituted.

ASST 180

Chinese Civilization Through Public Space 3.0 Fall

This course uses Chinese public space to discover China’s past and China’s present understandings of its past. Through field trips around Beijing and one ten-day nationwide tour, students will explore how the historical landmarks symbolize the imperial power and splendor, as well as how the Chinese present their civilization through places, tombs, gardens, monuments, and museums. 6.0 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

ASST 199

Special Problems 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Credit/no credit grading only.

ASST 250

Capstone Course 3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

This variable-content capstone seminar is devoted to the critical reading, evaluation, and discussion of major recent scholarship on Asia. Works are selected from a variety of disciplinary perspectives with an effort to cover several Asian areas (Japan, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia) and to deal with critical issues of the day. Students will lead discussions, evaluate arguments, and write critical essays at a level appropriate to graduating seniors with a major in Asian Studies. Required seminar for majors. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

ASST 299H

Honors in Asian Studies 3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Admission to the Honors in the Major program.

Honors candidates will write a senior thesis over two semesters on an approved topic related to Asia. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

International Studies Course Offerings

INST 098

Special Topics 1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 098A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

INST 100

Pacific Basin: Tradition and Transformation 3.0 Fa/Spr

An examination of the cultures of representative countries of the Pacific Basin area and the impact of the modern world upon those cultures. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as HIST 175 which may be substituted.

INST 102

International Relations of the Pacific Basin 3.0 Spring

Analysis of the international relations of the Pacific Basin area, with emphasis on the period since 1975. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as POLS 146 and POLS 246D which may be substituted.

INST 105

Food Forever: Comparisons of 3.0 Fa/Spr
Sustainable Food Production Systems

How ecological factors, technology, and human values interact to determine available choices of food and its production. Consequences of these choices in terms of community structures, resource allocations, and stability of agro-ecosystems. This course is designed to be a component of the Upper-Division Theme on Cross-Cultural Exploration. Not intended for majors, but open to them. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as PSSC 100 which may be substituted.

INST 110

International Forum 1.0 Fa/Spr

A series of presentations on a wide variety of topics of international concern. Lectures, debates, and panel discussions on areas of current international importance. Credit/no credit grading only. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

This course is the same as SOSC 100 which may be substituted.

INST 152

Quantitative Methods of Conflict Resolution 3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education requirement for Breadth Area A4, Mathematical Concepts.

An introduction to quantitative methods used to wage, analyze, and prevent war, including game theory, linear programming, probability, fuzzy set theory, and computer simulations. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is the same as MATH 152 which may be substituted.

INST 169

Cultural Identity and Global Issues 3.0 Fa/Spr

Comparisons of the different directions of development between the Western and non-Western worlds during the modern period, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia. Attention is placed on the tensions between secularism and religious fundamentalism in building national, cultural, gender, and revolutionary identities. Modernization is examined as both a process and a theory.

This course is the same as HIST 169 which may be substituted.

INST 192

World Food and Hunger Issues 3.0 Fa/Spr

A study of agricultural problems and policies of developing nations. Emphasis on cultural values; physical, economic, and political constraints; hunger and international trade. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as ABUS 192 which may be substituted.

INST 198

Special Topics 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 198A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

INST 199

Special Problems 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

INST 200P

Project Study Abroad 15.0 Fa/Spr

INST 200A-INST 200P: May be taken for 1 to 15 units. You must register with the campus Study Abroad adviser. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 30.0 units.

INST 298

Special Topics 1.0-8.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 298A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

INST 300

Project Study Abroad 1.0-8.0 Fa/Spr

INST 300A-INST 300J: May be taken for 1 to 8 units.

INST 398

Independent Study 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This is a graduate-level independent study course offered as 398A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.

INST 399

Master’s Study 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a master’s study offered as either Master’s Thesis, identified as 399A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively, or as Master’s Project, identified as 399G-I for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.

Latin American Studies Course Offerings

LAST 050

Introduction to Latin American Studies 3.0 Fa/Spr

A survey of the history, geography, culture, and society of Latin America. This course is designed to provide students who are majoring in Latin American Studies, as well as General Education students, with an initial orientation in the study of Latin America on an interdisciplinary basis. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

LAST 087

Orientation to Costa Rica Program 1.0 Spring

Introduction to the Costa Rican Program of intercultural experience learning in Costa Rica. A survey of the geography, culture, family, social institutions, education, religion, and government of Costa Rica. The course is intended to prepare students for the six-week program in Costa Rica. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

LAST 088

Orientation to Mexico Program 1.0 Fall

Introduction to the Mexico Program of intercultural experiential learning in Mexico. The course will survey Mexican geography, anthropology, development, culture, adjustment to cultural differences, and intercultural communication. The course is intended to prepare the student for the six-week program in Mexico.

LAST 100A

Mexico: Art/Literature/Music 3.0 Fa/Spr

An interdisciplinary examination of how artistic manifestations (art, music, and literature) respond to the social and cultural roots of the people of Mexico and Central America. This course is designed to be a component of the General Education Upper-Division Thematic Program on Mexico and Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as LAST 100M which may be substituted.

LAST 100B

Central America: Art/Literature/Music 3.0 Spring

This course is the same as LAST 100C which may be substituted.

LAST 100C

Central America: Art/Literature/Music 2.0 Spring
(Costa Rica component)

See LAST 100B. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as LAST 100B which may be substituted.

LAST 100M

Mexico: Art/Literature/Music 2.0 Fall
(Mexico component)

See LAST 100A. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as LAST 100A which may be substituted.

LAST 101

History and Politics of Mexico 3.0 Fa/Spr

An interdisciplinary approach to the history and politics of Mexico. This course will introduce students to the panorama of Mexican history while delineating the roots and development of the current Mexican political system. This course is designed to be a component of the Upper-Division Theme on Mexico and Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as HIST 182 and LAST 101M which may be substituted.

LAST 101M

History and Politics of Mexico 2.0 Fall
(Mexico component)

See LAST 101. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as HIST 182 and LAST 101 which may be substituted.

LAST 102

Land and People of Mexico 3.0 Fall

An interdisciplinary approach to the study of social institutions and culture in terms of family, neighborhood, community, region, and nation, with specific emphasis on Mexico. This course is designed to be a component of the Upper-Division Theme on Mexico and Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as GEOG 154A which may be substituted.

LAST 103

Natural History and Ecology 3.0 Fa/Spr
of Mexico and Central America

Prerequisites: Completion of the lower-division GE Breadth Area B requirement or faculty permission.

LAST 103 explores the natural and human-modified environments of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It introduces students to the biological and physical processes that create the natural environments of the region and examines the complex interactions between people and these environments, both past and present. This course is designed to be the Area B course in the General Education Upper-Division Theme I: Mexico and Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as LAST 103C and LAST 103M which may be substituted.

LAST 103C

Natural History and Ecology 2.0 Spring
of Middle America (Costa Rica component)

See LAST 103.

This course is the same as LAST 103 and LAST 103M which may be substituted.

LAST 103M

Natural History and Ecology 2.0 Fall
of Middle America (Mexico component)

See LAST 103.

This course is the same as LAST 103 and LAST 103C which may be substituted.

LAST 121

History of Government and Politics 3.0 Spring
of Central America

An interdisciplinary survey of the history and politics of Central America. This course is designed to be a component of the Upper-Division Theme on Mexico and Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as LAST 121C and POLS 121 which may be substituted.

LAST 121C

History of Government and Politics 2.0 Spring
of Central America (Costa Rica component)

See LAST 121. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as LAST 121 and POLS 121 which may be substituted.

LAST 122

Land and People of 3.0 Inquire
Central America and the Caribbean

Study of the physical environment, human settlement, development, and modern problems of the nations of Central America and the Caribbean. This course is designed to be a component of the Upper-Division Theme on Mexico and Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as GEOG 154B which may be substituted.

LAST 198

Special Topics 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

LAST 199

Special Problems 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

LAST 200

Seminar in Selected Topics 3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, LAST 050.

An in-depth, interdisciplinary seminar that examines selected topics in Latin American culture and society, past and present, through critical reading of, and commentary on, recent scholarship devoted to the region. Readings may include Spanish language sources. Topics vary by semester. Required for majors and minors. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

LAST 289

Intercultural Experiential Learning 6.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: LAST 087 or LAST 088; faculty permission.

This course will provide students with a genuine cross-cultural experience which will enable them to understand Latin American life from the point of view of the Latin American family with which they will live and the Latin American people with whom they will work. Students will live with a Latin American family and work in a Latin American organization for a six-week period. Students will keep a log of their experiences and prepare a written evaluation of their families and jobs.

Middle Eastern Studies Course Offerings

MEST 060

Introduction to the Middle East 3.0 Fa/Spr

Cultural and historical background of the Middle East, plus government, family, social classes, religion, politics, and conflict in the Middle East today.

This course is the same as HIST 060 which may be substituted.

MEST 155

Middle East: Society and Culture 3.0 Spring

Introduction to some major aspects of society and culture in the Middle East, including the family, styles of living, roles of men and women, and Islamic religion. Examination of the nationalist movements and of politics in Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Israel. Analyses of cultural and political issues, such as the Palestinian question, Arab-Israel conflict, Islamic resurgence, and modernization. This course is designed to be a component of the General Education Upper-Division Thematic Program on Cross-Cultural Exploration. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as HIST 164 which may be substituted.

MEST 162

Islamic Religion 3.0 Fall

Beliefs, practices, and important texts of Islam; its relationship to the state and society; the role of Muhammad; the role of mystics. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as HIST 162 and R S 111 which may be substituted.

MEST 200

Seminar in Selected Topics 3.0 Spring

A series of in-depth studies pertaining to issues and problems related to the Middle East, approached on an interdisciplinary basis. Content is variable. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

MEST 262

Islamic Civilization 3.0 Fall

Islamic civilization 600-1800; religion, philosophy, law, education, literature, and political thought and activity.

This course is the same as HIST 262 which may be substituted.

MEST 264

The Modern Middle East 3.0 Spring

Social, intellectual, and political changes in Turkey, Iran, and the Arab countries in the twentieth century.

This course is the same as HIST 264 which may be substituted.

MEST 266

The Arab-Israeli Conflict 3.0 Spring

The development of Zionism and Arab nationalism since 1900; international politics and the creation of Israel; Arab-Israeli conflict since 1948 to the present; politics and society in Israel; Palestinian refugees and guerrilla groups; P.L.O. and the Palestinian nationalist movement; efforts and prospects for Arab-Israeli peace.

This course is the same as HIST 266 which may be substituted.

Modern Jewish and Israel Studies Course Offerings

MJIS 122

Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) 3.0 Fa/Spr

An introduction to the Hebrew Bible in English translation, emphasizing history, literature, and early Jewish interpretation. Course involves reading and analyzing extensive portions of the classic text.

This course is the same as R S 122 which may be substituted.

MJIS 128

Judaism in America 3.0 Inquire

An exploration of the forces influencing, and the important events in, the emergence of Judaism in America. Attention will be given to issues of community identity and the interaction of Judaism with the larger culture of the context of society and politics in America.

This course is the same as R S 128 which may be substituted.

MJIS 130

Judaism 3.0 Fa/Spr

History of Judaism from biblical to modern times. A study of the literature, faith, and events that shaped Jewish life. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic Course.

This course is the same as R S 130 which may be substituted.

MJIS 135

Philosophy of Judaism 3.0 EvnSprg

This course explores the major philosophical trends and traditions affecting Jewish life. Hellenistic and rabbinical philosophy, Philo to Maimonides, Spinoza to Moses Mendelsohn and the Enlightenment, and Hebrew-Yiddish renaissance to modern Zionism will be examined. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is the same as PHIL 135 which may be substituted.

MJIS 153

The Holocaust: 3.0 Spring
Background, Tragedy, and Aftermath

Through lectures, readings, discussions, video, guest speakers, and use of WWW sites (including the archives at Jerusalem 1, Shamash, the US Holocaust Museum, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and other Web sources) we will explore the roles of what Raul Hilberg calls the perpetrators, victims, and bystanders of this horrific period in the 20th Century. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is the same as SOCI 153 which may be substituted.

MJIS 156

Genocide and Mass Persuasion 3.0 Fa/Spr
in the 20th Century

Lectures, guest speakers, and films are used to explore the rhetorical, historical, social, and cultural impact of genocide in the 20th century, with special focus on mass persuasion and propaganda. In addition, the moral implications of genocide are considered. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western Course.

This course is the same as CMST 156 and SOCI 156 which may be substituted.

MJIS 156H

Genocide and Mass Persuasion 3.0 Fall
in the 20th Century - Honors

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program.

This course is the same as CMST 156H and SOCI 156H which may be substituted.

MJIS 214

Jewish Rhetoric 3.0 OddFall

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

This course will explore the major persuasive sacred and secular texts and speeches of Jewish culture from the Bible to the present. Included in the course will be explorations of Moses’ last speech, rabbinical talmudic argumentation, rabbinical homiletics, Jewish rhetorical influences on early Christianity, Medieval disputations, the impact of the Haskalah movement, the Holocaust, the creation of the state of Israel, and modern Jewish political rhetoric. Note: This course fulfills the writing proficiency requirement for the major in Modern Jewish Studies, but does not fulfill the writing proficiency requirement for the Communication Studies major. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

This course is the same as CMST 214 which may be substituted.

MJIS 218

Government and Politics of Israel 3.0 OddFall

This course will examine the Israeli political system from its early development to the present. The class will focus on the Zionist ideology of the founders and the transformation of that ideology during the state-building period. Israeli political institutions will be examined along with historical and contemporary political conflicts, the vagaries of the peace process, and Israeli-American relations.

This course is the same as POLS 218 which may be substituted.

MJIS 219

Israeli Public Address 3.0 EvnFall

This course is an in-depth exploration of the history of the creation of the State of Israel and its changes through rhetorical analysis and criticism of Israeli public address. The course begins with speeches from the late 19th century and moves to the present. The course explores Arab and Jewish-
Israeli public address as well as the public address concerning the Arab/Israeli conflict from the Israeli, Arab, European, and American perspectives.

This course is the same as CMST 219 which may be substituted.

MJIS 256

Teaching the Holocaust and Genocide 3.0 Summer

The study of genocide has been mandated as part of the educational curriculum in the State of California. In particular, the Holocaust, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and the Cambodian slaughter are emphasized in the Social Science Framework. We will explore these major acts of genocide in the 20th century along with others, such as the continuing massacres of Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda and Burundi. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the rhetorical and mass persuasive basis of genocide.

This course is the same as CMST 256 and SOCI 256 which may be substituted.

MJIS 289

Internship in Modern Jewish 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
and Israel Studies

This course is an internship offered as 289A-C for 1.0-3.0 units respectively. You must register with a supervising faculty member.

MJIS 298

Special Topics in Modern Jewish 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
and Israel Studies

This is a special topics course, offered as 298A-C for 1.0-3.0 units respectively. Typically, topics are offered on a one-time-only basis. Topics vary from term to term and from section to section. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.