Intercultural Studies

Course Offerings

2012–2013

One unit of course credit equals four semester hours.

ICS 270 Introduction to Intercultural Studies
Half course
The first intercultural seminar includes conceptual review, introduction to intercultural models and student-generated cultural and international comparisons. Topics develop the stated objectives for the minor. Students enrolled in the ICS program for a minor are encouraged to take this course early in their program. The course is open to any student wishing to gain an understanding of intercultural dynamics.

ICS 271 Intermediate Intercultural Studies
Half course
This course completes the two-course, half- credit series of intercultural basic courses required for a major or minor in the intercultural studies program. It is also relevant for any student wishing to develop intercultural understanding. Students who successfully complete this course will have substantially developed intercultural knowledge and skills. Prerequisite:  ICS 270.

ICS 275 Introduction to International Studies
This course uses a global perspective to introduce students to international political, economic, social, ethnic and gender issues and institutions. Emphasis is placed on discerning and analyzing the nature of intercultural interactions, both historical and contemporary. Spring Term.

ICS 280 Intercultural Experiential
Quarter, half, three-quarter or full course
Students may pursue their intercultural focus on an individual basis through attendance at relevant guestships, lectures, workshops, retreats, off-campus learning, service learning, peer education or other independent guided endeavors. In addition, study away, domestic study, the Chicago Semester, the Washington Semester or another interculturally oriented programs of study may be used. Students will document participation through a descriptive journal and write a short reflective paper describing what each experience taught them about intercultural interactions. May be repeated for credit for different experiences. As offered.

ICS 370 Intercultural Capstone
Half course
Students enrolled in the program for a major complete a third seminar. The goal of this course is to develop and present a capstone project. The project, developed in consultation with a seminar instructor, should address individual and program objectives. Students should take this course at the end of their ICS program. Prerequisite: ICS 271. Spring Term.

ICS 380 Intercultural Experiential
Quarter, half, three-quarter or full course
Majors and minors in intercultural studies will undertake a study-away experiene or a field placement in a site elevant to their ICS focus area. Prerequisite: ICS 271. As offered.

ICS 385 LGBT Identity: Individual and Communal Journeys
This course will utilize the Facing History and Ourselves curriculum to facilitate student’s exploration of the historical and current realities of being LGBT in America. Specifically, it will use the Facing History concepts of identity, membership, we/they, creating the other and universe of obligation to examine the LGBT experience in America. Students will consider the history and development of LGBT identity and how it has changed over time in the US. Where appropriate, comparisons with the LGBT experience in Europe will also be made. Emphasis will be put on examining the efforts to both exclude and include the LGBT community in certain societies and cultures at various times in history and what the results were of these measures on the development of the identities of LGBT individuals and the wider LGBT community. Fall Term.

ICS 390 Special Topics in Intercultural Studies
Directed study of intercultural topics determined by faculty expertise and student interest. Contact instructor for course description. Repeatable for credit.

ICS 492/292 Independent Study
Half or full course
An independent course for students to pursue their special intercultural interests. Prerequisite:  Consent of the ICS Program director and course instructor. Upon request and approval.