Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Studies

Developing the global citizen focuses on the themes of intercultural competence, social & personal responsibility, integrated learning from global, cultural, historical and political perspectives. From local to global, students will review and discuss issues of diversity, civic and democratic engagement, cyber-citizenship, corporate social responsibility, and intercultural communication. This includes gaining understanding of asymmetrical globalization and unequal power relations, promoting engagement in global issues, and an ethical relationship to difference. As with the “butterfly effect” what one chooses to do individually affects the larger society towards growth and positive change. Using an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach the course outcomes aim to enhance students’ self-awareness as global citizens while working towards attainment of the university’s mission. Prerequisites: Co-requisite:GE105 Credits: 3

Introduces special topics and themes related to issues of ‘Values, Ethics & Social Responsibility’. This interdisciplinary course focuses one of several different disciplines each term, with professors from across the disciplines presenting the material from the perspective of their subject areas. The course involves discussion and critical analysis of various case studies and issues, which will be explored by students from the perspective of their own communities and cultures. The course also explores how differences in world view affect the wider communities. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106. Co-requisites: GE115. Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide a practical overview to the management of environmental issues as practiced in today’s business world, and how these issues are likely to develop in the future. Environmental Management and Sustainability provides the basic foundations to those pursuing careers in private business, environmental consulting or government. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106, GE155. Credits: 3

A course on Contemporary Greek Culture presents a daring challenge for both instructors and students, as the subject is epistemologically and historically ambiguous. The mere definition of either term composing the course title is a task in itself. However, through the process of familiarizing themselves with key facets of contemporary Greek culture, students embark on a pleasantly intriguing journey through the fascinating history of Greece and its people, which spans more than 5,000 years, and still influences global civilization. Pre-requisites: None Credits 3

The course aims to present the essential cultural aspects of Spain and Latin America countries; thus, students get acquainted with topics such as history, geography, society, art, tradition and everyday culture of the Hispanic people from the afore mentioned countries. Prerequisites: None; Co-requisite: GE105. Credits: 3

Introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of business organizations, the management objectives these organizations set and the contemporary issues they face. The course covers a wide range of topics including the conduct of business on a national and international scale, the ethics and social responsibilities of business enterprises, product development, commodity pricing, and the legal environment of business organizations. Prerequisites: GE105. Co-requisites: GE106. Credits: 3

Prepares students for intercultural communication challenges in organizations by addressing the communication skills necessary for effective cross - cultural organizational interactions. This course examines the cultural variables that may define as well as determine the course and success of these interactions within and between organizations. It focuses on the application of intercultural communication skills and insights to various fields, organizations, and situations in order to achieve organizational goals. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106. Credits: 3

The course aims to introduce students to the different approaches to studying film through semiotic analysis. The course explores how a society produces meanings and values in a communication system called semiotics, and specifically focuses on the medium of film. It familiarizes students with the industrial context of film production and film technology and examines film both as narrative and semiotic form. The course provides a brief overview of the language, the history and the reception of film through the examination of cinematic codes and conventions while considering a general theory of signs. By analyzing specific movies, students will learn to recognize different film movements and genres and discuss ideas of social, national, gender and politics representations. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106. Credits: 3

Explores the complex relationships between gender and language structure, use, and change, integrating perspectives from sociolinguistics and gender theory. Through readings, lectures, class discussions, and data analysis, students learn about gender - based differences in language use and communication and gender as a social construct that is shaped through language use; explore cross-cultural perspectives on language and gender; and examine the implications of language and gender research in institutional contexts, such as education, law, the media, and business. This course will appeal to students interested in a variety of professional fields, including English language teaching, journalism, psychology, and business. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106, ENG200, ENG202. Credits: 3

Studies the music and musical cultures from around the world. Musical traditions throughout the world are considered through analytical, social, and aesthetic approaches. Introduction to the music and contexts of South America, Africa, India, Japan, and Indonesia. Topics include popular and folk music, music and ritual, communication, and self-expression, with consideration of modal structures, instruments, forms, and performance practices. Discussion of issues such as orientalism (i.e., Western representations of the Orient) and the need to develop cultural identities in once-colonized countries. Prerequisites: None; For non-music majors: GE142. Co-requisites: GE106. Credits: 3

Introduces the science of Music therapy including basic concepts, knowledge, and skills. Addresses the challenges that affect clients who benefit from music therapy, and provides a platform for reflection of one’s own experiences. Case material showcasing work in a range of settings will be linked with the psychological theories that underpin clinical practice. Included are improvisation techniques used in music therapy, encouraging exploratory thinking about the emotional qualities of music, and is suitable for those wishing to broaden their understanding of how music can be utilized in health and education as a therapeutic tool. Prerequisites: GE105, PSY101 or PSY150; Co-requisite: GE142 or MU221 Credits: 3