Global Studies

An interdisciplinary course that examines humanitarian, economic, political, social, cultural, and ecological issues from a global perspective. Highlights the contributions that history, geography, anthropology, political science, economics, and other disciplines make to the field of Global Studies.

This core course will explore the essential role played by language in the liberal arts, in the professional world, and in international contexts. In addition, students will examine the complex, often undefined relationship between language and culture, as well as strategies for learning the components of speaking, listening, writing, and reading in a foreign language. We will investigate a variety of topics which are drawn from the fields of sociolinguistics, literary and cultural studies etc. The course will begin with a general overview of what constitutes language. We will examine the different proposed hypotheses which attempt to account for the nature of the relationship between language and culture. The remainder of the course will cover a variety of topics which explore language in its social context. Some questions that we will consider include: How is language used to create and maintain social institutions and rituals? How do we use language to create different personae? How is language used by people of different genders, ethnicities, and social classes? How are social and linguistic roles acquired by children?

The Spanish world is studied in its historical and cultural context.

This course examines basic themes and issues in Japanese culture and society. Throughout the course we will be paying attention to the contexts in which culture is produced and consumed. A diverse range of materials will introduce students to the different foundations for cultural knowledge and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and society. 

The Caribbean has longstanding connections to the African continent through the African diaspora - the displacement of African peoples throughout the world. These connections began with the arrival of enslaved Africans in the Western hemisphere. Since that time, the Caribbean and Africa have shared much in terms of culture, languages, identities, race, social experiences, and political projects. This course will look at the historical development of the relationship between the two regions, giving students a better understanding of both the Caribbean and Africa, of the dispersal of Africans throughout the globe, and of the social and political importance of global exchanges between regions that have differences, but also similarities.

This course introduces students to the social-political realities in Puerto Rico and its colonial relationship with the United States. September 20th, 2017, has marked a drastic change in the history and culture of the island. When Hurricane Maria struck the country, a more serious situation was unveiled. This course will focus on the colonial historical and economical context of Puerto Rico, including the debt crisis, the question of sovereignty, its infrastructure and the aftermath of the hurricanes of 2017. The course aims to give a concise view to the social, political, historical and cultural paradigms in which Puerto Rican Studies are based. This course includes a required service-learning component in Puerto Rico taking place during Spring Break.

What do you know (or think you know) about tropical Cuba? Common associations in the U.S. include Castro, communism, Cold War, classic cars, and cigars. Close-by, yet closed off. This course unpacks these conceptions and introduces you to Cuba’s social, political, historical, cultural, and artistic complexities. Listen to son Cubano, featuring a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish instruments. Try ajiaco, a signature Cuban dish that combines Indigenous, African, and Spanish ingredients. Collaborate with students from the University of Pinar Del Rio and meet them in person when you travel to Cuban during Spring Break. Taught in English; prior study of Spanish not required. 

This course is designed to introduce students to the structures and cultural practices typical of interactions with the contemporary EU – the European Union.  The course will help the student develop familiarity with current European business/cultural vocabulary through selected readings, written assignments, video programs and interaction with other communications technologies.  There will be special segments devoted to the traditions and cultural assumptions of European professionals, information on current economic developments in the European Union, and Germany’s unique role in that union.  Students will use the internet to research current economic information on particular companies, as well as investigate possibilities for future business internships in Europe.

From the Inquisition to 20th Century dictatorships, in this course explores the role that torture has played in the history of Spain and Latin America. It examines the perspectives of both the torturers and the tortured through autobiographical accounts, official government documents, short stories, plays and novels.

Take on topics such as the multiple languages of Spain, race, family and gender roles, religion, and empire in texts both literary and non-literary (e.g., painting, architecture, music) from medieval and early modern Spain. What is their impact on the world today? Taught in English. Students in the “Spanish” concentration will complete assignments in Spanish.

Have you heard term “quixotic” or the phrase “tilting at windmills”? Don Quixote has shaped cultural productions for more than 400 years (think: R2-D2 and C-3PO, the Lone Ranger, and so many others). In this course you will embark on a guided tour through (the English translation of) this bestselling book and learn to spot new iterations of the knight and his squire in the present-day, while you analyze their significance in early modern Spain. Taught in English. Students in the “Spanish” concentration will complete assignments in Spanish.

This course focuses on meeting the needs of the increasingly diverse populations served by the U.S. healthcare system, with particular emphasis on the Hispanic and Francophone populations in the Jacksonville area. Basic medical Spanish and French will be studied, and students will build skills for conversational and written expression needed in health-related situations. The course will address both theoretical issues such as intercultural competency and barriers to healthcare access, as well as practical strategies for working successfully with diverse communities.

An honors thesis based on extensive research conducted abroad or at intercultural domestic sites, through authentic cultural documents, and, if appropriate, in foreign language(s). Students can take this course in the second semester of their senior year. The thesis will be defended orally (in English) at a public presentation open to the entire Illinois College community. The written thesis can be completed in English or in a second language, in consultation with the supervising professor(s).

Students learn basic sentence structure and vocabulary in Spanish and are introduced to the culture of the peoples who speak Spanish. They also acquire the language skills and cultural knowledge to travel on their own to the countries where Spanish is spoken.

The course is designed for students who have taken 101 or have had some language instruction in high school, building upon what they have already learned. Students learn basic sentence structures and vocabulary in Spanish and are introduced to the cultures of the people who speak Spanish. They also acquire the language skills and cultural knowledge to travel on their own to the countries where Spanish is spoken.

Selected reading for summer study.

Students review the fundamentals of Spanish and become acquainted with basic vocabulary related to an array of professions. Students become familiar with the role Spanish and cultural knowledge play in these professions.

Selected reading for summer study.

Heritage speakers of Spanish advance their proficiency for multiple contexts, including professional use. Students build vocabulary, acquire learning strategies, improve oral and written expression, with particular consideration to grammar, and orthography. Special emphasis on cultural topics about the Hispanic/Latino(a) community in the United States. (Not open to students who have taken SP 203.)

Students develop conversation skills in Spanish and gain an understanding of the cultures and societies of the people who speak Spanish through discussing and writing about films.

Students explore other cultures through readings video, and other media, and they practice Spanish through compositions and discussions

Selected reading for summer study.

Advanced study of Spanish grammar and syntax—verbs.

An introduction to Spanish business vocabulary, forms, economic matters and career possibilities. Comprehension and communication in many common business situations.