Global Studies

Professor Devin Bryson (French)
Professor Steven M. Gardner (Spanish)
Professor Margaret A. Marek (Spanish)
Professor Winston R. Wells (Political Science)
Assistant Professor Gwendolyn Gillson (Asian Studies)
Assistant Professor Munia Cabal Jiménez (Spanish)
Visiting Assistant Professor Abhishek Nanavati (Asian Studies)
Visiting Assistant Professor Emily Adams (French & Spanish)

The Global Studies major helps students develop an awareness of both the diversity and the interconnectedness of the world’s peoples and their cultural, economic, linguistic, political, and religious systems. Students in Global Studies also acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to understand global problems and evaluate possible solutions.

Language learning is included among these skills. As students in Global Studies learn to speak, read, and write in a language other than English, they gain direct experience of foreign cultures that deepens their understanding of the world. In turn, this close engagement with different cultures encourages students to reexamine their own cultural experiences, applying the unique insights that each language offers across cultural boundaries.

Global Studies majors choose an area of concentration that corresponds to their interests and professional plans. The concentration provides students with in-depth cultural and social knowledge in a specific region of the world or a particular field in Global Studies. Students select from Asian Studies, Caribbean Studies, European Studies, International Relations, or Spanish.

The Global Studies major prepares students to interact professionally with a greater diversity of people, as they incorporate themselves into an increasingly globalized society. Students are encouraged to be interdisciplinary and study across various cultures and global issues, which prepares them for careers in international development, health, politics, and science, as well as professions in their local communities that require interaction with people of various cultural backgrounds.

Students must earn a ‘C’ (2.0) or better in each course to be applied to the major or minor.

The Department of Global Studies offers four minors: French, Global Studies, Japanese, and Spanish. A minor consists of 20 hours.

Majors & Programs

Courses

GB 101: Introduction to 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.

GB 105: Languages and Their Place in the World

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?

GB 131: Introduction to Caribbean Studies

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of Caribbean Studies, providing an understanding of the concepts that define the region within the framework of its society, history, and culture. Students will examine issues pertinent to the unique physical, political, environmental, and socio-economic challenges confronting the area. They will study literary, historical, and political primary and secondary sources, including various forms of art from Pan-Caribbean cultures, emphasizing the Francophone, Hispanophone, and Anglophone Caribbean and its diaspora. The course aims to develop critical thinking about the region in terms of its origin, geography, common historical experiences, cultural identities, the mixture, melange or mestizaje of diverse ethnic and racial groups, and its ongoing struggle for sovereignty and survival seen from the pre-colonial and colonial period to today's 21st-century natural/unnatural disasters.

GB 160: Global Black Cultures

In this course students will increase their understanding of both global cultures and Black cultures in the U.S. by studying the process of diaspora—the dispersal of people from a central location. People of African descent live in cultures around the world due to the African diaspora. This means that Black traditions, histories, practices, and values in the U.S. are intimately connected to Black traditions, histories, practices, and values in other parts of the world. This course will explore those connections. Possible topics include the Caribbean, West Africa, France, Black liberation struggle, music, social change, African literature and film, Black artists in Paris.

GB 170: Japanese Culture and Society

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. 

GB 231: Puerto Rican Culture & History

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.

GB 235: Hispanic Caribbean Literature

This course examines the rhetoric of literary genres within the framework of Hispanic Caribbean intellectual history and culture. It focuses on the role of metaphors in the construction of Caribbean identity representations in essays, poetry, short stories, novels and plays from the 19th to the 21st centuries. Regarding the Hispanic Caribbean national interpretations, this course focuses on analyzing different manifestations, problems, origins, developments, and implications. In particular, students will study literature, history, politics, art, and music components from the cultures of Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Taught in Spanish.

GB 237: Complexities of Cuba

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. 

GB 250: Introduction to Business in the E.U.

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.

GB 251: Torture in Spain and Latin America

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.

GB 255: Spain’s Textual Heritage

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.

GB 256: Cervantes and Don Quixote

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.

GB 267: Research Add-On Course in French, German, Japanese or Spanish

Students enrolled in a course outside the Department of Global Studies that involves a major research project may earn credit for conducting research in French, German, Japanese or Spanish. The research should be related to a major paper and/or presentation in the other discipline. A student who wishes to conduct research for a project in another field using language sources will submit a credit request to both the professor of the research related course and to the Chair of the Department of Global Studies. The course level will be determined upon consultation with the language supervisor and the Chair of the Department of Global Studies.

GB 270: Serving 21st-Century Populations within the Health Professions

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.

GB 367: Research Add-On Course in French, German, Japanese or Spanish

Students enrolled in a course outside the Department of Global Studies that involves a major research project may earn credit for conducting research in French, German, Japanese or Spanish. The research should be related to a major paper and/or presentation in the other discipline. A student who wishes to conduct research for a project in another field using language sources will submit a credit request to both the professor of the research related course and to the Chair of the Department of Global Studies. The course level will be determined upon consultation with the language supervisor and the Chair of the Department of Global Studies.

GB 461: Independent Study in Global Studies

Independent reading or study in an area of particular interest to the student engaged in Global Studies. The specifics of each project, which may be interdisciplinary, are planned in consultation with the supervising professor(s). May be repeated with different content.

GB 467: Research Add-On Course in French, German, Japanese or Spanish

Students enrolled in a course outside the Department of Global Studies that involves a major research project may earn credit for conducting research in French, German, Japanese or Spanish. The research should be related to a major paper and/or presentation in the other discipline. A student who wishes to conduct research for a project in another field using language sources will submit a credit request to both the professor of the research related course and to the Chair of the Department of Global Studies. The course level will be determined upon consultation with the language supervisor and the Chair of the Department of Global Studies.

GB 480: Honors Thesis in Global Studies

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).

SP 101: Spanish for Global Citizens I

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.

SP 102: Spanish for Global Citizens II

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.

SP 206: Conversational Spanish

Conversational Spanish is an intermediate conversation course designed for students who want to improve their communicative abilities in Spanish. With this goal in mind, the course will also provide exposure to the other language skills (reading and listening-comprehension, writing, vocabulary acquisition, cultural knowledge) which are integral to developing speaking fluency. Certain grammar points will be reviewed with a focus on improving oral communication. This course helps to prepare students to travel to Spanish-speaking country, participate in a BreakAway, research, or study abroad experience in a Spanish-speaking country, and work professionally with Spanish-speaking communities. Students with higher levels of proficiency can take class as SP 306.

SP 210: Spanish for Heritage Speakers

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.)

SP 217: Listening Comprehension through Film

Listening Comprehension through Film is an intermediate conversation course designed for students who want to improve their listening comprehension abilities in Spanish. With this goal in mind, the course will also provide exposure to other language skills (conversation, reading, writing, vocabulary acquisition, cultural knowledge) which are integral to developing proficiency. Specific grammatical topics will be reviewed based on the texts and on issues that arise in class. Students will listen to aural texts of various types, such as news broadcasts, podcasts, films, and more, enhancing their ability to understand spoken Spanish. Individual and group presentations provide students with practice in making formal presentations in Spanish, a skill that is necessary for many professional settings. Classroom, forums, and small group discussions will provide practice in a more informal style of speech. Students will have conversation sessions with the Spanish Cultural Assistants in person, and they will interact with students at partnering situations in Spanish or Latin American through Zoom, WhatsApp, or through other means. These activities are designed to improve the students’ listening comprehension skills and practical knowledge about culture and language both in formal and informal settings. 

SP 218: Texts in Context

Texts in Context is an intermediate/high-intermediate conversation course designed for students who want to improve their communicate abilities in Spanish. With this goal in mind, the course will also provide exposure to other language skills (conversation, reading, writing, vocabulary acquisition, cultural knowledge) which are integral to developing proficiency. Specific grammatical topics will be reviewed based on the texts and on issues that arise in class. Students will read and write texts of various types, such as descriptions, narratives, advertisements, blogs, articles, literature and more, enhancing their ability to read and write in Spanish. Short writing assignments of various types provide students with practice in formal and informal written communication in Spanish, a skill that is necessary for many professional settings. Students will work on their writing assignments in person with their professor and with the Spanish Cultural Assistant, and they will interact with students from our partnering institutions in Spain or Latin America through email, Zoom, WhatsApp, or other platforms. These activities are designed to improve the students’ reading and writing skills and practical knowledge about culture and language both in formal and informal settings. Individual and group presentations provide students.

SP 306: Conversational Spanish

Conversational Spanish is an intermediate conversation course designed for students who want to improve their communicative abilities in Spanish. With this goal in mind, the course will also provide exposure to the other language skills (reading and listening-comprehension, writing, vocabulary acquisition, cultural knowledge) which are integral to developing speaking fluency. Certain grammar points will be reviewed with a focus on improving oral communication. This course helps to prepare students to travel to Spanish-speaking country, participate in a BreakAway, research, or study abroad experience in a Spanish-speaking country, and work professionally with Spanish-speaking communities. Students with higher levels of proficiency can take class as SP 306.

SP 310: Advanced Spanish for Professions

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

SP 317: Listening Comprehension through Film

Listening Comprehension through Film is an intermediate conversation course designed for students who want to improve their listening comprehension abilities in Spanish. With this goal in mind, the course will also provide exposure to other language skills (conversation, reading, writing, vocabulary acquisition, cultural knowledge) which are integral to developing proficiency. Specific grammatical topics will be reviewed based on the texts and on issues that arise in class. Students will listen to aural texts of various types, such as news broadcasts, podcasts, films, and more, enhancing their ability to understand spoken Spanish. Individual and group presentations provide students with practice in making formal presentations in Spanish, a skill that is necessary for many professional settings. Classroom, forums, and small group discussions will provide practice in a more informal style of speech. Students will have conversation sessions with the Spanish Cultural Assistants in person, and they will interact with students at partnering situations in Spanish or Latin American through Zoom, WhatsApp, or through other means. These activities are designed to improve the students’ listening comprehension skills and practical knowledge about culture and language both in formal and informal settings. 

SP 318: Texts in Context

Texts in Context is an intermediate/high-intermediate conversation course designed for students who want to improve their communicate abilities in Spanish. With this goal in mind, the course will also provide exposure to other language skills (conversation, reading, writing, vocabulary acquisition, cultural knowledge) which are integral to developing proficiency. Specific grammatical topics will be reviewed based on the texts and on issues that arise in class. Students will read and write texts of various types, such as descriptions, narratives, advertisements, blogs, articles, literature and more, enhancing their ability to read and write in Spanish. Short writing assignments of various types provide students with practice in formal and informal written communication in Spanish, a skill that is necessary for many professional settings. Students will work on their writing assignments in person with their professor and with the Spanish Cultural Assistant, and they will interact with students from our partnering institutions in Spain or Latin America through email, Zoom, WhatsApp, or other platforms. These activities are designed to improve the students’ reading and writing skills and practical knowledge about culture and language both in formal and informal settings. Individual and group presentations provide students.