The formation, growth and power of empires, their colonial regimes (driven to the far reaches of their worlds by appetites for wealth, resources, and human labor), and globalization are intimately linked. Courses in this theme could include prehistoric, ancient and/or modern empires, the hegemony exercised through far reaching colonial practices, and post-colonial consequences in globalization.

Themes in General Education are Designed to:

 assist students in making systematic and deliberate connections between the ways various disciplinary perspectives address the same topic.

 provide a framework for faculty in different departments to collaborate on research projects and share innovative teaching strategies.

 encourage students to explore areas of specific interest at a deeper level .

ANT 1415 – Understanding Culture 3 hours

 This course explores the diversity and unity of human experience through the lens of cultural anthropology. Using case studies and other texts, students will gain familiarity with different cultural worlds. As they do so, they will be asked to think critically about their own cultural ideas and actions, to reflect on problems facing humanity in the contemporary world, and to understand the various ways in which they are historically and socially connected to other people in other places.

ART 2130 – Art from 1400 to the Present 3 hours

Fine Arts Designation

 A global survey of art history from 1400 to the present examining the later artistic traditions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. The course focuses on visual art and art making in light of changing social, political, religious, and cultural circumstances. Lecture three hours.

ENG 2040 – World Literature 3 hours

Literary Studies Designation

 World literature from the seventeenth century to the present, read in English.

This course examines a selection of global issues from a variety of perspectives and disciplines. Students will be exposed to the complexities of these issues, which are the result of the confluence of historical, geographical, economic, cultural, and political factors. Emphasis will be placed on how different societies view global issues, as well as how different perspectives can alter one’s understanding of them.

HIS 1400 – World Empires 3 hours

Historical Studies Designation

 This course investigates how systems of power functioned on a global scale in the past. Students will discover, discuss, and write about how those systems came to be as well as what kind of society, culture, and world they have created. Students will also develop a clearer understanding not only of their individual role in such global interactions, but how events in one distant part of the world affect many other people around the globe. NOTE: HIS 1400 DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A HISTORY MAJOR OR MINOR.