Course description

This course will introduce students to the meaning and significance of forms of cultural diversity for the understanding of contemporary issues. Drawing from films, videos, and selected readings, students will be confronted with different representational forms that portray cultures in various parts of the world, and they will be asked to examine critically their own prejudices as they influence the perception and evaluation of cultural differences. We shall approach cultures holistically, assuming the inseparability of economies, kinship, religion, and politics, as well as interconnections and dependencies between world areas such as Africa, Latin America, the West. Among the issues considered: political correctness and truth; nativism and ecological diversity; race, ethnicity, and sexuality; sin, religion, and war; global process and cultural integrity.

Students are additionally required to interact on discussion board outside published class time and view asynchronous course lectures. Will accommodate time zone difference to ensure participation does not extend beyond 10pm in their local time.

The class has department/instructor approval to be offered to qualified Precollege Studies students (high school juniors and seniors).

Summer 2025: Online course

Sofia Villenas
Sofia Villenas
Associate Professor