300

LAS 302 Asian American Cultures and Society

This course explores the diversity and commonality of experiences among Asian Americans in both the United States and transnational contexts. In moving beyond traditional notions of American communities, students examine the multiple facets of life, history, and experiences of Asian Americans, as well as the dynamics behind identity and community formation. Topics covered generally include: Asian American culture, institutions, and organizations; diaspora, migration, population, and settlement patterns; class, labor, occupations, and poverty; family and ethnic identification; inequality and politics; prejudice and discrimination; and social movements and collective action. Pre-requisite(s): LAS 105, or LAS 110, or LAS 118; or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

5

LAS 303 Sub-Saharan African Cultures

Historical and contemporary affairs in Africa south of the Sahara, indigenous culture areas, types of colonialism and acculturation, economic and political development, independence movements. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

5

LAS 304 Middle and South American Cultures

Backgrounds in contemporary affairs in Middle South America, pre-Columbian culture area, colonialism, varieties of peoples, political and socioeconomic trends. Prerequisite Introductory social science course. 5 quarter hours Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements.

5

LAS 311 Race and Ethnicity

This course examines key theories, debates, and empirical examples of social organization related to the construction of race and ethnicity. Students explore racialized experiences, prejudice, discrimination, dominant and subordinate statuses, and various sites of racial/ethnic inequality (such as labor, education, and immigration status). Students analyze how notions of race and ethnicity are created and sustained in the public imagination and in social institutions, in turn influencing systems and interpersonal relationships. Topics include: dynamics of racialization in public and private discourse; intersections of race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class; white privilege; and historical and contemporary marginalization of people and communities of color. Counts in the Social Science or Humanities Area of General Education Requirements. Pre-requisite(s): LAS 105, or LAS 110, and LAS 118; or permission of Program Chair. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

5

LAS 340 Native American Cultures

This survey course introduces students to the cultural complexity and diversity among indigenous peoples of North America. Students examine the sociopolitical organization, art, history, religion, gender, and economic dynamics of various Native American groups. Specific focus is on the impact of colonialism, cultural change, globalization, and identity politics affecting relationships between Native Americans and various cultural groups. The course highlights contemporary issues important in shaping the experiences of indigenous peoples, such as tribal sovereignty, environmental, political, and legal influences. Students learn to identify the methods used to understand the pre-history, history, and contemporary life of indigenous peoples of North America. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

5