Intercultural Studies Courses

An introduction to the history, culture, geography, art, and language of a country or countries, to be followed by a required trip to the area studied for an immersion experience.

An introduction to the culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world; taught in English.

Formerly HIST& 219, ICS 125

An introduction to the history and culture of Native American peoples. The situation of Native Americans in contemporary society is also discussed with particular focus on issues of tribal sovereignty.

An introduction to the history and people of Asian descent in the United States. This class covers the ethnic, national, cultural, and religious diversity of Americans who trace their culture and/or origins to Asia as well as the immigration and acculturation of members of these populations.

Formerly HIS 106, HIST& 220, ICS 135

An introduction to the history of African Americans in the United States beginning with a study of the ancestors in Africa and ending with a discussion of the issue facing the African American community today.

A class used to explore new coursework.

Formerly ICS 220, SOC 220

Sociological analysis of the global interconnectedness of things, people, and ideas. Topics include economic development and trade, immigration and citizenship, human rights, transmission of culture and knowledge, and new technologies including the internet. Emphasis on understanding the significance of social forces and inequalities in shaping globalization processes. This course is cross-listed with SOC 220. Students completing ICS 220 may not receive graduation credit for SOC 220.

A study of the history and contemporary situation of the Columbia Basin with special attention paid to Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and African Americans. Important topics include early settlement, labor relations, race relations, and historic and modern patterns of migration.

Relationships among various ethnic and racial groups in America, patterns of immigration, assimilation and mobility, and inter-ethnic conflicts and coalitions are examined. Although the perspective is historical, contemporary data is used to explore the question of the persisting impact of ethnicity. Special attention is paid to the relationship between ethnicity and social class.

A class used to explore new coursework.

This course examines race, ethnicity, class, gender, disability, sexuality, and other forms of diversity, with the goal of understanding how diversity is changing the contours of American society and reshaping the American workplace. Students explore diversity with an aim towards applying that knowledge to workplace and social relationships in our pluralistic society. By the end of the course, students will have a greater understanding of the diverse context of American society and will be conversant in the ongoing debates regarding race, class, gender, disability, and sexuality in our society today. Finally, students will become aware of their own cultural assumptions, perspectives, and habits so that they might engage respectfully with others who do not share their opinions, viewpoints, and cultural worldview.

This course examines race, ethnicity, class, gender, disability, sexuality, and other forms of diversity, with the goal of understanding how these factors can affect health and the delivery of health care to members of a pluralistic society. Students will explore this diversity with an aim towards applying the knowledge to the health care workplace and other social interactions. By the end of the course, students will have a greater understanding of the diverse context of American society and will be able to apply these concepts when interacting with their diverse patients and clients. Finally, students will become aware of their own cultural assumptions, perspectives, and habits so that they might engage respectfully with others who do not share their opinions, viewpoints, and cultural worldview.