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International Studies at VCU is currently making some changes to its curriculum. We will be updating this web page soon. In the meantime, the School of World Studies Advising Office will be able to answer any questions you might have. Thank you for your interest in our program!
INTL 101 Human Societies and Globalization
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3-4 credits. Four credits with supplementary online lectures and semester project. An interdisciplinary inquiry into sociocultural, literary, artistic, economic and political patterns both globally and in societies with varied historical experiences and divergent contemporary features. The focus of the course is comparative and thematic. It will examine institutional arrangements within societies and how these arrangements have developed, linkages between societies and their constituent organization in a world that is increasingly characterized by globalizing trends, and the implications of rapid social change for personal and collective identities and the structure of public and private relations.
INTL 102/ECON 101 Introduction to Political Economy
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Seminar on the development of critical thought and economic analysis of policy issues. Focus is on how policy choices affect society and the individual, the economic methodology that guides policy choices, and the institutional and political environments within which policy is derived. Issues cover a broad range of topics including environmental issues, tax policy, inflation expectations, unemployment, foreign trade and the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies.
INTL 103/ANTH 103 Introduction to Anthropology
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A general survey of anthropology with emphasis on learning about and from global cultures, and on the four fields of anthropology.
INTL 104/ANTH 105 Introduction to Archaeology
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of archaeological sites, methods and theories from around the world, from the earliest human cultures, to the rise and spread of civilizations, to the modern era.
INTL 105/POLI 105 International Relations
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introductory analysis of interstate relations and world affairs. Attention focuses on theories of international politics, military capabilities and their application, international organizations, global economic trends, domestic sources of state behavior and other selected issues as appropriate.
INTL 151/MASC 151 Global Communications
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores how communication media and globalization drive each other and how they both impact the nation-state as well as international institutions. Examines how technology, the global economy and international media corporations influence culture, politics, business, law and other institutions in countries around the world. Explores the relationship between media systems and governments and how both are affected by technology and globalization.
INTL 200/AFAM 200/ANTH 200 Introduction to African Societies
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course introduces the student to the African continent, its peoples and cultures. It covers such general characteristics as the physical and geographical features, climate, topography, traditional economies, languages, religions, social systems and other cultural features that are traditional to its people.
INTL 202 Indentities in a Global Community
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to intercultural communication. Designed to help students develop an understanding of cultures, to appreciate the opportunities and challenges that each culture presents to people and to learn how individuals have dealt with those opportunities and challenges.
INTL 203/WRLD 203 Cultural Texts and Contexts
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Through the analysis and interpretation of literary, cinematic and other cultural texts, this course explores the ways cultural and national identities have been shaped, imagined and contested in various regions of the world. While responding to the readings and films as artistic manifestations or social documents, students will also become familiar with the aesthetic, political and social contexts in which the works were and are produced. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
INTL 204/FRLG 204 Language and Groups in the United States
Semester course; 3-4 lecture hours. 3-4 credits. Taught in English. This course introduces students to the sociocultural experience and formation of identity of non-English-speaking peoples in the United States. Students explore the dynamic between English and a specific heritage language and its interaction with artistic, cultural and social issues through fiction and nonfiction texts, films and multimedia pertaining to specific language group, such as: Latinos, Italian-Americans, German-Americans or Native Americans. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
INTL 211/ENGL 211 Contemporary World Literature
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 101. A study of selected literature published in the last 25 years and chosen from a number of different nations and cultures.
INTL 302 Communicating Across Cultures
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: INTL 202 or permission of instructor. Designed to increase understanding of such concepts as individualism and collectivism, ethnocentrism and apprehension, uncertainty avoidance, stereotyping, and many more. Focus is on the foundational concepts and intercultural communication tools that will help students improve their intercultural competence.
INTL 303, 304/GEOG 303, 304 World Regions
Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3, 3 credits. An examination of the various regions of the earth, including land forms, climate, resources, peoples, agriculture and urban conditions. First semester: Anglo-America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the former USSR. Second semester: Middle East and North Africa, Africa (south of the Sahara), Indian subcontinent, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Oceania.
INTL 306/RELS 306 Introduction to Judaism
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A general survey of the dynamics and
characteristic patterns of Jewish civilization encompassing history, practices and beliefs.
INTL 307/AFAM 307/RELS 307 Black Religion
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analysis of the role of religion in the lives of blacks with an emphasis on African religions and philosophies, the black church in America, and the roles of the various faiths, sects and cults.
INTL 309/AFAM 309/ANTH 309/WMNS 309 Global Women's Health
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores issues in women's health from a national and international perspective with an emphasis on the experiences of women in the African diaspora. Theories in medical anthropology are employed to examine key themes.
INTL 311, 312/RELS 311, 312 Religions of the World
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3, 3 credits. An investigation of the historical, cultural and theological foundations and development of major world religions. First semester: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. Second semester: Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
INTL 314/BIOL 315/ENVS 314 Man and Environment
3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Not applicable to the biology major. A comparative study of the ecology and natural history of human populations, including the environments as determining factors in the evolution of human institutions and technology, resources management and population crises; cultural traditions as mechanisms of population control; basic theory of population biology.
INTL 315/AFAM 315/ECON 315 Economic Development
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ECON 210 or ECON 203, and junior standing. Introduction to the process of economic development. Surveys development theory and experiences of underdeveloped countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and of developed countries. Explores obstacles to development and policies and tools for stimulating economic development.
INTL 317/RELS 317 Islam
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the emergence of Islam in Arabia in the seventh century and its subsequent developments, including a look at the Qur'an (the holy book), the Prophetic traditions, the concept of God, as well as mysticism (sufism) and law (shari'ah) and an overview of ritual practices, fundamental beliefs, theological principles and current issues in Islam and international relationship.
INTL 320/MKTG 320 International Marketing
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MKTG 301 and junior standing. Designed to help students develop an understanding of international marketing policies and the differences among foreign marketing environments. Students compare and contrast domestic and international marketing and examine recent changes in the international marketing environment. Formerly MKTG 378/INTL 378.
INTL 327/MGMT 329 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Junior standing. An introduction to the basic concepts, principles and skills for improving verbal and nonverbal communication with persons from different cultures. Using a cultural general approach, topics discussed include the concept of culture, barriers to intercultural communication, verbal communication process and nonverbal communication aspects. Appropriate for business and non-business majors.
INTL 328/SOCY 328 Russian Society in Transition
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SOCY 101 or permission of the instructor. An analysis of Russian culture and social institutions as they are today and in historical perspective. Throughout the course interrelationships among politics, the economy and social life are examined, with particular emphasis on the ideological implications of Russian/Soviet architecture, art and mass media; on environmental issues and health; on social problems and the legal systems; and on gender, the work world and family interaction.
INTL 329/ECON 329 International Economics
3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ECON 210-211 and junior standing. An analysis of economic and political influences on exports and imports, balance of payments, foreign investment, exchange rates and international monetary systems.
INTL 330/SOCY 330 Global Societies: Trends and Issues
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: INTL/POLI 105 or POLI 201 or SOCY 101. An analysis of factors that are promoting the globalization of social, economic and political relations, and an inquiry into implications of these developments for individuals, localities, nations and the world community. The course will highlight the impact of culture and ethnicity, historical and emerging patterns of international business activity and their societal significance, divergent strategies for economic and social development in the world's regions, and the effects of population growth and environmental problems on public life within and among nations.
INTL 331/SPAN 331 Survey of Latin American Literature
Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Spanish through the intermediate level or the equivalent. Conducted in Spanish. An introduction to major authors and trends up to the present.
INTL 333/AFAM 333/GEOG 333 Geography of Africa
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the land forms, climate, peoples, livelihoods, settlement patterns, and cultural groupings of sub-Saharan Africa.
INTL 334/GEOG 334 Regional Geography
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the land forms, climate, resources, peoples, agricultural and urban conditions in a specific region such as North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and India, the USSR and Eastern Europe. See the Schedule of Classes for specific region to be studied each semester.
INTL 340/GEOG 340/URSP 340 World Cities Outside of North America
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of urban habitats in a variety of geographical regions with emphasis on their differences and their common experiences.
INTL 345/FRLG 345/URSP 350 Great Cities of the World
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course may be repeated under different topics for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. An interdisciplinary course with a focus on the origin, expansion and significance of one or more cities, the specifics of its/their culture and the role of language. Particular emphasis will be placed on relating the physical, social and economic aspects of the city's growth and development to the cultural expression of urbanism.
INTL 348/ANTH 348 South American Ethnography
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103 and a "C" or better in ENGL 200. General ethnographic survey of both highland and lowland indigenous cultures of South America and cultural changes as a result of European contact.
INTL 349/ANTH 349 Rethinking a Continent: Latin America
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103 and a "C" or better in ENGL 200. This course surveys contemporary cultures of Latin America. It addresses historical sociocultural developments from an anthropological perspective and introduces concepts from social justice studies, development anthropology and applied anthropology.
INTL 350/ANTH 350 Rethinking a Continent: Europe
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ANTH 103 and a "C" or better in ENGL 200. A survey of historical sociocultural developments from an anthropological perspective with an emphasis on integrative and disintegrative forces that have shaped cultures and identities in Europe. Introduces concepts from sociocultural anthropology, social justice studies and applied anthropology.
INTL 351/POLI 351 Governments and Politics of the Middle East
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative analysis of political systems in the Middle East including the study of contemporary aspects in the Middle Eastern states. The courses will explore the primary bases of cleavage and conflict and the political forces that shape the policies and political dynamics of the region.
INTL 352/POLI 352 European Governments and Politics
Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative study of the political systems of selected western and eastern European countries.
INTL 353/POLI 353 Latin American Governments and Politics
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of politics characteristic of Latin American systems, including democratic reformism, military authoritarianism and revolutionary socialism. The course also examines the contemporary problems of fledgling democracies as they cope with economic and debt crises and various opposition challenges.
INTL 354/POLI 354 Russian and Post-Soviet Politics
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the origins, institutions, processes and disintegration of the Soviet political system, and of the ongoing reform efforts during the post-Soviet period. Special emphasis is placed on the politics of the transition to a democratic political system and a market economy. Other topics include nationality issues, social problems and foreign policy.
INTL 355/POLI 355 Asian Government and Politics
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative analysis of the politics and governments of major Asian states, with a focus on Japan, China and India.
INTL 356/POLI 356/AFAM 356 Government and Politics of Africa
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will introduce the student to the basic outlines of government and politics in Africa. The course will consider such topics as colonialism, elitism and nationalism and modernization strategies. Using the comparative approach, the course will primarily focus on West, East and Central Africa.
INTL 357/POLI 357/AFAM 357 Politics of Southern Africa
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of racial and political developments in the southern tip of Africa. While South Africa will be the primary focus of analysis, other countries in the region such as Zimbabwe, Angola and Mozambique will be studied.
INTL 358/POLI 358 Concepts of Comparative Government
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Comparative study of politics and governments. Introduces concepts and theories used in the study of political systems. Topics include democratization and democratic governance, the role of the state, one-party and military regimes, revolution, and economic and political development.
INTL 341/RELS 340 Global Ethics and the World's Religions
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical survey of ethical concepts and issues in the thought and practice of major Religious traditions. Comparison of ethical perspectives on selected themes and attention to cooperative efforts toward a global ethic.
INTL 360/RELS 350 World Classics of Spirituality
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A critical reading of selected works from among the spiritual classics of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism and other Religious traditions.
INTL 361/POLI 361 Issues in World Politics
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An exploration of several significant issues in world politics. Topics may include peacekeeping and collectiveness, global environmental politics as well as selected others. Topics will vary with current events and trends in the international arena.
INTL 362/POLI 362 International Organizations and Institutions
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the background development structure and operations of organizations and institutions such as the United Nations, the European Community, the Organization of American States.
INTL 363/POLI 363 U.S. Foreign Policy
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A analytical survey of processes and practices in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy, including an introduction to the goals, problems of implementation and current challenges faced by policy makers.
INTL 364/POLI 364 Vietnam
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analysis of the complete record of the conflict in Vietnam. The primary focus will be on the period of U.S. involvement. The course will examine closely how and why the United States became involved in Vietnam and what impact the Vietnam War has had on political institutions and behavior. In particular, the course will examine what impact the period of U.S. involvement has had upon U.S. foreign policy. The course also will consider additional topics including: public opinion and the war, the relationship between the president and Congress in light of the war and contemporary U.S. politics as a backlash against the political movements of the 1960s.
INTL 365/POLI 365 International Political Economy
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of both theoretical and current policy issues in international political economy. Theories to be covered include liberalism, mercantilism, Marxism, regionalism, world systems theory and others. Policy issues include differing styles of capitalism in the industrialized world, the political economy of development, the politics of international corporate alliances and others.
INTL 366/AFAM 363/ENGL 363 African Literature
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Three credits in 200-level literature course (or equivalent). A survey of the literature of Africa with particular emphases on fiction and on West Africa. Some attention also will be given to orature.
INTL 367/AFAM 365/ENGL 365 Caribbean Literature
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Three credits in a 200-level literature course (or equivalent). A survey of West Indian writings. Attention will be given to African, European and Amerindian influences, as well as to the emergence of a West Indian literary tradition.
INTL 368/WMNS 366/POLI 366 Women and Global Politics
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of women and global politics, providing both a feminist re-examination of traditional international-relations theories and a comparative analysis of the political, legal and economic status of the world's women. The impact of women on global political institutions such as the United Nations will be addressed as well as other feminist and grass roots means of taking political action.
INTL 370/AFAM 350/MHIS 350 Studies in the Music of the African Continent and Diaspora
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: MHIS 243, MHIS/AFAM 250 or permission of instructor. An in-depth examination of selected topics and issues in African-derived musical and cultural traditions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
INTL 372/WMNS 372/RELS 372 Global Women's Spirituality
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores the spiritual writings of women in various cultures and Religious traditions.
INTL 381/ANTH 381 Modern Identities: Nation Building
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Critically explores how nation building and national identities have developed over the last two centuries among peoples across the globe. Class discussions will examine theoretical perceptions of these processes and focus on how they shaped and shape realities in different times and places.
INTL 390/FASH 390 Historic and Ethnic Textiles
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 290 or IDES 446 or permission of instructor. An examination of the history of textile design and production around the world.
INTL 391/FLET 391 Topics in Foreign Literature in English Translation
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 12 credits. An in-depth study of selected topics in foreign literature. This course will not satisfy foreign language requirements. No knowledge of a foreign language is required. All work is done in English.
INTL 398 Directed Study Abroad
Semester course; variable hours. 0-8 credits per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits with approval of student's major department. Permission of academic adviser required. A course involving travel and/or residence in a foreign country as features of the student's work on a pre-arranged project. Intended primarily for students participating in student exchange programs.
INTL 409/RELS 409 Modern Islamic Thought and Global Trends
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: RELS 312 or 317, or permission of instructor. Introduces students to the integral relationship of Islam to major events of global concern and contextualizes these events into the wider modern and postmodern developments of Islamic thought and its intellectual and ideological self interrogation. This course will provide students with the opportunity to study both the background of modern Islamic thought and selected contemporary events.
INTL 410/PHIL 410/RELS 410 The Chinese Tradition in Philosophy
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the development of Confucianism, of alternative ways of thought prior to the fall of the Han Dynasty and of neo-Confucianism. The systems of thought are examined in the light of their social, political and Religious impact on China, Korea and Japan.
INTL 412/PHIL 412/RELS 412 Zen Buddhism
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of Zen Buddhism, including backgrounds in Indian philosophy and practice, development in China and Korea, and present day Zen theory and practice in Japan and in Western countries.
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