Topics in SBS

Same as INTS 215

This course is a historical and cross-cultural examination of women’s issues. The approach is multidisciplinary and draws on the humanities, social sciences, life/physical sciences, and other fields of study. The course is based on research that views women from their own perspectives rather than from the points of view of what men have traditionally studied, claimed, or written about women. The course examines historical and intellectual roots in worldwide movements for social change and equality. The course also offers a holistic approach to the study of fundamental issues of sex and gender—how they have been reflected in culture and history, how they shape social, political, economic, and institutional organization as well as personal experience and perception, and how they interact with issues of race, ethnicity, and class.

Same as INTS 323

How does equitable growth occur, especially in a region where sustained growth and equality have long been elusive goals? In the last two decades, millions of Latin Americans have risen out of dire poverty, much of the region has democratized, and Latin American commodities have expanded into vast new markets such as China. Nonetheless, poverty and inequality in the region (and its violent effects) remain pervasive and nearly intractable problems. Besides poverty and inequality, other course themes include liberalism, neoliberalism, structuralism, institutions and norms, civil society, foreign investment, globalization, and regional integration. The imposition of policies and “structural adjustment” by outsiders will be considered, as is the capacity of this region to generate new political and economic paradigms or policies, such as dependency theory and conditional cash transfers. Since “development” is a particular kind of utopia, cultural studies and anthropology are not excluded, but most material comes from economics and political science. Prerequisite: ECON/INTS 100, INTS 130, or instructor consent.

This seminar is designed to explore the dynamics and interplay of race, socioeconomic status, and political and economic interest groups in impacting the differential access, use and outcomes of some groups and countries regarding natural resources and the natural environment. Specifically, the course will focus on how racial/ethnic, economic, cultural, and country background impact individual and group access to a healthy and productive natural environment and supporting resources. We will explore alternatives for increasing environmental justice and issues related to access and to increasing the quality of life for disadvantaged groups. Global environmental issues that highlight the questions of justice and injustice also will be examined. An important broad goal of the course will be to integrate social concern for the natural environment with increasing consciousness of race/ethnic, class, gender, and country disparities in issues of environmental equity and justice. Prerequisite: any course in the SBS concentration.

This course introduces students to traditional and contemporary principles, theories, models, and research on leadership across cultures and sub-cultures within various societies. It will examine leadership from an interdisciplinary perspective, thereby drawing upon theories and research in psychology, political science, anthropology, and women studies. The course will also examine leadership in practice through the exploration of a variety of leaders, leadership styles, and challenges for diverse gender and racial/ethnic groups in various societies. Students will also learn about and have a basis for reflecting on and assessing their leadership skills, styles and what it means to be a leader in an increasing diverse and global world. Prerequisite: any course in the SBS concentration.

1-4 units 

1-4 units

1-4 units