Culture & Literaure Courses
* The Bold/Italicized titles are linked to their corresponding academic samples.
REL 1020: World Religions
The course provided an overview of major religious traditions, exploring their beliefs, practices, and historical development. By examining diverse faith systems, students gained a broader understanding of global spiritual perspectives and cultural influences. This course fostered critical thinking and intercultural awareness, enhancing appreciation for religious diversity.
The course provided a foundational understanding of global politics by exploring key theories, actors, and institutions within the international system. Topics such as conflict causes, international law, and policy offered insight into the complexities of global diplomacy and cooperation. This course effectively developed critical thinking skills and a deeper awareness of international affairs.
ENGL 2120: World Literature
The course provided an introduction to influential literary works from various global regions, spanning ancient to modern times. By examining major authors and diverse cultural perspectives, students gained a deeper appreciation for literary traditions and their historical contexts. This course effectively enhanced critical reading, analytical skills, and cross-cultural understanding.
*Instructed in Italian. The course explored how food shapes personal and group identity, focusing on how food choices reflect broader social, cultural, and ideological values. Students examined the ways food influences ethnic identity, religious beliefs, and gender roles, while also learning how food acts as a vehicle for transmitting and preserving cultural values. This course provided a deep understanding of the cultural significance of food in shaping individual and collective identities, especially within the context of Italian culture.
The course explored the dynamic relationship between Italian literature and cinema, focusing on how classic literary works influenced the themes and styles of renowned Italian filmmakers like Fellini, Sorrentino, and Wertmuller. By comparing literary and cinematic narratives, students gained a deeper understanding of the artistic, political, and sociological dimensions of Italian culture. This course effectively integrated academic film theory with practical film screenings, enriching students' appreciation of both forms of artistic expression.
HIST 1930: Modern World History
The course examined key political, economic, social, and cultural developments from the 19th century to the present. Through the study of global events and transformations, students gained a deeper understanding of historical trends and their impact on contemporary society. This course effectively fostered analytical skills and a broader perspective on modern world affairs.
The course explored the development of early complex societies, focusing on the emergence of "pristine states" across Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Egypt, China, Mesoamerica, and the Andes. An introduction to archaeological methods provided essential tools for analyzing historical civilizations. This course effectively deepened the understanding of human social evolution and the diverse pathways to state formation.
ITAL 3020: Modern Italian Literature
The course explored key works from prominent 19th- and 20th-century Italian authors, such as Manzoni, Verga, Svevo, Moravia, and Ginzburg. Through literary analysis, students gained insight into historical, social, and cultural themes shaping modern Italy. This course effectively deepened the understanding of Italian literary movements and their broader significance.
ITAL 3070: Italian Renaissance Civilization and Culture (Lorenzo De Medici University, Florence, Italy)
The course examined the intellectual and cultural achievements of the Renaissance period, with a focus on prominent figures from the Medici, Sforza, and Della Rovere families, as well as influential artists, writers, and philosophers. Students explored the era's contributions to art, literature, politics, and philosophy, learning about key figures such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dante, and Machiavelli. This course provided a thorough understanding of the Renaissance's impact on Italian history and its enduring influence on Western thought and culture.
ANTH 3250: Current Trends in Italian Cuisine (Lorenzo De Medici University, Florence, Italy)
The course explored how contemporary Italian chefs are reinterpreting traditional regional dishes, incorporating healthier cooking techniques and lighter styles. Students participated in hands-on cooking sessions to develop essential skills, select quality ingredients, and experiment with specialized techniques. The course also examined how regional culinary cultures have evolved and how social and environmental factors influence current eating habits, offering a modern perspective on Italian food traditions.