Explores mythic and archetypal images in literature and culture through theoretical approaches to the interpretation of myth. Examines the role of myth in modern cultures.

Explores the social histories and musical forms of popular music with an emphasis on sociopolitical contexts of popular music genres as expressions of cultural traditions and commodities in the global marketplace.

Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an 'American' identity. Analyzes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity.

Explores the major global traditions of religious thinking, belief, practice, and community. Identifies the historical development and cultural diversity of religious expression in both the West and the East. Explores the impacts of modernity on religious practice and expression.

Introduces issues related to popular and mass culture as a vehicle for communicating social and political ideologies in American society. Includes the study of media, advertising, and theories of cultural criticism.

Explores the historical and political development of hip hop culture through the history of African American musical forms and the relationship between Hip Hop, social positionality and inequity, and institutional oppression.

Explores the sacred texts from at least three religious traditions through analysis of the socio-historical contexts in which the texts emerged and the ritualistic applications of the texts within religious systems. Applies hermeneutical approaches to textual analysis.

Examines the lasting impact of colonialism on non-Western or indigenous peoples, cultures, and ideologies.

Surveys American writing through a variety of literary forms, movements, and periods. Explores the literary, cultural, political, and social histories that shaped the growth and emergence of American society and identity. Emphasizes textual analysis to create connections between various perspectives on the American experience.

Explores the literary and textual productions of one or more race and ethnic groups in the United States. Analyzes the diverse cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape the literature and artistic works of the group(s) studied. Course focus will vary based on instructor¿s area of expertise (see faculty directory for professor specific description).

Explores a diverse set of literary and cultural texts from around the world. Develops skills for interpreting the cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape the global literatures and creative works being studied. World regions and themes covered will vary based on instructor's area of expertise (see faculty directory for professor specific description).