Global Interdisciplinary Studies

The Department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) provides students with a tripartite of skills, knowledge, and values that foster critical thinking, problem solving, and preparation for responsible global citizenship. Students gain an understanding of global studies, acquiring the know-how in global and digital literacy, cultural diversity and intercultural competences, interdisciplinary research, and a passion for social justice, nurtured in experiential learning.

 All students must choose one specialization from the sections listed below. 

The Department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies also offers minors in the following programs: Arabic Language and Cultural Studies, Chinese Language and Cultural Studies, Japanese Language and Cultural Studies, Russian Language and Cultural Studies. Visit these individual pages to view requirements. 

Programs

Courses

AFR 3000: Constructs of Blackness

Interdisciplinary examination of ideas of black identity, culture, and politics. Course covers African and African Diaspora experience in society, history, literature, health, and others in global and national contexts. Team taught

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
201820

ARB 1111: Basic Arabic I

Basic Modern Standard Arabic for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic, and for heritage speakers without writing proficiency. Recitations, readings and oral drills, supplementary language laboratory work. Part I of II.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
202520

ARB 1112: Basic Arabic II

Basic Modern Standard Arabic for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic, and for heritage speakers without writing proficiency. Recitations, readings, oral drills, supplementary language laboratory work. Part II of II. Prerequisites: ARB 1111 or equivalent.

Prerequisites

ARB 1111

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
202520

ARB 1121: Intermediate Arabic I

Review of grammar and vocabulary. Recitations, readings, and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills. ARB 1111 and ARB 1112, or equivalent or permission of Program Director.

Prerequisites

ARB 1111 and ARB 1112

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Effective Term
202520

ARB 1122: Intermediate Arabic II

Continuation from ARB 1121. Review of grammar and vocabulary. Recitations, readings, and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills. ARB 1111, ARB 1112, and ARB 1121, or equivalent or permission of Program Coordinator.

Prerequisites

ARB 1111 and ARB 1112 and ARB 1121

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
202520

ARB 1131: Intensive Adv Arabic I

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. ARB 1125 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Effective Term
200820

ARB 1132: Intensive Adv Arabic II

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. ARB 1131 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Last Offered
Spring 2021, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Effective Term
200820

ARB 3412: Special Topics

Advanced study of topics of special interest in Arabic literary and/or cultural studies. May be repeated for credit if topic changes. Fulfills core requirements for Arabic minor.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021
Effective Term
201320

CHI 1010: Foundations in Chinese Il

Progressing from Foundations in Chinese I, this course enhances linguistic expertise in reading and writing. Students amplify conversational capacities and delve into complex grammar. Aimed to fortify foundational skills, propelling students toward intermediate coursework.

Effective Term
202520

CHI 1111: Basic Chinese I

Functional use of Chinese for students with no prior knowlege of Chinese. New pronunciation system, PINYIN, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
202520

CHI 1112: Basic Chinese II

Functional use of Chinese for students with no prior knowledge of Chinese. Continuation of CHI 1111. New pronunciation system, PINYIN, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language readings, oral drill, and laboratory work.

Prerequisites

CHI 1111 :D

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
202520

CHI 1121: Intermediate Chinese I

Review of Grammar and vocabulary. New pronunciation system, PINYIN, reading and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. PreReqs: CHI 1111 and CHI 1112 or equivalent, with permission of Language Coordinator.

Prerequisites

CHI 1111 and CHI 1112

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
202530

CHI 1122: Intermediate Chinese II

Review of grammar and vocabulary. New pronunciation system, PINYIN, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1121 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
202520

CHI 1131: Advanced Chinese I

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1122 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
200820

CHI 1132: Advanced Chinese II

Advanced communication skills including reading and discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1131 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
200830

CHI 1133: Advanced Chinese III

Advanced communication skills including reading & discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1132 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

CHI 1132

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Effective Term
200920

CHI 1134: Advanced Chinese IV

Advanced communication skills including reading & discussing topics on current events. Supplementary language laboratory work. CHI 1133 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

CHI 1133

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
200930

CHI 1975: Classical Chinese Literature

Introduces some major artists, genres, and texts that have shaped the classical Chinese literary tradition. Explores how concepts like ?tradition? or ?canon? are constantly destabilized, revitalized, and reimagined. Pays attention to challenges of literary interpretation.

Last Offered
Fall 2025

CHI 2102: Chinese Film

Screening and analysis of Chinese films thematically, stylistically, and historically. Elective for Chinese and Asian Studies majors and minors. May also fulfill Core Fine Arts, if so approved.

Last Offered
Spring 2025
Effective Term
202430

CHI 3413: Chinese Calligraphy

Two part course: Textual study: History of Chinese calligraphy emphasizing how the Chinese culture blossomed and developed; Calligraphy practice: an on-hand developing of Chinese characters including the study of character's original meaning, transformation, and cultural context.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
200920

GIS 1100: Special Studies

Studies in Critical Languages not included among the languages and cultural studies typically offered in GIS, in related areas, usually through Study Abroad, such as: Korean, Hindi, Thai, Yoruba, Hebrew, Luo; readings, discussions, drills.

Effective Term
202230

GIS 2000: Intro to Global Interd Studies

Gateway course to Global Interdisciplinary Studies, preparing for area studies specializations and GIS interdisciplinary programs. Focuses critical thinking skills through the comparative lens of both global and interdisciplinary analyses. Mandatory preparatory course for advanced study in GIS major.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
201910

GIS 4281: The Tale of Shanghai and Tokyo

Struggling with their identity while being nurtured by their traditional culture for more than a century, today's Shanghai and Tokyo eventually emerged from a feudal society as modern, sophisticated, and diversified metropolises on the global stage. Explore how the two Asian cities encountered the West, as well as how they were forced to change through revolutions and reforms in the realms of culture, sociology, literature, history, ideology, and philosophy of life.

Last Offered
Spring 2022, Fall 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2014
Effective Term
201330

GIS 5000: Special Topics

Intensive seminar taught by distinguished visiting faculty on a topic of global and interdisciplinary significance.

Prerequisites

GIS 2000 :Y

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
201820

GIS 5011: GIS Select

Interdisciplinary team-taught courses offered by GIS to fulfill requirements for the Junior Research Seminar and additional GIS Select course. May be taken by GIS majors in any of the specializations, including Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice Education, to fulfill requirements in their specialization if the specific GIS Select topic carries the attribute of their specialization.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Effective Term
201920

GIS 6500: Capstone I: Research

Team-taught, interdisciplinary seminar. Integration of work for GIS major, leading to the research & writing of the major thesis, topic determined by faculty of record. Senior standing.

Prerequisites

GIS 2000

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Effective Term
201820

IS 1111: Introductory Irish Language I

Groundwork in Irish (Gaelic), including oral proficiency, aural comprehension, and reading knowledge; for students with no prior knowledge of Irish. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
201230

IS 1112: Introductory Irish Language II

Groundwork in Irish (Gaelic), including oral proficiency, aural comprehension and reading knowledge; for students with one semester of Irish study completed. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills. Students should have completed IS 1111 or equivalent.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
201230

IS 1121: Intermediate Irish Language I

Review of grammar and vocabulary in Irish (Gaelic). Recitations, readings and oral drills. Supplementary cultural study, language laboratory, and conversation comprehension. Prerequisites: IS 1111 and 1112, equivalent or permission of instructor. Taught by a Fulbright language instructor from Ireland. Counts toward the Irish Studies Concentration.

Prerequisites

IS 1112

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
Effective Term
201430

IS 4000: Intro Irish Studies Abroad

On the culture, history, politics of Ireland. Presentations by the Academic Program Coordinator, readings on Irish culture and society, and field trips. Required of all students participating in the summer abroad program at NUI Galway, Ireland.

Corequisites

VAB 1000

Last Offered
Summer 2025, Summer 2024, Summer 2023, Summer 2022
Effective Term
202110

IS 4100: Spec Top in Irish Studies

Perspectives on the culture and history of Ireland. Presentations by the Resident Program Director, lectures by a range of NUI faculty, readings by noted Irish writers, performances by a local musicians, and field trips. Required of all students participating in the semester abroad program at NUI Galway, Ireland.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Effective Term
201430

JPN 1010: Foundations in Japanese II

Progressing from Foundations of Japanese l, this course enhances linguistic expertise in reading and writing Students amplify conversational capacities and delve into complex grammar. Aimed to fortify foundational skills, propelling students toward intermediate coursework.

Effective Term
202520

JPN 1111: Basic Japanese I

Functional use of Japanese for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. Communication skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Drill included. New writing system. Supplementary practice with computer.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Effective Term
202520

JPN 1112: Basic Japanese II

Continuation from JPN 1111. Functional use of Japanese for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. Communication skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills). Drill included. New writing system. Supplementary practice with computer.

Prerequisites

JPN 1111

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Summer 2022
Effective Term
202520

JPN 1121: Intermediate Japanese I

Review of grammar and vocabulary. Recitations, readings, and oral drills. Further practice of communication skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). Supplementary language laboratory work. PreReqs: JPN 1111, JPN 1112, or equivalent by permission of Language Coordinator

Prerequisites

JPN 1111 and JPN 1112

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
202520

JPN 1122: Intermediate Japanese II

Continuation from JPN 1121. Review of grammar and vocabulary. Recitations, readings, and oral drills. Further practice of communication skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). Supplementary language laboratory work. PreReqs: JPN 1111, JPN 1112, and JPN 1121, or equivalent by permission of Language Coordinator

Prerequisites

JPN 1111 and JPN 1112 and JPN 1121

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
202520

JPN 1131: Advanced Japanese I

Advanced practice of communication skills - oral, speech and discussion skills, reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1122 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
200820

JPN 1132: Advanced Japanese II

Advanced practice of communication skills - oral, speech and discussion skills, reading and writing skills. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1131 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
200820

JPN 1133: Advanced Japanese III

Advanced practice of communication skills including reading, discussing topics on current events and speech. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1132 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

JPN 1132

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Effective Term
201030

JPN 1134: Advanced Japanese IV

Advanced practice of communication skills including reading, discussing topics on current events and speech. Supplementary practice with computer. JPN 1133 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

JPN 1133

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
201120

JPN 2101: Japanese Popular Culture

Engages Japanese gaming culture, game production, and global and national influence and power in diverse fields. Traditional cultural expressions, varieties of Japanese digital games, and their impact examined. Elective for Japanese and Asian Studies majors and minors.

Effective Term
202430

JPN 2102: Japanese Film

Introduction to Japanese film to those who are interested in but not necessarily exposed to Asian culture and language. Fulfills requirements for minor in Japanese.

Last Offered
Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
Effective Term
200820

JPN 2103: Japanese Video Games & Gaming

Engages Japanese gaming culture, game production, and global and national influence and power in diverse fields. Traditional cultural expressions, varieties of Japan digital games, and their impact examined. Elective for Japanese and Asian Studies major and minors.

Effective Term
202430

JPN 2143: Japanese Animation

Explores how anime is a refection of Japanese society, art & culture. Introduction to rich & varied world of Japanese animated films by considering anime as medium, art, culture, & industry. Introduction to history, theory, aesthetics & cultural aspects of anime, with emphasis on 'the art of communication' with the medium. Fulfills requirement for Japanese minor.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2018, Fall 2017
Effective Term
200820

JPN 3412: Special Topics

Advanced study of topics of special interest in Japanese literary and/or cultural studies. May be repeated for credit if topic changes. Fulfills requirements for Japanese minor and concentration in East Asian Studies. Taught in English.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Effective Term
200820

RUS 1111: Basic Russian I

Functional use of Russian for students with no prior knowledge of Russian, or Russian heritage speaker without reading and writing proficiency. Recitations, readings and oral drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. Part l of ll.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
202520

RUS 1112: Basic Russian II

Continuation from RUS 1111. Functional use of Russian for students with no prior knowledge of Russian, or Russian heritage speaker without reading and writing proficiency. Recitations, readings and oral, drills. Supplementary language laboratory work. Part II of II.

Prerequisites

RUS 1111

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
202520

RUS 4110: Russian Film

Understanding of Russian life and culture today by focusing on basic historical, ideological, economic, religious and cultural developments. Each student chooses one aspect of social development for further research. Conducted in English.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Summer 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
201810

SWA 1111: Intro Swahili Language l

Groundwork in Swahili, including oral proficiency, aural comprehension, and reading knowledge; for students with no prior knowledge of Swahili. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Effective Term
202220

SWA 1112: Intro Swahili Language ll

Groundwork in Swahili, including oral proficiency, aural comprehension, and reading knowledge; for students with one semester of Swahili completed. Supplementary language laboratory work and oral drills.

Prerequisites

SWA 1111

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025
Effective Term
202230