VolCore
VolCore Courses
VolCore Courses, Spring 2026
The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers a variety of courses both taught in English and the target language that fulfill the University’s VolCore requirements. These courses range from courses on language, cinema, literature, and culture.
To view other WLC courses, please refer to the course catalog.
Below is a list of VolCore courses for Fall 2025 identified in this way:
- AH – Arts and Humanities
- AAH – Applied Arts and Humanities
- EI – Engaged Inquiries
- GCI – Global Challenges – International
- GCUS – Global Challenges – US
- WC – Written Communication
- ENG – Offered in English
VolCore Culture Courses
ARAB 215 | Human Rights in the Middle East (GCI) (ENG)
This course will introduce students to the landscape of human rights in the Middle East by examining a wide range of relevant topics, such as refugees and migration, women’s rights, and citizenship status. Conducted in English.
ARAB 251 | Whole New Worlds: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Dystopia in the Middle East (AH) (ENG)
Examines themes and genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopia in literature, film, and graphic novels from Middle East, in relation to relevant political, cultural, and historical contexts. Taught in English.
CHIN 130 | Love and Sex in Chinese and Sinophone Culture (AH) (ENG)
This course examines the phenomena of love and sex from multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives in Chinese and Sinophone cultures. Topics may include traditional and modern theories of love and sex, sexual identity and orientation, reproductive policies, sex work, consent, violence, and justice. Students critically evaluate the personal and social significances of intimacy and analyze the ethical, political, and cultural dimensions of love and sex through a variety of media in the global context. The course is conducted in English.
CHIN 210 | Introduction to Chinese Culture (GCI) (ENG)
This course will explore the foundations of Chinese civilization and different aspects of Chinese culture. The aim is to familiarize students with China’s cultural heritage and the developments of contemporary China so that they gain a better understanding of China and the Chinese people. Students will develop reflective skills and cultural awareness to be prepared for future cultural encounters in a globalized workplace.
Repeatability: May be repeated if content differs. Maximum 6 hours.
FREN 353 | Introduction to Literary Analysis in French (AH)
Introduction to close reading and analysis of literary texts written in French. Works from a variety of periods and genres.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): FREN 333*.
GERM 350 | The Afterlife of the Holocaust (GCI) (ENG)
Selected themes, issues, figures, movements, and problems in the German-Jewish relationship as reflected in literature and culture from the 1750s to the present. Variable content. Taught in English.
(Same as JST 350*.)
RUSS 222 | Heaven or Hell: Utopias and Dystopias in 20th-Century Russian Literature (AH, WC) (ENG)
This course provides an overview of the main developments in Russian literature from the formation of the Soviet Union to its subsequent collapse in the early 1990s. We will read a wide selection of stories and short novels from several influential authors including Zamiatin and Solzhenitsyn, consider the influence of key historical and cultural events upon artistic production of the period, and investigate the interconnections between literature and ideology. Readings and discussion in English. (VolCore AH, WC)
Credit Restriction: No foreign language credit.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102*, ENGL 112*, ENGL 132*, or ENGL 298*.
RUSS 325 | Russian Film (AH) (GCI) (ENG)
This course will examine a selection of the most influential and celebrated Russian and Soviet films from the inception of Russian cinema in the early 20th century through the collapse of the Soviet Union into the contemporary period. We will consider the influence of key historical and cultural events upon artistic production during this period, and investigate the interconnections between art, propaganda, and entertainment. Students can expect to come away from the course with a foundational knowledge of Russian and Soviet culture and film, and a fundamental set of skills in film analysis that will prove valuable in any future engagement with the cinematic arts. Readings and discussion in English.
SPAN 494S | Hispanics in the U.S. and Knoxville: Community Service Practicum (EI)
Introduction to U.S. Hispanic culture in general and specifically in Knoxville. Students will read and experience a variety of cultural materials including literature, fine arts, performing arts, and popular culture. Students will read and analyze relevant sociological and Political Texts. Supervised community service with local agencies that assist Hispanic community or supervised activities with local cultural organizations that promote awareness of Hispanic Culture among the general public. Minimum of 30 hours off-campus supervised work and 2 weekly class meetings with faculty.
Comment(s): Requires completion of 15 hours of upper-division Spanish.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.
VolCore Language Courses
Courses below all count for VolCore GCI unless otherwise noted.
ARAB 222 | Intermediate Arabic II
ARAB 232 | Arabic for Heritage Speakers II
ARAB 332 | Contemporary Issues and Current Events in the Arab World
CHIN 232 | Intermediate Chinese II
CHIN 332 | Advanced Chinese II
CHIN 402 | Contemporary Chinese Studies II (AOC)
CHIN 471 | Introduction to Chinese Linguistics (EI) (ENG)
FREN 212 | Intermediate French II
FREN 218 | Intermediate French II Honors
FREN 333 | Intermediate Composition and Grammar
FREN 334 | Intermediate Conversation and Phonetics (also AOC)
GERM 212 | Intermediate German II
GERM 312 | Advanced Language II
ITAL 212 | Intermediate Italian II
ITAL 342 | Intermediate Grammar, Composition, and Conversation II
JAPA 252 | Intermediate Japanese II
JAPA 352 | Advanced Japanese II
PORT 212 | Intermediate Portuguese II
RUSS 202 | Intermediate Russian II
RUSS 312 | Russian Composition and Conversation II
SPAN 212 | Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 218 | Intermediate Spanish II Honors
SPAN 223 | Intensive Intermediate Spanish
SPAN 311 | Language in Context I
SPAN 312 | Language in Context II
SPAN 350 | Spanish for the Medical and Health Care Professions (EI)









