This course will introduce students to various aspects of the cultures and societies of the Arab world, including history, language, customs, food, business, and art. Conducted in English.

This course explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through film, literature, television, and music from 1948 to the present, including units on histories of the conflict, visions of the region’s future, and the use of music and graphic novels as political commentary. Conducted in English.

This course will examine aspects of daily life, customs, traditions, and cultural practices in a number of Arabic speaking countries, while also developing advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Arabic.

(Same as MEST 331*.)

Prerequisite(s):ARAB 222* or ARAB 232* with a grade of C or better.

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.

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.

In this course, we will learn about the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: his friendship and falling-out with Richard Wagner, his affair with Lou Salomé, his troubled relationship with his sister Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche (who married a famous anti-Semite), his “discovery” in 1887 by the Danish literary historian Georg Brandes, and his collapse into insanity in January 1889.

Through stories and short novels, this course explores the minds and behaviors of various outcasts, madmen, and misfit-types within the complex social world of 19th-C. Russia. In the course, we ask such questions as: How does one establish an identity? Which rules of Russian society were logical, or absurd? What mental cages do people create for themselves, and can they escape? Which life-paths lead toward falsehood, and which towards truth? Texts in English translation.

Credit Restriction: No foreign language credit.

(RE) Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102*, ENGL 112*, ENGL 132*, or ENGL 298*.

What makes Russia so hospitable to entrenched autocracy and corruption? How is Russia different from the West? This course focuses on the major cultural and historical trends that led first to the Bolshevik Revolution, and seventy years later to the counterrevolution and then to the Putin regime. Literary, artistic, philosophical, and popular materials span from early 16th c. to the current wartime era.

This class will enhance your ability to function effectively in an increasingly important commercial language within the United States and abroad. It will provide you with a solid foundation in the vocabulary and discourse used in Spanish when dealing with different types of companies, from management, to real estate, banking, accounting, property, plant equipment, and many others. Taught in Spanish.

Requirement: Span 312 or 309

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 12 hours of upper-division Spanish.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.