Global Cultures

GLOC 234     Japanese Economy & Business     3 Credit Hours

In this course, students can obtain fundamental knowledge on stylized facts of Japanese economy as compared with those in the US and some other countries, and understand economic theories to put profound interpretations on them. Stylized facts seem to be old and some of them may have been obsolete, although they contain essential logical points. However, they are still useful for understanding Japanese economic systems. Thus, students are required to discuss current conditions on Japanese economy and firm system, considering stylized facts and theoretical backgrounds. It is essential to distinguish between changing phenomena and unchanged principles. Students have an opportunity to take a tour to a factory in a leading company. In the final class, students have to give team presentations and individually submit a short essay on the topics provided or the ones they come up with. As for the structure of the classes, we cover fundamental stylized facts, economic theories (or theoretical frameworks), and data analyses (historically and currently). This course is composed of three parts: (1) Japanese economic system, (2) Japanese firm system and (3) Japanese macroeconomic conditions.

GLOC 301     Intro to Global Cultures     4 Credit Hours

The course introduces students to the various concepts and notions attached to the phenomenon known as globalization from several disciplinary approaches including history, political science, economic, cultural geography, environmental sciences, and anthropology. It, then, delves in to an in-depth examination of globalization and its ideologies, particularly the consensus as well as the controversies it engenders. The course particularly focuses on the relation between globalization and culture. (YR).

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Sophomore or Junior or Senior
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

GLOC 325     Political Islam     3 Credit Hours

This course is designed as an introduction to the main issues and themes in the study of political Islam and Muslim Politics, providing a broad overview of the pertinent key concepts and issues. It provides a historical approach to the study of political Islam, and touches upon the nineteenth century Islamic revivalism. It also explores diversity in contemporary Islamic thought and global Islamist movements.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Sophomore or Junior or Senior

GLOC 364     The European Union     4 Credit Hours

This course examines the history and politics of European integration, notably institutional development, decision-making procedures and dynamics, and policy formulation in the European Union. The course will concentrate on the intergovernmental conferences and treaty reform, the relationship between European politics at the subnational, national and supranational levels; the role of national, institutional, and non-state actors; problems of accountability and legitimacy; the economic and monetary union; and enlargement. The course will also address questions of globalization and technology, and the American perception of the EU. (F).

Prerequisite(s): COMP 105 or COMP 110

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate