This course provides an introduction to understanding the cultural construction of individual and collective identities such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion. We will begin by establishing a theoretical understanding of what culture is and how it operates, both globally and locally. And then we will examine how colonization and imperialism impact cultural conflict in the US and around the world. Key issues covered include how race has been constructed historically and culturally; how power and privilege perpetuate interpersonal, systemic, and institutional racism; and how to challenge racism and other forms of oppression. By the end of the semester, students will have a foundation for understanding and addressing inequality in our interconnected world.

Intercultural Engagement is an on-line course offered to students enrolled in a study abroad program; it is designed to help develop intercultural competence by engaging students in critical reflection and analysis of their experience of living abroad. Graded H/S/U. Corequisite: enrollment in a study abroad program.

Intercultural Engagement is an on-line course offered to students enrolled in a study abroad program; it is designed to help develop intercultural competence by engaging students in critical reflection and analysis of their experience of living abroad. Graded H/S/U. Corequisite: enrollment in a study abroad program.

This class will combine reflection and analysis of the experiences of immigration, deportation, and asylum-seeking refugees while traveling and doing service projects at Catholic Charities’ Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, TX.

Topics of special interest in Intercultural Studies not covered in the regular offerings of the program. May be repeated with different topic.

Diversity Dialogues uses the framework of a “study circle” to conduct a series of structured conversations that deal with questions of race and identity and ways that participants might bring change to their local setting. The study circles that form the basis of this course will include both students and members of the campus and local communities, insuring a wide range of experiences and insights on the subject of race. Respect for each other’s ideas and allowing everyone a fair hearing are hallmarks of the study circle approach; the process of building relationships between members of the group is as important as the issues discussed. The study circle is small-group democracy in action; all viewpoints are taken seriously, and each member has an equal opportunity to participate. Graded S/U. (Also listed as JUST 310).

The Catalyst Trip is an immersive learning trip offered every other year during the fall break. It combines a series of experiences with critical reflection in an intense five-day trip, traditionally to southern Ohio and the city of Cincinnati. When possible, the Catalyst trip includes community women as participants in addition to Saint Mary’s students. The Catalyst Trip includes a pre-departure workshop plus 5 days during Fall Break (inclusive of two half-days of travel between South Bend and the immersion destination).

Topics of special interest in Intercultural Studies not covered in the regular offerings of the program. May be repeated with different topic.

This course is designed to provide upper-level students the opportunity to examine intercultural issues using a framework and content of their own design. Prerequisite: ICS 201 or permission of advisor. May be repeated.

Community-based experience in an intercultural studies related field at an approved site. Jointly supervised by a faculty member and a representative from the sponsoring agency. Must be approved by the Director of the Intercultural Studies Program. Student will submit a reflection paper appropriate to the nature of the internship within two weeks of the end of the internship. Graded S/U. May be repeated.

Topics of special interest in Intercultural Studies not covered in the regular offerings of the program. May be repeated with different topic.

This course is designed to provide upper-level students the opportunity to examine intercultural issues using a framework and content of their own design. Prerequisite: ICS 201 or permission of advisor. May be repeated.

Internship opportunity. May be repeated.