Interdisciplinary Studies
On this page you will find information about the following minors:
Asian Studies Minor
U.S. Cultural Studies Minor
Women and Gender Studies Minor
Asian Studies Minor
The Asian studies minor was created out of recognition that the vast region labeled “Asia” has greatly influenced, and continues to influence, human experience throughout the world. Whether Asia is viewed as a source of world religions, half the earth’s population, much of the economic growth of the last few decades, or a microcosm of the diversity of political and economic policies, it is clear that gaining a better understanding of Asia requires an interdisciplinary approach. The Asian studies minor builds upon the strengths of courses in the social sciences and humanities that focus on Asia or particular Asian countries. The confluence of these courses allows students to develop an integrated understanding of the region, read difficult texts, understand and formulate abstract ideas and make informed judgments about a world of many cultures. This focus on the “other” is fundamental to understanding the student’s own culture and the values that shape his or her worldview. From this understanding, it is hoped that students can begin to construct bridges across cultures.
The learning outcomes of the Asian studies minor prepare the student to do the following:
- Use an interdisciplinary framework to understand a foreign culture.
- Understand and reflect on the cultures of Asia in relation to the student’s own culture.
- Read and speak Japanese or Chinese at a level sufficient to begin study in either country.
- Augment a student’s major coursework with a concentration in Asia.
- Understand the role that Asia plays in shaping the contemporary world, as well as how outside forces have shaped Asia.
Requirements for an Asian Studies Minor (18) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Language: proficiency at the 202 level in Japanese or Chinese (no more than six language credits can count toward the minor) | ||
| Additional courses (must take courses in at lease two disciplines): | ||
AR 114 | Chinese Gardens and Temples | |
HI 102 | The Pacific World | |
HI 104 | Political History of Beijing | |
HI 105 | Cultural Odyssey of China | |
HI 304W | Political History of Beijing | |
HI 305W | Cultural Odyssey of China | |
HI 345 | Cultural History of China and Japan | |
HI 346 | Modern China and East Asia | |
PH 256 | Asian Philosophy | |
PO 346 | Contemporary China and East Asia | |
PO 347 | Globalization in Southeast Asia | |
WGS 350 | Thailand Study Program | |
| See advisor for current applicable courses. | ||
| Foreign study: Students pursuing an Asian studies minor must complete at least three of their credits through a foreign study experience in an Asian country. | ||
U.S. Cultural Studies Minor
Whitworth’s U.S. Cultural Studies Program acknowledges that many factors, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, socio-economics, gender, sexual orientation and type of disability influence, our lives and experiences in the United States. In one way or another, others’ perceptions of us, or even our self-perceptions, have been formed by these personal characteristics and by the groups that are identified by these characteristics. Our goal is to study these groups so that we can better understand these groups and our own lives in the contemporary U.S.
Through this program of study, our goals are:
- To study the foundations and interactions of diverse groups living in the U.S.
- To develop intercultural competencies for graduate or professional schools and eventual vocations.
Requirements for a U.S. Cultural Studies Minor (17-18) | ||
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| IDS 110 | Introduction to U.S. Cultural Studies | 1 |
| IDS 310 | U.S. Cultural Studies: Community-Based Research | 1 |
| IDS 311 | U.S. Cultural Studies: Campus-Based Research | 1 |
| SP 398 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| Elective credits from the following: | 11-12 | |
AR 315 | Community Arts in Practice | |
ASL 102 | Sign Language & the Deaf II | |
EDU 326 | Cultural Competence and Society | |
EDU 526 | Cultural Competence and Society | |
EL 130 | Latina & Caribbean Women Writers | |
EL 330 | Latina and Caribbean Women Writers | |
HI 228 | Identity, Race, and Power in American Life | |
HI 240 | African American History to 1877 | |
HI 241 | African American History 1877-Present | |
IDS 230 | Asian American Film | |
IDS 231 | U.S. Latino/A Film | |
IDS 232 | Native American Film | |
IDS 233 | African American Film | |
KIN 430 | Sports and Society | |
PO 275 | Poverty and Community Development | |
PY 223 | Psychology of Women | |
PY 330 | Psychology of Poverty and Social Class | |
SO 220 | Race and Ethnicity | |
SO 305 | Social Stratification: Power, Prestige And Wealth | |
SP 436 | African-American Preaching | |
TA 321 | Gender, Performance, and Pop Culture | |
TA 348 | Performance and Social Change | |
TH 323 | Religion in American Public Life | |
WGS/EL 126 Women Writers | ||
WGS 196 | Topics: Women's Studies | |
WGS 201 | Intro Women's and Gender Studies | |
Women's & Gender Studies Program
At Whitworth, we affirm that all people are created in God’s image and share a common humanity. At the same time, the Whitworth Women’s and Gender Studies Program acknowledges that many factors, such as gender, race, class, sexual orientation and religious upbringing, influence our learning and our lives. These personal characteristics, including gender, may influence how women and men pursue scholarship, how women and men are represented in scholarship, in history and in society, and, ultimately, how women and men may come to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity.
The learning outcomes of this major prepare the student to do the following:
- Use an interdisciplinary framework to engage with the pluralistic culture.
- Identify and investigate the intersections of gender, race, class and religion with gender experiences.
- Seek an increased understanding of gender issues from various Christian perspectives.
- Explore, develop, articulate and critique feminist views.
Requirements for a Women's & Gender Studies Minor (18) | ||
|---|---|---|
| WGS 201 | Intro Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| Fifteen credits from the following: | 15 | |
BI 108 | Biology of Sex & Gender | |
EL/WGS 126 Women Writers | ||
EL/WGS 236 Female Friendship in Film and Literature | ||
EL/WGS 307W Women in American Fiction | ||
EL/WGS 330 Latina and Caribbean Women Writers | ||
EL/WGS 342 British Women Writers | ||
FR 434 | Women Writers | |
MU 172, 272, 372, 472 Women's Choir | ||
PY/WGS 223 Psychology of Women | ||
SO 220 | Race and Ethnicity | |
TA/WGS 321 Gender, Performance, and Pop Culture | ||
TH 196 | Topics in Theology | |
WGS 196, 396 Topics: Women's Studies | ||
WGS 349 & WGS 350 | Introduction to Thailand Studies and Thailand Study Program | |
WGS 434 | Spanish and Latin American Women Writers | |
Interdisciplinary Studies Courses
| IDS 110 Introduction to U.S. Cultural Studies | 1 |
| This course introduces students to critical cultural studies in the contemporary U.S. It is open to all undergraduate students and has no prerequisites. Fall and spring semester. | |
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| IDS 115 Preparing for a STEM Career | 1 |
| Students will learn about the type of scientific work they would enjoy, explore scientific careers, hear guest speakers, and understand the preparation necessary at the undergraduate level in order to succeed in their chosen career. Spring semesters. Recommended standing: Freshman. | |
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| IDS 201 Genealogy in Cultural Context | 2 |
| This course introduces students to genealogical and historical research in the framework of diverse viewpoints within American society. Students will analyze the cultural diversity of their family history, with particular attention to placing their family in historical context. | |
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| IDS 230 Asian American Film | 1 |
| This course is open to all students. By the end of the course the student will have increased their understanding in: -How Asian American identity is constructed -What is the portrayal of Asian Americans -What are the cultural expectations, assumptions, and impact on Asian Americans and on the 'other' -How is identity being redefined? | |
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| IDS 231 U.S. Latino/A Film | 1 |
| Using film as a form of storytelling, this class explores Hispanic American cultures from a variety of cinematic perspectives. The course seeks to develop an awareness of Hispanic American cultures as well as examine a range of different issues related to the cultural experience of Hispanic cultures in the U.S. Students will be expected to participate in group discussions, engage in reflection and writing, and employ critical analysis of cultural texts. Not prerequisite is required. The course can be taken as an elective for the U.S. cultural studies minor. | |
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| IDS 232 Native American Film | 1 |
| This course studies films mostly made by Native Americans. The class discussions will be framed with discussions of Native American cultures, Native American history and images of Native Americans in history and popular culture. This is a 200-level course and has no prerequisites. Recommended for all levels. Fall semester. | |
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| IDS 233 African American Film | 1 |
| This course introduces students to both African American History and culture through contemporary films by or about African Americans. There are no prerequisites for this course, offered at the 200-level, but recommended for all students. | |
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| IDS 301 Introduction to Latin American Studies | 3 |
| This course explores Latin America from a variety of perspectives: sociological, political, theological, artistic and literary. It includes an historical survey of Latin America from the earliest times to the present. Given the fact that this course is being taught at the Costa Rica Center, it gives special emphasis to Costa Rica and Central America. Nevertheless, the course will contain examples and will cover themes that pertain to much of Latin America and the Caribbean. This course will also deal with U.S. foreign relations with Latin America, including NAFTA, CAFTA and other trade agreements. Offered every fall and spring semesters at Costa Rica Center. Recommended HI 127 or HI 181 prior to taking IDS 301 | |
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| IDS 310 U.S. Cultural Studies: Community-Based Research | 1 |
| This course engages students with community members to work collaboratively to address societal issues confronting diverse populations. This course is open to all students. Fall semester. | |
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| IDS 311 U.S. Cultural Studies: Campus-Based Research | 1 |
| This course engages students with campus members to work collaboratively to address societal issues confronting diverse populations. Spring semester. | |
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| IDS 351 Preparatory Seminar: Health Professions | 1 |
| A cross-disciplinary course focusing on synthesis of general biology, general chemistry, general physics, organic chemistry, physiology, NMR and IR spectroscopy. Strategic course for learning to apply introductory science/math knowledge to questions involving higher-order content. Intended for students planning to take the Medical College Admissions Test, Dental Aptitude Test, or veterinary-school entrance exams. Intended primarily for the student in his/her junior or senior year. Students will prepare for health professions both in terms of the entrance exams and by researching each school's focus and prerequisites. Prerequisites: BI 140, BI 141, CH 161, CH 281, CH 271, CH 278, PS 151, and PS 153. | |
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Women and Gender Studies Courses
| WGS 106 Biology of Women | 3 |
| See BI 106. | |
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| WGS 122 Gender and Faith in Film & Lit | 3 |
| Explores how religious beliefs shape our cultural and personal understandings of gender roles and gender identity. | |
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| WGS 126 Women Writers | 3 |
| An overview of women's literary history and an introduction to feminist literary theory. Emphasis on reading, discussion and student response through written and oral assignments. No Prerequisites. | |
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| WGS 127 African American Women's Writers | 3 |
| Survey of the literature and cultural histories of African American women writers of the United States, including poetry, drama, fiction, essay, memoir, and a selection of black feminist scholarship and critical race theory. No prerequisites. Fulfills American Diversity Studies and Humanities requirements; American Cultural Studies requirement for all three tracks of the English major and two of the English minors; elective for Women's and Gender studies minor and United States Cultural Studies minor. | |
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| WGS 130 Latina & Caribbean Women Writers | 3 |
| Study of contemporary novels, stories, poems, and films produced by Latina and Caribbean American women in light of historical, theoretical, and cultural contexts. Emphasis on reading and student response through written and oral assignments produced both individually and collaboratively. Jan Term. | |
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| WGS 196 Topics: Women's Studies | 1-3 |
| Selected lower-division topics in women's studies. | |
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| WGS 201 Intro Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| Emphasis on women's social, political and personal experience. Includes classic and contemporary feminist theory; patterns of male/female relationships; health, gender and medicine; women and poverty; homelessness; gender role socialization; women in the workforce; sexual harassment; domestic life; spirituality; a service-learning component; and the history and variety of women's protest in America. | |
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| WGS 223 Psychology of Women | 3 |
| Introduction to theory and research about the psychology of women. Topics covered include the concept of masculinity and femininity, theoretical perspectives on sex and gender, sex-role development in childhood and adolescence, gender differences and similarities, sexuality, reproduction, therapy, personal growth, gender and the media, and issues in the workplace. | |
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| WGS 225 Women Writers | 3 |
| See EL 225. | |
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| WGS 236 Female Friend in Film and Literature | 3 |
| See EL 236. | |
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| WGS 243 Marriage, Sex and Gender | 3 |
| See SO 243. | |
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| WGS 294 Directed Readings: Women Writers | 1 |
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| WGS 296 Topics: Women's Studies | 3 |
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| WGS 302 Gender and Faith in Film and Literature | 3 |
| Explores how religious beliefs shape our cultural and personal understandings of gender roles and gender identity. | |
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| WGS 307W Women in American Fiction | 3 |
| Portrayals of women in American fiction and popular literature. Female and male authors, 1870-1950. | |
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| WGS 321 Gender, Performance, and Pop Culture | 3 |
| Exploration both of gender as performance and gender in performance. Engagement with a range of theories in the areas of gender and representation, including how ideas about gender are portrayed, reinforced, or challenged through a variety of plays, films, and other performance materials. | |
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| WGS 330 Latina & Caribbean Women Writers | 3 |
| Study of contemporary novels, stories, poems, and films produced by Latina and Caribbean American women in light of historical, theoretical, and cultural contexts. Emphasis on reading and student response through written and oral assignments produced both individually and collaboratively. Jan Term. | |
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| WGS 342 British Women Writers | 3 |
| Examines the contributions of familiar (e.g., Austen, Bronte, Woolf) and less familiar women writers of Britain. Considers literary history in light of recent revisions of that history. Periodic offering. Women's and gender studies elective. | |
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| WGS 349 Introduction to Thailand Studies | 2 |
| Preparation for Jan Term Thailand program. | |
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| WGS 350 Thailand Study Program | 3 |
| Students travel to Bangkok, Chaingmai, and Kohsomui to study contemporary and classical Thai culture. Includes home stays, service learning, and intercultural experience with emphasis on globalizing economics, religion, and gender. | |
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| WGS 351 Cross Cultural Reentry Thailand Studies | 1 |
| See HU 349. | |
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| WGS 378 Jane Austen | 3 |
| A seminar on Jane Austen's major works. | |
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| WGS 391 Independent Study | 1-3 |
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| WGS 395 Teaching Assistantship | 1-3 |
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| WGS 396 Topics: Women's Studies | 1-3 |
| Selected upper-division topics in women's studies. | |
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| WGS 399 Tutoring in Women's Studies | 1-3 |
| Tutors lead small, voluntary discussion groups affiliated with a women's studies course. Activities vary depending on the nature of the course assignment. May include, but is not limited to, tutoring on course material, advising on projects and papers, leading discussion groups. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: junior standing and permission of the instructor. | |
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| WGS 401 Seminar in Women's Studies | 3 |
| Seniors integrate women's studies methods and theories with their major discipline. Explores influences of gender in the major institutions of society: family, school, church and the workplace. Students engage in creative projects, research or internships of their choice. | |
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| WGS 434 Spanish and Latin American Women Writers | 3 |
| See SN 434 | |
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| WGS 442 Brontes and Gaskell Seminar | 3 |
| Studies the creative works of the Bronte sisters and Elizabeth Gaskell within the context of 19th-century Britain. | |
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| WGS 491 Independent Study | 1-3 |
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| WGS 495 Teaching Assistantship | 1-3 |
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