Riverland Community College

This course introduces students to the basic concepts, trends, and interconnectiveness of globalization throughout the world.  In class, students may examine journal articles, book chapters, videos, and webcasts in the study of globalization across disciplines.  It will provide an overview of history and theoretical approaches that have created a global society.  This is a required course for the Global Studies Emphasis.  Completion of English 1101 and 1104 or 1105 or 1106 is suggested prior to enrollment in this course.

MnTC Goals (5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces cultural and social processes that influence human behavior using comparative examples from different cultural groups and historical periods with the goal of better understanding the broad range of human behavioral potentials and those influences that shape the different expressions of these potentials. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course explores literary works from a variety of American ethnic groups. Focus is on the text as a work of art created by an ethnic writer. Students will examine ways in which the writer's ethnicity may influence the text, the ways the text reflects/critiques/endorses the writer's ethnic group, and the ways the text reflects/critiques/endorses the dominant culture. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and Goal 7/HD); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the worldwide effects of human occupancy of the earth and the influences of location on human behavior.  Topics include patterns in spaces, cultural influences, and means of livelihood, political spaces and human effects on the environment.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This survey course examines world history from the late nineteenth-century to the present. It focuses on the decline of European global domination, the world wars, the Cold War, "Third World" liberation movements and the rise of non-European powers.

• MnTC (Goals 8/GP 5/SS and 5/SS);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces students to Native American Studies from multidisciplinary perspectives. Students will explore Native history, religion, literature, and arts.  Emphasis will be placed on historic and cultural development of North American Native groups, the impact of American history on Native identity, and the diversity of Native groups.  Students will also exam specific ethical issues in relation to the Native experience, as well as some of the issues relevant to contemporary Native American life.   

MNTC (Goals 6/HU and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the major world religions and their “sub-groups.” Emphasis is placed on when, where and under what influences the various religions developed, the geographical areas of the world where the religions are located, as well as the primary tenets, qualities and characteristics of the religions. The course examines the place and role of religion in human life.

      MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Students in Honors Religions of the World will examine the major world religions and their “sub-groups.” Emphasis is placed on when, where and under what influences the various religions developed, the geographical areas of the world where the religions are located, as well as the primary tenets, qualities and characteristics of the religions. The course examines the place and role of religion in human life. The honors sections of Religions of the World will ask students to directly engage primary texts from each of the religions studied and strive to encourage and highlight direct experience with individuals, representatives, and sacred places related to the religions studied.  Honors courses will emphasize independent inquiry, informed discussion, and direct application within small transformative classes which feature close working relationships with instructors.     

MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Music as a living language of love, politics, spirituality, war, and identity is examined through a variety of learning experiences. From songs of ancient world cultures to American Top 40 hits, common social themes and musical traits are traced, compared and contrasted to help students build an understanding of how music has – and continues to – reflect and advance the human experience. No prior musical training or experience is necessary for this introductory course. MnTC (Goal 6/HU and 7/HD); No prerequisite.

(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is an introduction to international relationships of the modern world. Special emphasis will be placed on long-term trends and on current international developments.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the historical framework and the social interactions of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Gender, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics that contribute to a culturally diverse society are also described and analyzed in this course.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the interconnections between communication and culture and the need for intercultural communication competency in our global and ever-changing world. Students will assess the impact of cultural perceptions and bias, and how they affect communication behaviors in real contexts. Students read, observe, discuss, listen, and present about how culture impacts communication processes and shapes cultural identity and communication. There will be an emphasis on learning communication skills to better enable students to communicate with people from other cultures.

• MnTC (Goals 1/C and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)