Overview:

From the beginning God gave mankind the responsibility to have dominion over the world in a God-honoring human culture.  Mankind's fall into sin greatly complicated this task.  Over time sinful humans developed many different cultures reflecting both their religious commitments and their insights into God's world.  The discipline of cultural studies seeks to understand the character and varieties of human culture, appreciate their strenghts, and evaluate them according to biblical standards.

A minor in cultural studies will equip you for; service, ministry, work and living in a culturally diverse world.  Students interested in missions, social service, education, international business and a varitey of other callings and vocations would benefit from courses in cultural studies.

Faculty:
Dr. Lijuan Meng
 

Cultural Studies Minor (24 - 26)

Cultural Studies Core (12):

 Cultural Studies minors must choose four of the following courses (12-14):

* Students who have not met the reqrequisite for SPN 201 must complete the 8 unit sequence of SPN 101 and 102 prior to completing SPN 201 and 202.

COURSES:

BTS 345 Major World Religions
This course is a study of the major non-Christian religions of the world including animism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Shintoism. Of special concern is the worldview advanced by each religion and its manifestation in society and culture. (3 credits)

BTS 348 World Missions
This course begins with a study of the biblical bases for mission activity around the world. It then examines the history of mission efforts in other countries, especially those within the Presbyterian and Reformed traditions. A further examination is made of the current status of missions and the special needs and approaches called for in the 21st century. (3 credits)

GEO 205 World Geography
This course analyzes the earth’s principal culture regions from a geographic perspective. These areas are examined in the light of several foundational geographic themes: The locational organization of physical and cultural features, society-land relationships, cultural landscapes, and patterns of spatial interaction among and within regions. (3 credits)

SOC 153 Cultural Anthropology
This course involves the study of cultural diversity around the world, both historically and geographically. The course introduces the foundational elements of cultural anthropology including topics of fieldwork, cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, participant observation, ethnography, as well as major anthropological theories. The course addresses the diversity as well as commonality of cultural systems, both in time and space, through studying major components of cultural systems, such as kinship, religion, politics, and economics. Students are exposed to an awareness of their place within a particular cultural context, as well as their culture’s place within a global and historical context. (3 credits)

CHN 101 Introductory Chinese I
This course is an introduction to Chinese language and culture, stressing both spoken and written Chinese. After one semester students will be able to carry on simple conversations in (Mandarin) Chinese, read dialogues written in Chinese, and understand some fundamentals of Chinese social values and ways of thinking. Approximately 300 Chinese “characters” are introduced. (4 credits)

CHN 102 Introductory Chinese II
This course is a continuation of CHN 101 in the study of Chinese grammar, with equal emphasis on improving conversational proficiency and on reading and writing Chinese. Another 300 Chinese “characters” are introduced for reading and writing and as a medium for gaining insight into Chinese culture. Prerequisite: CHN 101. (4 credits) 

EDU 300 Student Diversity and Exceptionality
This course equips future teachers with the knowledge and skills required to meet the educational needs of students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds as well as those with exceptionality in abilities or disabilities.  Prerequisites: EDU 202, or permission of instructor. (3 credits)

HIS 335 East Asian History and Politics I
This course is a study of the history and politics of East Asian cultures from early times to the present. Primary attention is given to the countries of China, Japan, and Korea in their transformation from being cultures bound to their traditions to becoming modern nation-states. Relations with the West are dealt with throughout the study. (3 credits)

HIS 336 East Asian History and Politics II
This course is a continuation of HIS 335. (3 credits)

HIS 345 Latin American History and Politics I
This course is a study of the history and politics of both the Native American and Spanish-Portuguese cultures of Latin America, from the time of European colonization to the present. It examines the impact of colonization, the emergence of national states, the hemispheric relationships with North America, and the challenges of developing nations. (3 credits)

HIS 346 Latin American History and Politics II
This course is a continuation of HIS 325. (3 credits)

HUM 327 The Humanities in Latin America
This course is a study of the prominent religions, philosophies, art, music, and literature of Latin America, from the time of European colonization to the present. Contributions of both Native American and Spanish-Portuguese cultures are examined. Prerequisite: HIS 326. (3 credits)

HUM 337 The Humanities in East Asia
This course is a study of the prominent religions, philosophies, art, music, and literature of East Asia, from early times to the present. Particular focus is given to the contributions made by the cultures of China, Japan, and Korea. Prerequisite: HIS 336. (3 credits)

SOC 345 Latino Culture in America
This course explores and seeks an understanding of and appreciation for the Latino culture in the greater Los Angeles area, with a focus on family life. Other aspects of Hispanic-American life in church, school, the neighborhood, and political-social organizations are explored as well. Prerequisite: Senior standing as a cultural studies major. (3 credits)

SOC 355 Asian Culture in America
This course explores and seeks both understanding of and appreciation for Asian culture in the greater Los Angeles area, with a focus on family life. Other aspects of Asian-American life in church, school, the neighborhood, and political-social organizations are explored as well. Prerequisite: Senior standing as a cultural studies major. (3 credits)

SPN 201 Intermediate Spanish I
This course, a continuation of the study of the structure and vocabulary of the Spanish language, emphasizes more student participation in speaking and reading. Prerequisite: Spanish 102 or equivalent. (3 credits)

SPN 202 Intermediate Spanish II
This course, a continuation of Spanish 201, includes the reading of essays and short stories Spanish 201 or equivalent. (3 credits)