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Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Multicultural and Gender Studies Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is also offered as ASST 110.
This interdisciplinary course offers students an introduction to some of the many issues facing Asian nations today, grounded in an understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and philosophical influences that underlie these challenges. The course examines the role of individuals in creating societal change in Asia through such things as political advocacy, cultural innovation, technological invention, the generation of literature, economic decision-making, military force, corruption, and other methods of influence. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021219)
This course is also offered as SOCI 152.
This course examines the Asian experience in the U.S. over the last 150 year by focusing on the experiences of different Asian ethnic groups. The focus is on early arrival and settlement, and contemporary issues in Asian American communities, including immigration, racism, and Asian American identity. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000003)
This course is also offered as ENGL 253.
An introduction to various traditions and issues of the Asian American experience in literature. The course explores both early and contemporary novels, poems, and plays by writers of different genders, ethnicities, and cultures. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000002)
This course is also offered as ASST 300.
Study of problems and prospects related to Asia. This course includes a series of in-depth analysis of major issues, current problems, and prospects of Asia. Extensive research, writing, and oral presentations are required. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (000005)
This course is also offered as SOCI 351.
This course explores how Asian American communities maintain Asian cultures, establish North American cultures, and adapt to American society. Immigration and other demographic trends are discussed, as well as ethnic identity, assimilation patterns, and intergenerational relations. 3 hours lecture. (000006)
Examination of Asian immigration to the United States from a world system's perspective. Examines immigration process and the implication of this process for contemporary interest in Pacific Rim. Topics include origins of Asian immigration, major U.S. immigration legislation, demographic structure of contemporary Asian immigration, and cross-cultural comparisons of other world groups. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000008)
An examination of Southeast Asian immigrants to North America. The cultural and historical backgrounds of Southeast Asian peoples (Hmong, Mien, Kampuchean, Vietnamese, etc.) will be discussed. The historical and political forces that stimulated immigration to North America and the subsequent adaptations made by these peoples to North American cultural contexts will be core themes for this course. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000009)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 9 hours supervision. (000010)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is also offered as AFRI 100.
An interdisciplinary approach to modern and traditional aspects of African life in the fields of history, geography, politics, ethnography, and socio-economic development. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (000134)
Introduces the aims and objectives of African American Studies. A critical examination of the African American experience and its antecedents. This includes an assessment of how the dominant society impacts African Americans, including such factors as racism, poverty, and the current social/economic status of African Americans. Africa's contributions to the world are included. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000136)
Comparative analysis of the institution of slavery which places slavery in the Western Hemisphere into a global and historical context beginning with labor oppression systems in Asia, the Roman Empire, and Mediterranean cultures. The significance and impact of Africans on the cultural, economic, and political life of North and South American nations will be examined in detail. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000139)
This course is also offered as HIST 231.
An examination of the origins of black people, their history, philosophies, ideas, religions, social values, and the way in which these aspects of culture are interrelated. Emphasis is on the critical analysis of eighteenth-, nineteenth-, twentieth-century events, personalities, and philosophies which resulted in the major economic, political, and social problems facing African Americans and other ethnic minorities today. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000138)
This course is also offered as ENGL 251.
Introduction to African American literature, using a range of materials from past and present that may include slave and neo-slave narratives, oratory and sermons, poems, plays, and novels, songs and spirituals. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000135)
This course is also offered as MUSC 296.
A historical survey from the African heritage and Colonial times to the present. The types, forms, and styles of African American music are studied in relation to the African American experience. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000141)
Prerequisites: AFAM 170 or SOCI 100.
This course is also offered as SOCI 355.
This course examines the historical and social experiences that have shaped contemporary African American life, such as slavery, exploitation, oppression, and resistance (for example, the Civil Rights movement, the Black Power movement, and Hip Hop). Strategies for researching African American experiences are learned through anaylsis of Black popular culture, male/female relationships, urbanization, religion, and institutional racism. 3 hours lecture. (000140)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Introduction to socio-cultural development of the American Indian in modern times and the background for present-day conditions. Attention given to contemporary Indian affairs and problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000375)
This course is also offered as HIST 230.
A history of the Indian in North America, development of Indian culture, Indian-white relations, the disruption of the Indian way of life, wars, assimilation, and Indian culture in a Caucasian world. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000382)
This course is also offered as ENGL 252.
Study of the oral and written literature of the American Indian and of related historical and critical materials. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000377)
This course is also offered as ANTH 261.
Survey of Native North America with emphasis on U.S. tribes, their cultures, rituals, and institutions. Brief examination of pre-history. The focus is on historical and contemporary people. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000383)
Historical development of traditional American Indian tribal education and its gradual replacement with European-American educational systems up to and including modern times. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000385)
This course is also offered as RELS 325.
A description and analysis of selected American Indian religions and philosophies of American Indian peoples of North America. The course will emphasize the Indians' spiritual relationship with nature as depicted in ceremonies, music, literature, and oral traditions. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000384)
This course is also offered as ANTH 362.
Native peoples of California, their origin, prehistory, languages, culture, and interaction with Europeans. Selected case studies, with special emphasis on the local area. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000519)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is also offered as POLS 457.
This course in Indian/Federal law examines 200 years of legal relationships of tribes with the Federal government, state government, and with tribal members. It has its origins in constitutional law, and is the only body of law directly relating to a single group or minority in this country. We will examine and analyze the practical application of these laws as they apply to the legal rights of tribes and the states in which the tribes reside. 3 hours lecture. (000393)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is also offered as HIST 135.
Study of the Mexican-American subculture in the United States after 1848: historical background, migration, cultural patterns, folklore, economic and political objectives. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001974)
This course is also offered as SOCI 157.
This course explores contemporary issues affecting Chicanos in the United States, including cultural values, social organization, urbanization, gender, and socio-economics. Attention is given to how family, religion, and immigration experiences play upon the lifestyles and values held by Chicanas and Chicanos. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001973)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (001975)
This course is also offered as HIST 234.
This course examines the history and heritage of the Mexican people of the present-day Southwestern United States from the fourteenth through the mid-nineteenth centuries. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001976)
This course is also offered as FLNG 254, HUMN 254.
An overview of Chicana/o art, literature, and ideology. The course examines the trajectory of the Chicano Movement and follows the development of artistic and intellectual culture down to contemporary times. We explore how Chicano literature asks enduring and universal questions and at the same time reflects a specific historical and cultural reality that is fundamental to the United States experience. Reading, discussions, and reports are in English (with some code-switching in Spanish). 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021205)
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021022)
This course is also offered as SOCI 358.
This course examines the economic, social, and political status of Chicanos and Chicana in the United States since the 1960's Chicano Movement. Students also consider issues such as immigration, stratification, educational attainment, labor market inequality, and resistance movements. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001980)
3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (001981)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001983)
Prerequisites: SPAN 301; SPAN 341 or SPAN 342; or faculty permission.
This course is also offered as SPAN 454.
A study of the Chicano people as reflected in selected films and literature. Discussions will be in Spanish, readings in English and Spanish, reports in Spanish. 3 hours seminar. (001984)
Prerequisites: CHST 157 or SOCI 100.
This course is also offered as SOCI 459.
This course examines the social conditions and lived experiences of Chicanos and Chicanas, using individual and structural perspectives. Students explore the impact of Chicanos, the largest Latino subgroup, in the United States. Social and cultural comparisons are made among Chicano, Mexican, other Latino subgroups, and various ethnic communities. 3 hours lecture. (001985)
Prerequisites: ARTH 120.
This course is also offered as ARTH 473.
A survey of Mexican art and culture from the Cortesian Conquest, the Colonial Period of monastery- and church-building, the Revolution of 1810, the Revolution of 1910, and the painters of the great revolutionary mural movement that followed, Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueriros, to contemporary artists who have tended toward international pluralism. Attention is given to the process of acculturation that produced the modern Mexican peoples, their national character, and their contemporary art. 3 hours lecture. Formerly CHST 406. (000842)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (001987)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
An introduction to the concepts, terminology, and issues in multicultural and gender studies, including exploration of America's multicultural history, gender as an element of culture, and contemporary issues in the field. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (002602)
An introduction to the concepts, terminology, and issues in multicultural and gender studies, including exploration of America's multicultural history, gender as an element of culture, and contemporary issues in the field. 3 hours lecture.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021257)
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Analysis of selected topics in multicultural and gender studies not covered in the regular curriculum. Topics may vary from one semester to another; see the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (002603)
This course is also offered as RELS 224.
This course covers the religions that inform America's ethnic minorities, and the historical, cultural, and social experiences and values of Native American, Hispanic-American, Arab-American, African-American, and Asian-American minority groups. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021198)
Prerequisites: MCGS 155 or WMST 170 recommended.
An exploration of current scholarship in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer theories, issues, and communities. Grounded in feminist scholarship, the course examines GLBTQ identity construction and formation through media, politics, sex/sexuality, science, and the law. Specific focus will vary from semester to semester. 3 hours lecture.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education Capstone course. This is an approved US Diversity course. Formerly MCGS 310. (009639)
This course is also offered as THEA 315.
A study of identity as expressed through performance in theatre and other media. The course focuses on issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Students see live performances, read classic and contemporary performance texts, and gain exposure to key figures who engage with identity politics in performance in the contemporary consciousness. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (009520)
This course is also offered as NURS 326I.
This course explores the physiological mechanisms of disease and resistance, social definitions of disease, and gender-related factors in research, diagnosis, treatment, and adaptation to disease. Diseases are usually studied and described in generic terms without regard to gender; however, it is apparent that substantial differences exist in male and female susceptibility, manifestations, and reponses to many diseases; just as significantly, society's responses to disease are clearly influenced by gender issues. These issues are explored, through the perspectives of both natural and social sciences. 3 hours lecture.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education Capstone course. Formerly MCGS 326. (005637)
This course is also offered as POLS 327.
Analysis of the role of race and ethnicity in the American political process, including a critique of their role in local, state, and national elections. Factors accounting for participation and non-participation will be analyzed. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000137)
This course is also offered as HCSV 328.
Ethnic groups in the U.S. face many health problems. This course focuses on those problems which affect the four largest ethnic groups in the U.S.: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. The effects of history, health beliefs and practices, and socioeconomic status on the health of these ethnic populations are addressed. Current and potential strategies to improve health care delivery to these groups are explored. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004448)
This course is also offered as SOCI 330.
This course examines gender as a social construct and its influences on men and women in families, school, work, politics, and culture. The focus is on how gender varies in relation to ethnicity, race, sexuality, and social class. 3 hours lecture. (005639)
This course is also offered as HIST 332.
An examination of the various ethnic groups that came to America; the reasons for their emigration, their reception in the United States, special problems they encountered, and the contributions they made to American society. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004540)
This course is also offered as PSYC 341.
This course focuses on the importance and various influences of culture on human behavior. Beginning with an examination of theoretical definitions of culture, the course covers a broad range of research that highlights the contributions of cross-cultural psychology to the understanding of human behavior within and between cultures. In addition, conceptual, methodological, and practical issues in cross-cultural research and applications are covered. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (005638)
This course is also offered as PHIL 345.
Examines the various theories put forth to explain the differences between men and women, including scientific, social scientific, and humanistic explanations. Emphasis on feminist perspectives. 3 hours lecture. (003822)
This course is also offered as SOCI 350.
This course examines the social construction of race, and studies ethnic and racial relations in the United States, looking at variations by class, gender, and immigration experiences. Students analyze interpersonal relationships between racial and ethnic groups, discrimination, resistance, social movements, and governmental policies 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (005640)
An exploration of how science and culture have affected people's understandings of gender and sexuality, in both Western and non-Western cultures, from ancient times to the present. 3 hours lecture. (005642)
Prerequisites: MCGS 155 and one of the following: AAST 152, AFAM 170, AIST 170, CHST 157, or WMST 170.
This course provides students with a grounding before community service fieldwork. Included are background history of service-learning and activism, theory and current issues in a variety of service areas, experience assessing specific needs and challenges in service. 3 hours lecture. (005646)
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Analysis of selected topics in multicultural and gender studies not covered in the regular curriculum. Topics may vary from one semester to another. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (002607)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (015713)
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021231)
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (005644)
This course is also offered as POLS 401I.
Students examine how the law (made by judges, legislators, and voters) has influenced and continues to influence the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Students critically analyze how the rights of sexual minorities have developed or failed to develop. The class includes discussion of gay movements' politics, accomplishments, and opponents. Finally, contemporary issues surrounding legal and political issues that impact sexual minorities are addressed. 3 hours lecture.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly MCGS 401. (020186)
This course is also offered as POLS 451B.
Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as racial discrimination, criminal procedures, and freedom of speech and religion. 3 hours lecture. (005645)
This course is also offered as ENGL 463.
A study of American ethnic and multicultural literature, popular culture, and critical theory. 3 hours lecture. (003576)
Prerequisites: ENGL 371 or WMST 200.
This course is also offered as ENGL 479.
This course explores recent theories and applications associated with the relationships among language, gender, and sexuality. The course includes a focus on the intersection of linguistic gender with class and ethnicity by drawing on research in linguistic anthropology and sociolinguistics. There will be an examination of gendered speech, writing, and sign from a variety of the world's languages. 3 hours lecture. (003536)
A supervised experience in the area of multicultural and/or gender studies offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with the Center director and be a major or minor. No more than 3 units may be counted toward the major or minor. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (005647)
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
Exploration of theory and extended research in the field of multicultural and gender studies leading to a public presentation. This course is designed as the capstone experience for multicultural and gender studies majors in the general option, and minors. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (002610)
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from semester to semester and be different for different sections. Students will read, research, and discuss specific themes in multicultural and gender studies. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (005648)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course explores the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on diverse women's lives. Readings, films, and lectures analyze women's challenges, struggles, and accomplishments. Specific topics include race and class, media images of women, the women's movement, work, motherhood, and sexuality. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (009621)
Prerequisites: WMST 170.
An examination of key feminist theories and their applications in feminist research and practice. Readings include historical and contemporary materials. 3 hours lecture. (009638)
This course is also offered as JOUR 211.
The purpose of this course is to educate students to be informed consumers of media, to examine actual portrayals of women in the various media, and to explore how the media industry treats women. These objectives will result in a raised awareness of how both sexes can participate equally in the world around them. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (021252)
This course is also offered as SOCI 230.
Taking an in-depth look, this course explores women's lives in today's world across categories of class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and age. Students also discuss such topics as gender, body politics, violence against women, poverty, religion, and power as they relate to women. Special attention is given to social activism and emerging policies here in the U.S. and elsewhere. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008968)
This is an interdisciplinary course which concentrates on the universal experiences of women around the world. The impact of international and domestic politics and culture on women, the role of women in economic development, equity issues, and women's role in the social movement are the centrality of the course. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021197)
This course is also offered as RELS 275I.
Analysis of the images, roles, and experiences of women in world religions in historical and contemporary contexts. 3 hours discussion.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. Formerly WMST 275. (021201)
This course is also offered as POLS 324I.
Analysis of the roles of women in politics; volunteer, candidate, elected official. Considers politics of the women's movement and women's issues. 3 hours lecture.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly WMST 324. (007491)
This course is also offered as HIST 326.
This course explores major themes and developments in the social and cultural history of European women from the 1700s to the present, including changing gender roles, attitudes toward sexuality, reproduction, and the family. In particular, the course examines women's struggle to define themselves and their roles in society and their impact on the social identities of men. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004531)
This course is also offered as HIST 335.
Focus on the role gender plays in shaping and defining American history, from colonial times to the present. Analysis of relations between sexes, the family, and the struggle by women to achieve civil rights and social reform. The roles of race and class, and the rise of feminism. 3 hours lecture. (004541)
This course is also offered as ANTH 339.
This cross-cultural study of women emphasizes changing constructions of gender and gender relations from the Paleolithic period to the rise of the state. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (000517)
This course is also offered as HCSV 368.
This course represents an overview of health care issues faced by women throughout the life cycle. The course begins an examination of scientific inquiry and the study of disease in women. Then, using sociological, political, and behavioral sciences, the roles, rights, and responsibilities of women in the health care system are assessed. The course concludes with a biological review of the female body and specific health care problems common to women. This course encompasses a woman-centered philosophy which encourages women's active participation in their health care decisions. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (004381)
This course is also offered as POLS 426.
In this class, students discuss how the criminal justice system and civil law affect women's lives and their experiences with the state. Students take a historical view on how women have made progress toward equality in the United States by using the legal system in a variety of ways and examine women's status as criminal justice professionals, victims, and perpetrators of crime and how the criminal justice system deals with women in these positions. 3 hours lecture. (007547)
Prerequisites: WMST 170 or WMST 200.
This course provides in-depth and advanced study of key feminist and gender theorists' analyses of pivotal issues in the intersections of race, class, and gender constructions, with a different focal topic chosen each semester. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (009640)
Prerequisites: RELS 375 or WMST 375.
This course is also offered as RELS 475.
A study of the development of feminist theology in Christian, Jewish, and other religious traditions over the past 30 years. Examines feminist theological analysis of religious symbols, texts, rituals, beliefs, and practices in the U.S. and international contexts. 3 hours seminar. (008199)
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, WMST 170, WMST 200.
Reading and application of feminist theory to an extended research project which is publicly presented. Readings explore a variety of feminist theories, methodologies, and epistemologies related to topics students choose to research. This course is designed as a capstone experience for majors in the Women's Studies Option. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (009636)
Catalog Cycle:12