This subject combines a global forum with the study of one new or familiar foreign language of your choice. Think of 21L.020 as a model United Nations focused on cultural and historical issues. Guest lecturers visit class as we examine the impact of globalization on cultural identity, the arts, the politics of language, and the media. How has migration changed notions of cultural and racial hybridity? What can we learn from specific examples of global media and expressive culture including popular music and film? In what ways has globalization affected human rights? Through novels, essays, poetry, films, audio files and team projects, students develop sensitivity to other cultures and the ability to read broadly across national boundaries. You will also acquire the analytical frameworks to contextualize contemporary debates about globalization. Furthermore, the emphasis on the historical context gives students a foundation to continue work in literature, history and the arts from a global perspective.
Students enrolled in 21L.020 must be simultaneously enrolled in a language subject at any level in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, or Spanish. Students receive 9 CI units for 21L.020 and 9 HASS elective units for their language class. This combination counts for two of the 8 required Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects. Freshmen can take three 12-unit subjects plus 21L.020 and a 9-unit global language subject and still meet the 54-unit limit.
