Global and Ethnic Narrative Traditions

A systematic approach to the study of a variety of regional myths, and global, ethnic, and racial narrative traditions in their original context as well as in more contemporary reinterpretations through literature and film and other cultural arenas, with the aim to challenge and resituate dominant views about race and ethnicity, gender, social classes, and different political practices. When we consider how contemporary writers, filmmakers, poets, playwrights, painters, music composers, and other cultural producers use the forms and elements of these storytelling practices we can more effectively analyze how these narratives have the power to articulate political ideas as well as social and cultural transformations. In this manner, the program develops our students’ critical thinking and encourages them to re-interpret the place of the self as an identity culturally situated. Narratives to be studied address specific topics related to gender (representations of women, men, homosexuality, etc.), age (representations of childhood, youth, the elderly, etc.), history (representations of war, revolutions, dictatorships, democratization, etc.), culture and society (gendered roles, race, nature, religion, social classes, immigration, etc.), to mention a few.

 

Completion of the minor requires 18 credits including a required core (6 credits) and 12 credits of electives. At least 9 credits of approved coursework must be taken at the 300-400 level. No courses taken Pass/Fail will count towards the 18-credit requirement.

 

Required courses (6 credits): Two course from CES/ENGLISH 220 or FOR LANG 130; FOR LANG 110 or 410; FOR LANG 120.

 

Elective courses (12 credits): Four courses from three categories below.

 

Category 1 - Literature and Mythology, 2 courses from:

ASIA/CHINESE/JAPANESE 131, CES 313/ENGLISH 311, CES/ENGLISH 314, CES 331/ENGLISH 321, CES 332/ENGLISH 322, CES 353/ENGLISH 345, CES 373/ENGLISH 341, FOR LANG 370, 371, 373, one from FRENCH 350 or 430, one from GERMAN 350 or 450 or 451 or 452, one from SPANISH 350 or 351 or 430 or 450 or 451 or 452.

 

Category 2 - Culture and Film, one course from:

ASIA/CHINESE/JAPANESE 111, ASIA/CHINESE 330, ASIA/JAPANESE 122, 123, CES 254, CHINESE 120, 121, 311, FRENCH 110, 120, 310, 320, 410, 420, GERMAN 110, 120, 310, 320, SPANISH 110, 111, 120, 121, 310, 311, 320, 321, 420.

 

Category 3 - History and Society, one course from:

CES 111, 131, 151, 171, 255, CES 211/HISTORY 201, CES/HISTORY 235. 

 

15 of the credits must be taken at WSU. A grade of C or better must be earned in each of the courses applied to the minor. No course may be repeated for credit. No more than 6 credits may apply toward completion of a different minor. Other courses may be added to the list of acceptable electives. To discuss any course equivalencies, please contact the minor coordinator.