Warren Wilson College Catalog 05-06

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Courses in Global Studies

GBL 116 Introduction to Geography 4cr

This introductory course for first- and second-year students surveys geographic realms, regions, and concepts. Students explore the interaction between physical and human geographic features around the world. Map work locates important features in each realm. Class discussion includes the issues of population, environment, resources, quality of life, and changing economic development, commerce, and trade. The movements and migration of peoples, wealth, and poverty are also analyzed. Guests present their experiences in various cultures and several video segments illuminate the study.
Triad: Language/Global Studies

GBL 199 Independent Study 1-4cr

GBL 201 Intercultural Communication 4cr

In this course students explore the ways in which values and behavior differ from culture to culture, and then discuss strategies for dealing with these different patterns. Through simulation exercises, selected readings, and field exercises in nearby communities, students consider the stages persons go through entering another culture and the development of skills necessary to adapt. This course is a prerequisite for doing a cross-cultural field study abroad.
Triad: Language/Global Studies

GBL 225 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems 3cr

GIS is software that allows the creation of layered maps and the precise positioning of data points that can be collected from Global Positioning Systems or from other sources. The first half of this course is spent largely on going through the Arcview tutorial. The second half allows time and advising for individual student projects.

GBL 290-298 Special Topics in Global Studies 2-4cr

In-depth consideration of a topic of particular concern within the disciplines of Intercultural Studies. May be repeated for credit under different topics.

GBL 299 Independent Study 1-4cr

GBL 325 Advanced Geographical Information Systems 3cr

This course is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding geographic information science. Topics will include spatial analysis procedures on raster and vector data, database management, topology, cartographic modeling, 3D modeling, public participation GIS, and project management. Students will design and implement a GIS project for an outside agency or organization.

GBL 356 Cross-Cultural Field Study 2-8cr

Provides opportunity to obtain Warren Wilson College academic credit for serious experiential learning in other cultures. Credit can be offered for approved work-study-service and community living experiences abroad. Affiliation with an organization or educational institution in the region visited is required. A semester (or other specified time period) of student experiential learning or study abroad may be approved by the College upon application. Normal academic requirements include a major paper synthesizing and analyzing the experience of learning about another culture and re-entry to one's own. An orientation course may be required as well. Note: Students should plan a Field Study a year or more in advance and take preparatory language and culture classes. With proper student planning, placements may be made through the College. Make early application through the academic advisor, the department chair.

GBL 387 Journal Writing: Exploration of Cultural Patterns 4cr

In this course students study and imitate various forms of journal writing. Students explore a variety of cultural conventions to expand their conventionally determined ways of perceiving and writing. The course is recommended for students who plan to keep a journal while learning abroad.

GBL 390-398 Special Topics in Global Studies 2-4cr

In-depth consideration of a topic of particular concern within the disciplines of Intercultural Studies. May be repeated for credit under different topics.

GBL 394 International Field Study 4cr

The course involves participation in a work-study-service field project. It offers an eight week cultural immersion experience for a team under staff supervision in a program of community self-help sponsored by a local non-profit religious or social agency. Emphasis is on developing a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary understanding of the community and conducting research in a cultural context.
Corequisite: GBL 395 International Development Practicum. Student application, interview, language training, and orientation are required; a re-entry course may be required as well. Costs are met by the student.

GBL 395 International Development Practicum 4cr

This course involves participation in a work-study-service overseas field project. The course emphasizes providing useful service to local community programs through the use of appropriate skills acquired in the Warren Wilson College experience and offers the opportunity to examine and reflect upon acquired perspectives in cultural context.
Corequisite: GBL 394 International Field Study. See requirements listed above.

GBL 399 Independent Study 1-4cr

GBL 461 Global Studies Seminar 4cr

This capstone seminar is designed to support global studies majors in connecting a topic of personal interest-related to their previous coursework to relevant interdisciplinary scholarship with a global reach. Students will also use multiple strategies of research in their reviews of relevant literature. The course will close with a mini-conference, open to the broader campus community, in which students present versions of their papers in a public forum.
Triad: College Composition II
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing or permission of instructor.

GBL 490-498 Special Topics in Global Studies 2-4cr

In-depth consideration of a topic of particular concern within the disciplines of Intercultural Studies. May be repeated for credit under different topics.

GBL 499 Independent Study 1-4cr