Dimensions of Culture

The Dimensions of Culture Program is a three-course sequence taught by senior faculty from the Departments of History, Political Science, Communication, Ethnic Studies, Philosophy, and Literature. This program provides an interdisciplinary issues-oriented exploration of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American, Western, and non-Western culture, and illustrates Marshall College's commitment to exploring the meaning of social justice and investigating the means by which it might be achieved in contemporary American society.

The first quarter, Diversity, introduces students to the study of basic distinctions in social differences and commonalities among human individuals and groups. This course surveys a range of social differences and stratifications that shape the nature of human attachment to self, work, community, and a sense of nation. The second quarter, Justice, introduces basic concepts of political and social theory and moral philosophy. Readings are drawn from nineteenth- and twentieth-century American history and legal case studies. The third quarter, Imagination, introduces students to the study of the arts as the cultural expression of the issues presented in the first two quarters. Materials focus on the interdisciplinary study of twentieth-century American culture, including music, literature, art, film, and photography.

Written assignments are required in each quarter of the Dimensions of Culture sequence. In the second and third quarters, students receive intensive instruction in university-level writing in small sections. Frequent writing assignments and revisions are required in connection with the material presented in class.

The Marshall College core course and writing requirements are met by completion of this sequence. Students must have satisfied the university’s Subject A requirement before enrolling in Justice or Imagination. All Marshall College first-year students must complete this three-course sequence. Transfer students should see their college academic adviser regarding the appropriate course requirements.

For further details on Marshall College requirements, see "Marshall College, General-Education Requirements."

Courses

Lower-Division

1. Dimensions of Culture: Diversity (4)
This course focuses on sociocultural diversity in examining, class, ethnicity, race, gender, and sexuality as significant markers of differences among persons. Emphasizing American society, it explores the cultural understandings of diversity and the economic, moral, political, and other social consequences. Three hours of lecture, one hour of discussion. Open to Marshall College students only. (Letter grade only.) (F)

2. Dimensions of Culture: Justice (6)
This course considers the nature of justice in philosophical, historical, and legal terms. Topics include racial justice, political representation, economic justice, gender and justice, rights within the family, the rights of cultural minorities, and crime and punishment. The course offers intensive instruction in writing university-level expository prose. Three hours of lecture, two hours of discussion and writing instruction. Open to Marshall College students only. (Letter grade only.) Prerequisite: completion of Subject A requirement. (W)

3. Dimensions of Culture: Imagination (6)
Using the arts, this course examines the evolution of pluralistic culture to the modern period. There is a special emphasis on the interdisciplinary study of twentieth-century American culture, including music, literature, art, film, and phtography. The course offers intensive instruction in writing university-level expository prose. Three hours of lecture, two hours of discussion and writing instruction. Open to Marshall College students only. (Letter grade only.) Prerequisite: completion of Subject A requirement. (S)