Global Learning Focused Courses

This course focused on human action and interaction and how social contexts shape and change behavior. It was my first introduction to research methods, as it explains how researchers use scientific methods such as observation to make sense of the world by identifying behavior patterns. These patterns were examined through both internal and external lenses. Internally, we analyzed how individual factors such as race, class, sex, gender, and family shape behavior. Externally, we considered the broader influence of culture, history, policies, social forces, and institutions in directing and reinforcing these behaviors.

This course focused on trends among different world civilizations from the origins of Hinduism to the present day. It focused on individual views of art, music, literature, and philosophy in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These views were then analyzed in how they interconnected with each other on a global scale through religion, slavery, conquest, mercantilism, ideological revolutions, and technical/technological advancements. 

These two courses were part of a study abroad program focused on sustainability and cultural understanding in Japan. The first course, held during the spring, explored what it means to live in a sustainable society, particularly how Japan balances traditional values with technological advancement. We studied cultural context by examining how Japan addressed issues related to energy, water, materials, food, and population during the Edo period (1603–1867), a time of isolationism before the country opened to trade with the U.S. We also learned about the Indigenous Ainu community and their spiritual relationship with nature and sustainability, drawing comparisons to the Indigenous Seminole community in Florida. The course emphasized the importance of being an anthropological or cultural tourist, engaging respectfully with local traditions rather than consuming a curated surface-level experience. We also discussed how the Ainu community uses tourism as a means of maintaining reciprocity within their culture. Click here to view my literature review on how indigenous food links to culture.

The second course took place during the summer, in Japan, allowing us to experience firsthand the concepts and practices we studied in the classroom. Click here to view my capstone project, where I observe the differences in individualism and collectivism in relation to reciprocity.

This class focused on cross-cultural perspectives in psychological research and theory, with an emphasis on comparing individualistic and collectivistic cultures. It highlighted the importance of evaluating each culture by its own standards, emphasizing a philosophical approach that avoids labeling any culture as 'bad' or inferior. Instead, it encouraged understanding cultural values within their own context. The course examined psychological processes across cultures, comparing similarities and differences while carefully avoiding the imposition of a Western perspective. Watch my presentation on cultural differences in self enhancement here

This course examined health from a psychological perspective, exploring how social, psychological, and physical factors interact to influence both health and its treatment. The primary focus was on comparing differences in Western behavioral medicine techniques and other psychological approaches to health with international practices, as well as understanding what India's critical issues are and what systems perpetuate them. Digging deeper, qualitative research was conducted on how cultural beliefs affect medical students' perceptions in working with LGBTQ+ individuals. This research aimed to draw comparisons with practices in the U.S. and to identify ways in which policy might improve the quality of care and promote greater inclusion.

This course was taken abroad at Shih Chien University in Taipei, Taiwan. We studied Taiwan’s culture, history, and landscapes to gain a deeper understanding of the heritage and background of the Taiwanese people. In addition, we participated in an intensive language program focused on traditional Mandarin Chinese, enabling us to connect with a wide range of people both personally and professionally

This class examined the unique relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, analyzing comparisons since the Pilgrims left England in search of religious freedom to the present day, focusing on how each U.S. presidency has influenced collaboration with successive U.K. prime ministers. Key topics included Common Law, the foundations of economic liberty, democracy, and freedom.