CLS: Cultural Studies

Browse Gen Ed Courses in the Course Catalog

The courses listed below are part of Hawkeye's course catalog. The course cost is subject to change, and the listing does not confirm that the course is currently available. To see currently available courses and sections, visit the course search.

If you plan to transfer courses back to your current college or university, make sure the courses you want to take at Hawkeye will transfer. To confirm, meet with your advisor at your current school or, if you're attending the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, or Iowa State University, visit www.TransferinIowa.org.

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CLS-130 African Cultures

3 credits—This course will explore the development of Sub-Saharan African civilizations from the dawn of humanity to the issues facing the continent today. The first part of the course will look at the indigenous and colonial heritage of Africa. The second part will examine selected aspects of the political, economic, social, religious, environmental, and gender issues and realities facing Africa today. Lastly, it will expose students to significant African contributions and trends in the Fine Arts: literature, cinema, music, and the visual arts.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

CLS-141 Middle Eastern History and Culture

3 credits—This interdisciplinary course will examine the history of the Middle East with particular emphasis on the period since the birth of Islam. The course will also explore the cross-cultural exchanges that ancient Middle Eastern and Islamic civilizations have engaged in with other world civilizations. Among the topics covered in this course are the foundation and development of Islam, the cultural influence and spread of Islamic civilization, the creation and politics of modern nation-states, and emergence of Islamist politics.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

CLS-150 Latin American History and Culture

3 credits—This course will explore the development of Latin American civilization form its ancient origins to the issues facing the region today. The course will look at the indigenous and colonial heritage of the area; examine its shared cultural, literary, economic, social, and political contributions and trends; and look at the history and current issues facing the individual countries or sub-regional groupings.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

CLS-160 East Asian Cultures

3 credits—East Asian Cultures is an interdisciplinary course that will explore the emergence of East Asian civilization, its development and diversification, and its contacts and exchanges with other world civilizations. Primary emphasis is on China. The course will explore the various historical, cultural, religious, philosophical, economic, political, social, demographic and geographic factors that make this such a diverse and dynamic civilization and will also draw comparisons between China and neighboring countries.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

CLS-164 Japanese History and Culture

3 credits—Japanese History and Culture is an interdisciplinary course that will explore the emergence of Japanese civilization, its development, diversification, and its contacts and exchanges with other world civilizations. The course will explore the various historical, cultural, religious, artistic, philosophical, economic, political, social, cultural, demographic, and geographic factors that make Japan such a diverse and dynamic civilization. Emphasis will be placed upon attempting to understand Japanese culture as being both unique and as intimately related to other cultures.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

CLS-172 Russian Civilization

3 credits—Russia’s turbulent past and uncertain present will be discussed in this interdisciplinary course. It will examine the major political, economic, geographic, social, cultural, religious, and other factors that have contributed to the development of Russian civilization. Emphasis will be placed upon understanding Russia as both a unique Eurasian civilization and a part of the global community of nations.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

CLS-924 Honors Project

1 credits—This course involves in-depth independent research on an approved topic under supervision of a faculty member. Upon project's completion, results will be shared with community of peers and faculty. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

May be taken for up to 3 credits.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00

CLS-928 Independent Study

1 credits—This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue or investigate a topic of interest that does not fit within the framework of regular course offerings. An independent study self-directed learning agreement must be discussed with and submitted to a faculty advisor prior to registration. This course may be repeated for credit with different content.

Can be taken for up to 5 credit hours.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00