Course Descriptions

GCST 1030 Introduction to Japanese Culture Credits 3 Goal Areas 06,10 Course Outline 1030

This course is an introduction to and interdisciplinary exploration of Japanese culture. Through the study of Japanese humanities and fine arts, people and the environment, students will identify what makes Japanese Culture so unique and how the Japanese Mind/Spirit (nihon no kokoro) and their connection to the environment and other non-human species has shaped Japanese society from days of old to the present.

GCST 1040 American Indian Culture - Indigenous Peoples of Minnesota Credits 3 Goal Areas 07,10 Course Outline 1040

This American Indian cultural course will provide students with an overview, past and present, of the cultures of Indigenous Peoples of Minnesota, including music, dance, art, the oral story telling tradition and the American Indian connection with the environment and other non-human species. Students will also analyze how these vibrant cultures have survived oppression and genocide, and continue to thrive.Through exploring this living culture, students will gain understanding of Indigenous Peoples strong connection with, and stewardship of, the environment, learn about an important aspect of human and global diversity, and our interconnectedness with each other and our environment.

GCST 1211 The History, Philosophy, and Practice of Traditional Aikido I Credits 3 Goal Areas 08,09 Course Outline 1211

Join in an interdisciplinary exploration of the Japanese martial art Aikido through mental and physical practice. Realize how Aikidos unique history, philosophy, and technique can be integrated into everyday living to strengthen mind and body, appreciate nature, respect others, build positive relations, and contribute to society. Definition: Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Its system includes hand-to-hand, sword, and staff techniques. Aikido principles are based on harmonizing mind and body with a partners attack. People of all ages, sizes, and abilities can practice it. There are no tournaments or competitions. Its purpose is to build health, respect and responsibility through mental and physical discipline.Note: Aikido is a hands-on martial art and will be instructed and conducted authentically; therefore, bowing, physical contact, and training with the opposite gender are absolute requirements of this course. Additionally, this course is an elective course in Interdisciplinary Studies fulfilling the MnTC Goal Areas 8 & 9. It will not count toward any HEALTH OR PE requirements.

GCST 1212 The History, Philosophy and Practice of Traditional Aikido II Credits 3 Goal Areas 08,09 Course Outline 1212

This course is a continuation of the interdisciplinary exploration of the Japanese martial art Aikido through mental and physical practice. It will include further study of Aikidos unique history, philosophy, and the next level of techniques, integrating what is learned into everyday living to strengthen mind and body, appreciate nature, respect others, build positive relations, and contribute to society. Definition: Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Its system includes hand-to-hand, sword, and staff techniques. Aikido principles are based on harmonizing mind and body with a partners attack. People of all ages, sizes, and abilities can practice it. There are no tournaments or competitions. Its purpose is to build health, respect and responsibility through mental and physical discipline.Note: Aikido is a hands-on martial art and will be instructed and conducted authentically; therefore, bowing, physical contact, and training with the opposite gender are absolute requirements of this course. Additionally, this course is an elective course in Interdisciplinary Studies fulfilling the MnTC Goal Areas 8 & 9. It will not count toward any HEALTH OR PE requirements.

GCST 1213 The History, Philosophy, and Practice of Traditional Aikido III Credits 3 Goal Areas 08,09 Course Outline 1213

This course is a continuation of the interdisciplinary exploration of the Japanese martial art Aikido through mental and physical practice. It will include further study of Aikidos unique history, philosophy, and the next level of technique, integrating what is learned into everyday living to strengthen mind and body, appreciate nature, respect others, build positive relations, and contribute to society. Definition: Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Its system includes hand-to-hand, sword, and staff techniques. Aikido principles are based on harmonizing mind and body with a partners attack. People of all ages, sizes, and abilities can practice it. There are no tournaments or competitions. Its purpose is to build sincere people through mental and physical discipline.Note: Aikido is a hands-on martial art and will be instructed and conducted authentically; therefore, bowing, physical contact, and training with the opposite gender are absolute requirements of this course. Additionally, this course is an elective course in Interdisciplinary Studies fulfilling the MnTC Goal Areas 8 & 9. It will not count toward any HEALTH OR PE requirements.

GCST 1220 Practical Applications of Traditional Aikido Credits 2 Goal Areas 07,09 Course Outline 1220

This course uses Traditional Aikido (a Japanese martial art) in order to help the student gain skills both on and off the mat, applying them to his or her profession and daily life. The student will research, study, and practice real-life scenarios and situations of de-escalation, protection, compliance, and restraint- maximizing safety, focus, awareness, and control. Aikido is a life-giving tool. This class appeals to the beginner and experienced Aikido student. It is ideal for Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Military, and Security jobs as well as other service professions. *Note: This course is an elective course in Global and Cultural Studies fulfilling the MnTC Goal Areas 7 & 8. It will not count toward any HEALTH OR PE requirements.

GCST 1320 Community Organizing I Credits 3 Goal Areas 07,09 Course Outline 1320

The focus of this course will be developing leadership skills through community organizing and empowering students to make lasting changes at the college, in their own communities and the world.Students will examine past and present social movements with a special focus on organizing in communities of color. This course will also explore the contemporary meanings of community in the United States. Students will learn to identify the leader within by examining the relationship between community and citizenship. This course will also focus on issues of diversity and sustainable communities with the practical application of active leadership techniques and creative organizing on our campus.This could include aspects of the annual Earth Week Program such as Marketing, PR, Event Planning, Budgeting, Community Partnerships, Cross Campus and Cross cultural collaborations, and curriculum integration.

GCST 1490 Dave Larsen American Indian Immersion Experience Credits 4 Goal Areas 05,09 Course Outline 1490

This course will focus on the American Indian Civil Rights Movement and the communitys efforts to protect, preserve and assert tribal sovereignty, language, culture, identity and treaty rights with a particular focus on the behaviors, actions and interactions between indigenous and non-indigenous individuals, groups, institutions, and nations. This course is designed to provide an up-close immersive experience of some of the events, places, peoples and systems throughout American Indian Country that have helped shape and define contemporary Indigenous theories. The course challenges participants to utilize and address issues such as sovereignty, colonization, treaty rights, political power, racism, activism, language revitalization, our relationship with this land, and traditional lifeways. This course includes in-class participation and an off campus expedition to American Indian Nations.

GCST 1501 Introduction to Gender and Women's Studies Credits 3 Goal Areas 05,07 Course Outline 1501

This course introduces students to the foundations of Gender and Women Studies by examining the diversity of womens experiences throughout history and across cultures, races, ethnic groups and religions. From a social science/humanities perspective, we will explore how factors such as gender, gender identity and sexuality have been shaped by Western society.

GCST 1502 Human Trafficking Credits 3 Goal Areas 07,09 Course Outline 1502

This course will explore human trafficking within the context of social justice, human rights, and feminist perspectives. We will analyze the behavior of traffickers and the ways this crime affects our global economy. We will examine criminal justice, vulnerabilities of victims and types of trafficking and how communities are responding to this activity. Students will gain an overall understanding of modern-day slavery and the issues we face regarding this crime.

GCST 1503 Masculinities Credits 3 Goal Areas 07,09 Course Outline 1503

This course offers students the opportunity to examine masculinity from a feminist perspective. We will consider masculinity in terms of political, historical, and social influences. How do boys become men in the United States? We will address issues such as male aggression and violence, homophobia and male roles in western society (father, brother, husband, son, etc.)

GCST 1504 Feminism and Capitalism Credits 3 Goal Areas 05,09 Course Outline 1504

This course examines different aspects of capitalism through the lens of feminism. We will investigate the ways different groups of people have been allowed to participate in capitalist societies and why. Our discussions will include the politics of gender inequality, the history of women in capitalist governments and many other topics.

GCST 1505 Women and War Credits 3 Goal Areas 05,09 Course Outline 1505

This course investigates the experiences of women in war. We will discuss the ways women have been used in politics and societies. We will examine many topics including the treatment of women during the holocaust of World War II, sexuality as a weapon of war and women in combat.

GCST 1964 African American Civil Rights Immersion Experience Credits 4 Goal Areas 05,09 Course Outline 1964

This course will focus on the African American culture and the Civil Rights Movement through four themes: fragmentation, exclusion, resistance, and community. Particular attention will be given to the diversity of African diasporas within the United States. The African American Civil Rights Immersion Experience is designed to provide an up-close immersive experience of some of the events, places, people and systems throughout the United States that have helped shape and define contemporary African American theories. This course will be framed within the civil rights movement, including its social organization, customs and traditions, religion, and its arts and literature. The course challenges students to utilize and address issues such as political power, economic systems, racism, and activism. This course includes in-class participation and an off campus expedition to historical civil rights sites in the United States.**Students must receive approval through the Diversity and Equity office prior to registering for the course**

GCST 1978 American Indian Cultural Expression Credits 3 Goal Areas 06,07 Course Outline 1978

This American Indian Cultural Expression course will expose students to the broad range of fine arts within the American Indian community. This course will engage students to understand the connections between past events and their influence in American Indian art forms through critical analysis and aesthetic evaluation. Through exploring how art has impacted these living cultureshow these vibrant cultures have survived oppression and genocide, and continue to thrivestudents will gain understanding of Indigenous Peoples strong connection with the fine arts. Students will also learn to articulate the meaning of different Indigenous nations creative expression and interpretive processes, which have been handed down for generations. Students will also explore the art of activism and resistance to colonialism as well as the connections between American Indian artists and the land.

GCST 1990 Interdisciplinary Studies Topic Credits 0 Goal Areas n/a Course Outline 1990

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.

GCST 2320 Community Organizing II Credits 3 Goal Areas 08,10 Course Outline 2320

Building on the foundational local work of GCST 1320, this project and research based course will focus on further developing leadership skills and community connections at a local, national and global level to create student change agents. This course provides essential information for grassroots organizing and coalition building, and incorporates research on successful models locally and globally that have supported oppressed populations to create social and environmental change. Students will understand the importance of power theory and dynamics and then identify a local or global issue, creating strategies for collective action and developing and implementing these strategies into practice. Through analysis of media, culture, government policies, social movements, systemic racism and marginalization of groups, and participating in practical social change activities, students will learn to explore and synthesize multiple points of view and individual and collective responsibilities to create a more just, ethical and sustainable future. Activities could include research projects on campus, with City of Brooklyn Park, and other area, national and international organizations, data collection and analysis, research papers, presentations, creation of documentaries

GCST 2410 US Latinx and Latin American Literature Credits 3 Goal Areas 06,07 Course Outline 2410

This course will introduce students to the genres, traditions, and themes that characterize Latinx literatures. Emphasis will be placed on the distinctions and similarities that have shaped the experiences and the cultural imagination among different Latinx communities in the U.S. and throughout Latin America. Genres include, but are not limited to, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and film.