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Undergraduate Academics
Themed Inquiries

»Themed Inquiries

Themed Inquiries are groups of classes based around a certain theme. Taking four classes from one Themed Inquiry fulfills the Exploration Focus, which is one of your General Education (GE) requirements at Chapman.

  • No course in the student’s major discipline can be used to satisfy themed inquiry requirements, even if the course is not being used to satisfy major requirements.
  • Because you may not apply a GE course to more than one GE category, no themed inquiry courses may be shared with another GE category.
  • Course prerequisites appear in brackets in the list below.
  • If a course is restricted to majors only, you may request permission of the instructor or department chair, if space is available and you have met pre-requisites.
  • Courses in the themed inquiry are not guaranteed for availability. Please check the catalog for the semesters in which the course is offered.
  • If you are having problems completing a themed inquiry or finding available courses, please contact Academic Advising and/or the Themed Inquiry Coordinator.

Themed Inquiry list


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19th Century Studies

Focus: Students choosing this themed inquiry will explore the intersections between history, culture, and art as they developed throughout the 19th century. The Napoleonic wars, the American Civil war, slavery, the industrial revolution, colonialism and imperialism, Darwinism, as well as numerous scientific discoveries and innovations are reflected in and influenced by the art, literature, and culture of the period.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: English Department Chair, Associate Professor of English, Dr. Joanna Levin

Restrictions: Not open to History majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

The following courses must have the themed inquiry coordinator's approval:

American History

Focus: This themed inquiry examines American History from a variety of perspectives, including cultural, social, economic and political.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Department Chair, Associate Professor of History, Dr. Shira Klein

Restrictions: Not open to History majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.  

Ancient Philosophy

Focus: This themed inquiry allows students to acquire a foundation in Ancient Philosophy along with a broad understanding of the history, literature, and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Assistant Professor of Philosophy and the Smith Institute for Philosophy and Political Economy, Brennan McDavid

Important information regarding Themed Inquiry completion:

  • No course in the student’s major discipline can be used to satisfy themed inquiry requirements, even if the course is not being used to satisfy major requirements.
  • Because you may not apply a GE course to more than one GE category, no themed inquiry courses may be shared with another GE category.
  • Course prerequisites appear in brackets in the list below.
  • If a course is restricted to majors only, you may request permission of the instructor or department chair, if space is available and you have met pre-requisites.
  • Courses in the themed inquiry are not guaranteed for availability. Please check the catalog for the semesters in which the course is offered.
  • If you are having problems completing a themed inquiry or finding available courses, please contact Academic Advising and/or the Themed Inquiry Coordinator.

Restrictions: Not open to philosophy majors

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. Students must complete at least one course from Section I. The remaining courses may be taken from Section I or II.

Section I

Section II 

Asian Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry focuses on the study of Asian religions, cultures, and history, allowing students to familiarize themselves with aspects of South and East Asia. With Japan’s current powerful place in the world economy and with the rich culturalheritagesof India and China and their growing economic, cultural, and political importance in the global community today, this area of study is essential. This themed inquiry will allow students to deepen their understanding of Asian worldviews, religious and cultural values, art, and history.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/Email: Associate Professor of History, Dr. Alexander Bay

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Religious Studies or History.

Courses: Choose four of the following courses, two of which must be at the upper division.

Business and Economics

Focus: This themed inquiry is designed to introduce students to the essential concepts of business and economics.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Director of Student Success at ACBE Dr. Andrew Gonzales

Restrictions: Not open to Accounting, Business, or Economics majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Central and Eastern European History and Culture

Focus: Students taking this themed inquiry have the opportunity to study the history, politics, and culture of Central and Eastern Europe both at Chapman and at the Anglo-American University in Prague.* This multi-ethnic region, encompassing Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the former Soviet Union, was the backdrop for the emergence of Communism and National Socialism, two World Wars and the Cold War, dramatic revolutions in the arts, and the reemergence of nationalist debates in the post-Communist era.

*Chapman University offers free airfare to students who choose to study abroad at AAU. For more information, please contact the Center for Global Education.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email:Professor of Art,Dr. Wendy Salmond

Restrictions: Open to all majors. 

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Chapman Courses


Chapman courses taught at the Anglo-American University in Prague


Courses taught at the Anglo-American University in Prague--Courses in your major discipline are not eligible. (Note: not all courses offered each semester.)
Credit will be transferred back to Chapman under a different course number.

  • ART 275: Modernism
  • ART 286: The Russian Avant-Garde
  • ART 337/537: Eroticism, Power and Fate in the Cinema of Central Europe
  • ART 372/572: Contemporary Art Scene
  • CZE 100: Elementary Czech Language and Culture
  • ECO 320: EU Market and Business Policies
  • ECO 445: Economics of the European Union
  • HIS 122: European History II: The Making of Modern Europe
  • HIS 181: Jewish History and Culture
  • HIS 200: European Music History and Appreciation
  • HIS 236: The Jewish Experience in Central Europe
  • HIS 237: Central Europe History
  • HIS 238: Tradition and Modernity: Jewish Culture in Central Europe
  • HIS 239: Jewish Prague
  • HIS 270: 20th Century Social History
  • HIS 336: The Holocaust and its Representation
  • HIS 370: East Central European Post War History
  • HIS 380: History of Racism and Anti-Semitism
  • HSS 260 Czech Culture in Film and Literature
  • IRS 100: History of the Cold War and Post-Cold War Transition
  • JEW 221: Jewish Community in the Czech Republic After World War II
  • JRN 321: Media Impact in the New Europe
  • LIT 232: 1,000 years of Czech literature: from Kosmas to Kundera
  • LIT 233: Central European Literature
  • LIT 406/506: Václav Havel
  • LIT 430: Franz Kafka: An Advanced Seminar
  • POL 205: Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Central and Eastern Europe
  • POL 320: Politics of the European Union
  • POL 330: Central and Eastern European Politics
  • POS 204 Nations and Nationalism
  • POS 373/673: Modern German History
  • POL 381: Multiculturalism in Europe
  • SOC 301: Central and Eastern Europe Totalitarian Experience

Chinese Studies

Focus: The Chinese Studies Themed Inquiry gives students the opportunity to build a strong foundation in Mandarin Chinese while exploring the rich history, literature, and dynamic cultures of the Chinese- speaking world. You'll learn how the Chinese language and culture shape—and are shaped by—societies in China, Taiwan, and beyond.

Courses connect language learning with real-world applications. Dive into topics like literature, cinema, politics, and social change—and take Business Chinese to develop professional vocabulary and cross- cultural communication skills for today’s global workplace.

Whether you're planning a career in business, tech, international relations, education, or the arts, studying Chinese will set you apart and open doors in an increasingly interconnected world.

We also encourage students to participate in the Taiwan travel course, a unique opportunity to use your language skills in authentic settings. From ordering food at night markets to visiting historical sites, you’ll experience cultural immersion that deepens your understanding and confidence.

You’ll also explore everyday cultural practices—like food, music, and social customs—while building strong speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin.

Program Highlights
  • Strengthen your Chinese in real-world contexts
  • Take Business Chinese to prepare for careers in international fields
  • Explore culture, cinema, society, and politics through a global lens
  • Participate in a Taiwan travel course or conduct independent-style learning and research
  • Stand out in applications with global experience and in-demand language skills

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Instructor of Languages, I-Ting Chao

Restrictions: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. Students must complete three courses from Section I and one course from section II.

Section I (take 3 of the following courses):

Section II (take 1 of the following courses):

Comparative Religions

Focus: This themed inquiry focuses on the comparative study of world religions and is designed to
increase student understanding of the diverse religious traditions embraced by people around the world. All courses within this themed inquiry are comparative in nature and include at least one tradition outside of the Western monotheisms of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies, Dr. Julye Bidmead

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Religious Studies.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

  • AH 200: Ancient to Medieval Art
  • AH 202: Art of India, the Himalayas and Southeast Asia
  • AH 203: Exchange and Evolution in the Arts of China and Japan
  • DANC 353: Dance in World Cultures
  • POSC 377: Religion and Global Politics
  • REL 115: Living Religions of the World
  • REL 130: The Study of Religion
  • REL 150 Disney Does Religion: Popular Culture and Religion
  • REL 204: Deities, Demons, and Monsters
  • REL 330: Gender and Religion
  • REL 330a: Women and Religion: Voodoo in Context
  • REL 333: Deconstructing Hogwarts: Religion, Race and Gender in Harry Potter
  • REL 338: Asian Religions

Computing Sciences

Focus: The Computing Sciences have profoundly impacted almost every area of human endeavor. In this themed inquiry, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to explore the use of computers and algorithms in their chosen field. The themed inquiry can also be used as the first step toward a minor in Computer Science.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Dr. Maryam Etezad, Fowler School of Engineering Undergraduate Program Director. She can be contacted at fseadvising@chapman.edu.

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Cultures of the Classical World

Focus: This themed inquiry provides a variety of courses in the arts, history, and philosophy that explore the richness of the classical heritage that continues to shape our complex, modern world. To better understand ourselves, we must grapple with fundamental issues raised during this crucial period of world history, celebrating not only the beauty wrought by artists and thinkers, but also the difficult problems they introduced to societies across the globe.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Professor of Art History, Archaeology, and Space Studies, Dr. Justin Walsh

Restrictions: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Data Analytics

Focus: As our ability to collect and analyze data continues to grow, so does the need for scientists and practitioners who can analyze it at a scale never before thought possible. The Data Analytics themed inquiry provides students a deep introduction to data management and statistical modeling tools and techniques that can be applied in many disciplines today including cutting-edge machine learning techniques such as large language models and deep neural networks.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Dr. Maryam Etezad, Fowler School of Engineering Undergraduate Program Director. She can be contacted at fseadvising@chapman.edu.

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Computer Science, Data Science, or Software Engineering.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Design and Fabrication

Focus: The Design and Fabrication themed inquiry provides a pathway for students to learn and
think holistically about design in different contexts. Students will build off their foundational
knowledge while getting hands-on experience creating physical embodiments of their concepts
and designs, whether that be in an art studio or 3D printing lab.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Dr. Maryam Etezad, Fowler School of Engineering Undergraduate Program Director. She can be contacted at fseadvising@chapman.edu.

Restrictions: None.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper-division.

Design and History Fundamentals in Cinematography

Focus: This themed inquiry encourages students to explore the artistic, cultural, design and scientific influences from which the art and craft of cinematography has emerged, with the primary purpose on strengthening students' visual design abilities in approaching the creation of a motion-picture work.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Professor of Art, Dr. Wendy Salmond

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Art, Art History or Graphic Design programs.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Disability Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry promotes the interdisciplinary study of disability across the domains of human experience. Students in this themed inquiry will explore the variety of approaches to understanding disability in personal, social, economic, artistic, and political contexts. The themed inquiry focuses on issues in the representation and interpretation of disability as a social category of human difference rather than issues related to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of impairments.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Professor of Political Science, Dr. Art Blaser, and Associate Professor of Engineering, Dr. Brian Glaser

Restrictions: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Earth and Its Environment

Focus: Environmental issues involve essential interactions between the natural sciences and social sciences, spanning a range of fields including biology, chemistry, economics, geology, political science, and others. This themed inquiry is designed to integrate and form bridges between these fields so that students can better comprehend and critically analyze the environmental topics of greatest concern in today's society. Completion of courses in this themed inquiry fulfills many of the course requirements for the minors in Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, Dr. Richelle Tanner

Restrictions: Not open to Environmental Science & Policy majors or Biology, Ecology and Evolution
emphasis majors

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Suggested Groupings:

Ethics

Focus: Students in this themed inquiry will explore a wide variety of controversial ethical issues, such as war, global warming, abortion, affirmative action, the nature and limits of corporate responsibility and service to others. Let rich philosophical traditions help you to arrive at your own positions, support those conclusions with good reasons, and understand why others might disagree. You will investigate such values as justice, autonomy, and compassion, and will further develop your ability to critically assess arguments and creatively solve problems.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Philosophy Department Chair, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dr. G. Michael Pace

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Philosophy.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

European History

Focus: This themed inquiry contains courses that give students the chance to explore European history to gain a broad overview, expand their knowledge of several cultures, or develop an in-depth understanding of a particular era.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Department Chair, Associate Professor of History, Dr. Shira Klein

Restrictions: Not open to majors in History.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.  

The French/Francophone Studies

Focus: Promotes the interdisciplinary study of the rich histories, literatures, and cultures of the French-speaking world.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Chair, Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Associate Professor of French and Peace Studies, Dr. John Boitano

Restrictions: Not open to majors in French.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Game Development

Focus: The computer and video game industry has exploded, and its annual revenue now exceeds the box office revenue of the film industry. However, game development technology is used for scientific simulation, training, and other serious applications. In this themed inquiry, students will explore the possibilities of the game industry. They will begin to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to use game development technology in a variety of fields.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Dr. Maryam Etezad, Fowler School of Engineering Undergraduate Program Director. She can be contacted at fseadvising@chapman.edu.

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Computer Science, Data Science, or Software Engineering.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

German Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry affords students the opportunity to acquire a foundation in the German language as well as a broad understanding of the history, culture, and literature of the German-speaking nations.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Professor of Languages, Dr. Walter Tschacher

Restrictions: Not open to majors in German.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Global Ethics and Religion

Focus: This multidisciplinary themed inquiry focuses on comparative ethical reasoning in a global
context and on intercultural communication. In the contemporary world, we face global ethical issues
about health, human rights, war, gender, poverty, and human dignity which are often related to religious ideologies.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies, Dr. Julye
Bidmead

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

  • COM 211: Intercultural Communication
  • ENG 206: Critical Literacies and Community Writing
  • ENG 302: Writing about Diverse Cultures
  • ENG 302b: Disability and Creative Writing
  • ENG 372: Language and Ideology
  • ENG 374: Environmental Rhetoric
  • HIST 297: The Holocaust in History and Film
  • HIST 365b: The Holocaust: Memoirs and Histories
  • REL 125: Philosophy of Religion
  • POSC 377: Religion and Global Politics
  • REL 115: Living Religions of the World
  • REL 120: Global Ethics and Religion (cross-listed with PHIL 120)
  • REL 309: Religion, Knowledge, and Evil
  • REL 312: Religious Experience in Film and Fiction
  • REL 314: Fiction, Film and the Western Contemplative Tradition
  • REL 330: Gender and Religion

History and Media

Focus: This themed inquiry allows students to examine the impact of film, photography, and other forms of mass media as agents of historical change, as appropriate media for presenting history, and as materials that provide insight into the past.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Department Chair, Associate Professor of History, Dr. Shira Klein

Restrictions: Not open to History majors. 

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

The Holocaust in Modern European History

Focus: This themed inquiry explores the Holocaust within the context of the history of Judaism, the development of anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism, and Europe after World War I.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Professor, History, Wilkinson College of Arts,
Humanities, and Social Sciences, Dr. Stefan Ionescu

Restrictions: Not open to majors in History or Religious Studies.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Italian Studies

Focus: This multidisciplinary themed inquiry allows students to explore the language, culture, film, literature, music, and history of Italy.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Instructional Assistant Professor and Program Director in Italian Studies, Dr. Sara Mattavelli

Restrictions: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. Students must complete a minimum of two courses from Section I. The remaining two courses may be taken from Section I or Section II.

Section I (Choose a minimum of two courses.)


Section II 


(The following course may count when it contains substantial Italian language component and it must have the themed inquiry coordinator's approval.)

Japanese Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry gives students the opportunity to learn about Japanese language, culture, and history.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Assistant Professor of Japanese, Dr. Michael Wood

Requirements: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. Students must complete at least three or four courses from Section I, or three courses from Section 1 and one course from Section II.

Section I (Language courses - take three of the following courses.)


Section II [take one of the following courses if you take only three courses from Section I. Many classes taken from approved study abroad programs in Japan may count if the student receives prior approval from the themed inquiry coordinator.]

Jewish-Christian-Islamic Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry gives students the opportunity to explore the history, values, and practice of the three major Abrahamic religious traditions.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Dr. Rafael Luevano

Courses: Choose one course from the Comparative category. The other three courses may include any of the courses listed below. Two of the four courses must be upper division.

Comparative (one course required): 


Additional courses:

Latin American Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry offers students a foundation in the Spanish language and Latin American history, culture, and politics.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Department Chair, Associate Professor of History, Dr. Mateo Jarquin

Restrictions: Not open to majors in History or Spanish.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. Students take one course in each of the themed inquiry subdivisions of Sociopolitical Studies, Historical Studies, and Language & Culture; the fourth course choice is open, though all students in the themed inquiry complete a minimum of one Spanish language course.

Sociopolitical Studies:


Historical Studies:


Language & Culture:

Law and Public Policy

Focus: This themed inquiry is designed for pre-law students to expose them to questions of the law and policy. Themed inquiry courses are liberal-arts-based and examine law in the context of the larger social and political framework in which laws are made and enforced, bridging courses in the major and the professional law school curriculum.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Professor Co-Program Director for Environmental Science & Policy and Political Science , Dr. David Shafie

Restrictions: Not open to Political Science majors; cross-listed courses are not open to Peace Studies majors as themed inquiry options.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. It is strongly suggested that students seeking to complete this Themed Inquiry enroll in POSC 110: Introduction to American Politics and/or POSC 120: Introduction to International Relations prior to taking these following courses.

Leadership

Focus: Everywhere you look, it is obvious that the world is in desperate need of more – and better! –
leaders. Recent national surveys reveal that leadership competencies (encompassing interpersonal,
communication, critical thinking and decision-making skills) are the #1 priority for prospective
employers, and for good reason. Leaders strive to bring out the best in others and improve their
organizations and/or serve the world around them. The “LEAD Themed Inquiry” provides a foundation for enhancing your understanding and practice of leadership in both personal and professional life. The best leaders strive to bring out the best in others and act from a moral/ethical base to improve their organizations and/or serve the world around them. The “LEAD Themed Inquiry” provides a foundation for enhancing your understanding and practice of leadership in both personal and professional life.Theoretical models are often reinforced through experiential learning, linking theory and practice. The themed inquiry is a valuable complement to any major in the university, and allows students to connect in meaningful ways with colleagues throughout the university.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/Email: Dr. Tara Widner, Associate Professor and Director of the Leadership Studies Program

Restrictions: Open to all majors. [However, students may NOT apply courses from their major field or discipline towards the Themed Inquiry]

Courses: Four LEAD or leadership-related courses from the listing below, totaling 12 credits, at least 2 courses of which (at least 6 credits) MUST be in leadership (“LEAD”), and 2 courses of which (6 credits) must be at the upper division level.NOTES: The listing of a course here does not guarantee admission or access to the course, including the LEAD courses listed.  Programs reserve the right to restrict admission to selected courses to their majors or minors (i.e., students in their programs). [Prerequisites listed in brackets.] Other courses may be applied, subject to the approval of the Themed Inquiry Coordinator. “Blanket approvals” designated by the Themed Inquiry Coordinator shall not be construed as exceptions or waivers for program evaluation purposes.

Take at least 1 LEAD Foundations course (including, but not limited to) from among the following:

Take at least 1 LEAD elective:

This may be ANY course in “LEAD,” including but not limited to any of the above courses and:
Take any 2 additional leadership-related electives, either from the above or from the following:
(Organized by potential/optional areas of student interest)

NOTE: Students in the Themed Inquiry are only guaranteed 2 LEAD classes and must meet any applicable departmental/program prerequisites for the courses listed. Consult the catalog.

Arts and Leadership:
Athletics and Leadership, Sports in Society:
Diversity & Inclusion in Leadership:
Leadership in Action, including Social Entrepreneurship:
Peace Studies:
Political Context of Leadership:
Social Justice, Social Change and Leadership:
Spirituality, Values and Ethics in Leadership:

Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer Studies

Focus: The Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer Studies themed inquiry offers students an opportunity to engage in the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues from a variety of perspectives, including psychological, socio-cultural, political, philosophical, religious, literary, and artistic. This themed inquiry can provide a valuable foundation for students preparing for careers in education, law, public policy, health and social services, the arts, entertainment, and the ministry.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Joshua Liashenko

Restrictions: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, at least two of which must be at the upper division.

*HUM 329, HUM 399, and HUM 499 may be taken for elective credit when course topic includes LGBTQ Studies emphasis or with the consent of program director.

**Students not enrolled in the University Honors program may enroll in HON 416, HON 432, and HON 465 with the consent of the Honors Director.

The following courses may count in the Themed Inquiry when they contain a substantial Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer Studies component and they must have the Themed Inquiry coordinator's approval:

Mathematics

Focus: The more mathematics you know, the more doors will be open to you. According to Bertrand Russell, “Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty.” This themed inquiry can enable you to continue your study of mathematics and can also be used as the first steps toward a minor in Mathematics.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Mathematics Advisor, Dr. Jill Dunham

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Mathematics.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. Completion of courses in this themed inquiry fulfills many of the course requirements for the Mathematics minor.

Media, Culture and Society

Focus: This themed inquiry gives students the opportunity to study the symbiotic relationship between media and social, political and cultural institutions.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Professor in the Department of English, Dr. Richard Ruppel

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Communication or Strategic and Corporate Communication.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry allows students to study the history, literature, religion, art, and culture of the Medieval and Renaissance period. Students are advised to take two lower-division courses before taking two required upper-division courses.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: English Department Chair, Associate Professor of English, Dr. Joanna Levin

Restrictions: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

The Modern Experience

Focus: Students choosing this themed inquiry explore the experience of Modernity in diverse societies over the past two centuries. Courses in art, history, literature, film studies, and philosophy trace radical shifts in the perception and conception of self, society, nature, and other in response to new technologies, political and social upheavals, and the discovery of realities hitherto unimagined.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Professor of Art, Dr. Wendy Salmond

Restrictions: Open to all majors. 

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Modern History

Focus: This themed inquiry contains courses that provide students with the historical understanding that can help them make sense of the modern world.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Department Chair, Associate Professor of History, Dr. Shira Klein

Restrictions: Not open to majors in History.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Narrative and Dramatic Literature

Focus: This themed inquiry allows students to study the principles of storytelling in literature and drama.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: English Department Chair, Associate Professor of English, Dr. Joanna Levin

Restrictions: Not open to English and Theatre majors.

*Courses may not be available to non-majors. Check with the department.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Philosophy, Knowledge and Reality

Focus: Studying philosophy prepares you to think for yourself while learning from the insights of contemporary writers and great thinkers of the past. Enhance your appreciation of life by asking fundamental questions about reality, why God allows suffering, whether we are free or predetermined, how mind and body are related, the reliability of knowledge, the basis of scientific reasoning, and how to determine when reasoning is logical.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Philosophy Department Chair, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dr. G. Michael Pace

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Philosophy or Religious Studies.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Quantum Studies

Focus: Quantum Mechanics underlies much of modern technology, from lasers to
semiconductors in computer chips and MRI medical imaging. For all its applicability, the
meaning of the theory is still controversial. It is the strangest theory in physics, with
purported implications including parallel universes, faster-than-light influences, or
properties that do not exist until you observe them. These stranger aspects of quantum
mechanics have recently found applications in quantum technologies, such as quantum
cryptography, computing and metrology. These are growth areas in both industry and the
academy. This interdisciplinary themed inquiry gives you a tour of our modern
understanding of quantum theory, from the perspectives of physics, philosophy, chemistry
and engineering.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Program Director of Physics, Dr. Matthew Leifer

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Physics.

Courses: Take the two core courses, plus two elective courses.

Core courses:

  • PHYS/CPSC 340: Quantum Information Science
  • PHIL/PHYS 351: Philosophy and Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Elective courses:

  • PHYS 201: General Physics 3 [prerequisite: PHYS 102]
  • PHYS 220: Scientific Computing 1
  • PHIL 321: Philosophy of Science
  • CHEM 340: Physical Chemistry-Quantum Chemistry [prerequisites: PHYS 102, CHEM 150 and MATH 116 or MATH 210]
  • EENG 450: Photonics [EENG 430 or PHYS 421]
  • PHYS 451: Quantum Mechanics 1 [prerequisites: PHYS 201 or PHYS 207]
  • PHYS 452: Quantum Mechanics 2 [prerequisites: PHYS 451 and PHYS 310]
  • PHYS/PHIL/CHEM/EENG 291 or 491: Student-Faculty Research/Creative Activity [the Themed Inquiry Coordinator must approve the proposed project as relevant to Quantum Studies in order for this to count]

Race and Ethnic Studies

Focus: This themed inquiry considers the historical and contemporary experiences of major
racial and ethnic groups in the United States and diverse and multicultural societies around the
world through interdisciplinary lenses. Courses include examination of key theoretical
perspectives on race and ethnicity. Students will learn about multiple cultures’ social and
historical context within the United States; academic and experiential learning are interwoven
such that key themes, concepts, and ideas in the field of Ethnic Studies are applied
intentionally with communities.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Dean, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and Associate Professor, Sociology, Stephanie Takaragawa

Restrictions: Open to all majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

Religion and the Arts

Focus: This themed inquiry considers the intersection of the fields of religion and art with the historic, cultural, and linguistic disciplines as well as with the creative expressions of literature, music, dance, theater, film, and graphic arts. Many of these disciplines find their origin and some of their finest manifestation in religious expression. This themed inquiry emphasizes the shared experience of artists and spiritual sojourners, their search for self, truth, interpretation of the world, and the desire for transcendence. Required is a fundamental understanding of the nature of religion and the spiritual experience, along with the development of critical thinking, especially the norms for understanding and critiquing artistic expressions.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Dr. Rafael Luevano

Restrictions: Not open to Religious Studies majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

ROTC

Focus: Students who participate in either the Air Force ROTC or the Army ROTC at partner institutions and complete the below courses satisfy the themed inquiry portion of the GE program. Students must complete the specific program requirements listed below to fulfill the themed inquiry.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Farrah Javadi, Assistant Registrar- Academic Program and
Articulation

Restrictions: Open to all majors. Courses are considered transfer credit and subject to all transfer policies. Additional transfer credit outside of the ROTC program beyond transfer limit policy will not be permitted.

Courses: All four courses from either ROTC option must be completed with the grade of C- or higher.*


CSU Fullerton Military Science & Leadership
  • MLSC 301: Adaptive Tactical Leadership
  • MLSC 302: Leadership in Changing Environments
  • MLSC 401: Developmental Leadership
  • MLSC 402: Adaptive Leadership

USC Air Force ROTC
  • AEST 300A: Air Force Management and Leadership
  • AEST 300B: Air Force Management and Leadership
  • AEST 400A: National Security Forces in Contemporary American Society
  • AEST 400B: National Security Forces in Contemporary American Society

CSU San Bernardino Air Force ROTC
  • AS 3001: Leading People/Effective Communication I
  • AS 3002: Leading People/Effective Community II
  • AS 4001: National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Prep I
  • AS 4002: National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Prep II

*Once the Themed Inquiry is formally declared, it is recommended that the student submit official transcripts upon completion of each course in the sequence. Students are responsible for meeting all ROTC program requirements established by the partner institution in addition to the specific courses listed here.

Spanish Language and Linguistics

Focus: Students will increase their competency in Spanish and achieve a basic understanding of human language. Using Spanish as the main resource, students will identify and describe structural patterns, understand sociolinguistic variation, and become more aware of the complex interconnections between language, culture, identity, and power.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Associate Professor of Languages, Dr. Pilar Valenzuela

Restrictions: Not open to majors in Spanish

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. At least one Linguistics course (SPAN 396, SPAN 440, or SPAN 441) is required; more than one is recommended.

Technology, Science and Society

Focus: Because the rapid pace of scientific progress risks widening the gap between knowledgeable scientists and uninformed citizens, responsible citizens must understand science in order to consider the social and ethical implications of scientific developments. Students taking courses in this themed inquiry will explore the nature of scientific knowledge, understand current findings in science, especially those relating to genetics and the environment, and grapple with their ethical and social implications.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Philosophy Department Chair, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dr. G Michael Pace

Restrictions: Not open to Philosophy majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division. Prerequisites appear in brackets.

War and Society

Focus: This themed inquiry allows students to explore the history of warfare in world history and its impact on society.

Themed Inquiry Coordinator/email: Director of the program in War, Diplomacy, and Society, Assistant Professor of History, Dr. Mateo Jarquin

Restrictions: Not open to History majors.

Courses: Choose four of the following, two of which must be upper division.

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