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Spotlight: Cool Courses Spring 2025

January 17, 2025

Spring 2025 Cool Courses at the Jackson School


Radhika Govindrajan

Radhika GovindrajanTara Brown UW photography

JSIS 202 A: Culture and Power in International Studies (SSc, DIV)
MWF 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m., KNE 110 — This course also has Quiz Sections on TTh

Dives into how power, violence, and development shape the world, focusing on diverse cultures and histories. Explores how economic, political, and social backgrounds influence interactions and identities internationally. Students think critically about culture, examining how different groups use it today. Through case studies and social science methods, students gain new perspectives on how diversity plays a role in addressing global challenges.

Instructor: Radhika Govindrajan
Questions? Email rgovind@uw.edu 


Sunila Kale

Sunila Kale

JSIS 203 A: Rise of Asia (SSc)
TTh 12:30 – 2:20 p.m.. JHN 102

Explore the vibrant complexities of modern Asia! This course delves into Asia’s diverse cultures, religions, and colonial histories, comparing Western and Asian imperial legacies. You’ll examine the lasting impacts of WWII and liberation, and analyze the region’s rapid economic growth, political changes, and social issues today. Through engaging discussions, you’ll connect past events to current challenges in Asia, from urbanization to social justice, gaining a deeper understanding of Asia’s role in the world.

Instructor: Sunila Kale
Questions? Email kale@uw.edu


Joseph Marino

Joseph Marino

RELIG 202: Introduction to World Religions: Eastern Traditions (SSc)
MW 1:30 – 3:20 p.m., MEB 246

Unlock the secrets of some of the world’s oldest and most influential religions! This course takes you on a journey through South and East Asia, focusing on Hinduism and Buddhism while exploring other key Asian religions. You’ll dive into their core ideas, symbols, and rituals, gaining a deeper understanding of how these religions shape culture, philosophy, and everyday life today. Prepare to challenge your thinking and explore the spiritual foundations that have shaped billions of lives!

Instructor: Joe Marino
Questions? Email jamarino@uw.edu


Roberto Dondisch

JSIS B 100 A: Issues in International Studies: Global Issues: The Practice of Multilateral Diplomacy (SSc)
MW 11:30 – 1:20 p.m., MUE 155

Focuses on the evolving role of multilateralism in an era marked by the rise of nationalist governments. It will explore how the world can face critical global challenges through the lens of both theory and practice. Through lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will learn the strengths and weaknesses of the multilateral system in dealing with pressing issues such as global security and environmental challenges. Students will learn how to develop national strategic plans and multilateral strategies. Among the cases we will look at are the Paris Climate Change process, the negotiation of the Arms Trade Treaty, and future global challenges.

Instructor: Roberto Dondisch
Questions? Email robertod@uw.edu


Sarah Zaides Rosen

JEW ST 250 A (HSTCMP 250 A): Introduction to Jewish Cultural History (SSc)
MW 1:30 – 3:20 p.m., THO 119

Introductory orientation to the settings in which Jews have marked out for themselves distinctive identities as a people, a culture, and as a religious community. Examines Jewish cultural history as a production of Jewish identity that is always produced in conversation with others in the non-Jewish world.

Instructor: Sarah Zaides Rosen
Questions? Email szaides@uw.edu


Jackson School Lecturer Mark Ward.

Mark Ward

JSIS 221 A: International Non-Governmental Organizations (SSc, DIV, W)
MW 12:30 – 2:20 p.m., SMI 307

Explores the role of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in global relations, emphasizing their impact on diverse and vulnerable populations. Examines their origins, structures, and influence on international policy, development, and human rights. Students assess INGOs’ effectiveness, ethical challenges, and how they navigate cultural, social, and economic diversity to promote equitable global change.

Instructor: Mark Ward
Questions? Email mr_mark_here@yahoo.com


Debamanyu Das profile picture

Debamanyu Das

JSIS 222 A: The Global Economics Toolbox (previously named: Global Markets Local Economies) (SSc)
MW 12:30 – 2:20 p.m., HRC 155

This course explores global economic interconnections and their impact on daily life. Designed for those with minimal economics background, it covers the complexities of globalization, supply chains, inequality, inflation, and more. Students will develop analytical skills to interpret economic news, analyze data, and evaluate economic arguments in real-world contexts.

Instructor: Debamanyu Das
Questions? Email ddas64@uw.edu


Daniel Bessner

JSIS B 220 A: Diplomacy, Strategy, and United States Foreign Policy (SSc)
TTh 1:30 – 3:20 p.m., BAG 260

Explores key theories and approaches that shape U.S. foreign policy, focusing on history and political science. Covers diplomacy, strategy, and U.S. foreign relations, including military, economic, and cultural aspects. Includes how domestic, international, and transnational processes shape these policies and their global impact. Provides a well-rounded understanding of U.S. foreign affairs.

Instructor: Daniel Bessner
Questions? Email dbessner@uw.edu


Nadine Fabbi headshot_2023

Nadine Fabbi

ARCTIC 210 A: Inuit, the Arctic, and Global Change (SSc)
MW 12:30 – 2:20 p.m.

Dives into the Arctic’s role in global history and its significance today, examining how outsiders viewed the region for centuries. Highlights Inuit interactions during early contact with outsiders and their journey towards self-determination. Describes the unique effects of climate change on the Arctic and discusses the region’s future, emphasizing its growing importance in global affairs.

Instructor: Nadine Fabbi
Questions? Email nfabbi@uw.edu


Vanessa Freije

JSIS A 323 A: Inter-American Relations (SSc, DIV)
MW 12:30 – 2:20 p.m., SAV 264

Explores the Americas’ evolving political, economic, and social relationships since the 1900s. Focuses on state policies of genocide, extraction, and colonial occupation, as well as social practices of migration and transnational movements of resistance and solidarity. Examines how race, gender, labor, and class have shaped inter-American dynamics, moving beyond U.S.-focused perspectives to highlight Latin America’s role in reshaping the region.

Instructor: Vanessa Freije
Questions? Email vfreije@uw.edu


 

Shai Ben Ami

JSIS B 308 A: The Role of Zoos in International Studies (SSc)
TTh 10:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m., WFS 201

Surveys zoos, exploring how they have changed over time and across different places. Examines the people who work in zoos, the animals housed in them, the visitors they attract, and the critics who challenge their existence. Questions ideas of human and animal power, culture, and development by examining zoos’ roles locally, nationally, and globally.

Instructor: Shai Ben-Ami
Questions? Email shaib@uw.edu


 

JSIS B 355 A: Cybersecurity and International Studies (SSc)
MWF 9:30 – 10:20 a.m., SMI 205

Addresses the major international agreements, organizations, and infrastructures shaping cybersecurity. Covers basic technical terminology and legal frameworks related to cybersecurity.

Instructor: Jessica Beyer
Questions? Email jlbeyer@uw.edu


Debamanyu Das profile picture

Debamanyu Das

JSIS B 455 A: International Environmental Policy (SSc, DIV)
TTh 12:30 – 2:20 p.m., ARC 160

Explores how global environmental policies are shaped by diverse perspectives across international, national, and local levels. Examines the gap between science and politics, focusing on its impact on climate solutions in the Global North and South. Topics include climate justice, energy transitions, and environmental negotiations, with case studies highlighting global diversity and power dynamics in the fight for sustainability.

Instructor: Debamanyu Das
Questions? Email ddas64@uw.edu

 


Fred Pursell

JSIS 478 SECTION A: Special Topics: New Capitalism, Leading ESG in a Changing World (SSc)
MW 3:30 – 5:20 p.m., THO 134

Step into the future of global capitalism! This course explores how businesses can thrive in the era of sustainability and stakeholder value. You’ll tackle big questions like whether capitalism and sustainability can coexist, debate tough trade-offs, and learn global best practices in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Discover how to turn today’s challenges—like climate change—into opportunities to lead, innovate, and create value for communities. Prepare to redefine the role of business and become a leader in the changing global economy!

International Studies Students, this course can be counted towards your major! To do so, you must meet with or email jsisadv@uw.edu to get this added to your DARS or Degree Audit. If you take this course, be sure to follow up with jsisadv@uw.edu! 

Instructor: Fred Pursell
Questions? Email fredp@uw.edu


Ron Krabill

JSIS 478 SECTION D: Special Topics: Shut up and Play? Sports, Politics, and Media in Global Perspective (SSc)
TTh 10:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m., THO 135

How do sports, politics, and media collide to shape the world around us? This course explores how sports influence society—and are influenced by it—while examining how fans and athletes create meaning from their experiences. Focusing on the media’s role in fueling fandom, cultural moments, and controversies, we’ll analyze sports through a cultural studies lens. While soccer takes center stage in the coming years and as Seattle gears up to host the 2025 Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup, we’ll also examine other sports throughout the quarter. Whether you’re a diehard sports fan or just here for a deep dive into the cross-section of sports, media, and politics, this class has something for you!

International Studies Students, this course can be counted towards your major! To do so, you must meet with or email jsisadv@uw.edu to get this added to your DARS or Degree Audit. If you take this course, be sure to follow up with jsisadv@uw.edu

Instructor: Ron Krabill
Questions? Email rkrabill@uw.edu

 


Daniel Hoffman

Daniel Hoffman

JSIS 478 Section E: Special Topics: Trump in the World 2.0 (SSc, 2 credits)
M 4:30 p.m. – 5:50 p.m., EXED 110

Course Description pending: Only students are allowed in the room; UW ID is checked at the door. The course will be live-streamed to the public, all questions will be issued via an online platform, and students will not be visible or identifiable on the livestream. The first class of the quarter will not be live-streamed and ONLY for students.

Instructor: Danny Hoffman & guest speakers
Questions? Email djh13@uw.edu

 


Mark Metzler

Mark Metzler

JSIS A 424 A (HSTAS 424 A): Japan Since the Early 20th Century (SSc)
TTh 10:30 – 12:20 p.m., SMI 205

Explore the transformation of Japan from the late 19th century to its rise as an industrial powerhouse! This course covers Japan’s journey through World War II, its dramatic surrender, and the American occupation that followed. You’ll examine how Japan rebuilt itself, emerging as a global economic leader. Gain a deep understanding of the key events that shaped modern Japan’s culture, politics, and economy!

Instructor: Mark Metzler
Questions? Email mmetzler@uw.edu


Jackson School affiliate faculty member and geoscientist Scott Montgomery

Scott Montgomery

JSIS A 476 A: Energy Security in East Asia
MW 10:30 – 12:20 p.m., MEB 246

Learn about the high-stakes world of energy security in East Asia! This course examines how the region’s energy demand, supply, resources, and geopolitical dynamics influence global energy challenges, from access to sustainability. You’ll also explore how East Asia’s energy landscape is linked to major issues like climate change, giving you a front-row seat to the global energy crisis and the region’s role in shaping the future.

Instructor: Scott Montgomery
Questions? Email scottlm@uw.edu


Tabitha Mallory

Tabitha Mallory

JSIS A 467 S: China’s Rise and Its Global Implications (SSc)
MW 2:30 – 4:20 p.m., MOR 225

Examines the consequences of China’s dramatic rise – three decades of very high rates of economic growth – on China and on the World. Fundamental concerns are how China’s rise is changing the institutions and practices of the world order, and whether China is increasingly socialized into global norms.

Instructor: Tabitha Mallory
Questions? Email tabitha@uw.edu

 


All Spring Jackson School Courses by Category

Spring 2025 Courses by Category