ONLINE Summer 2025 Courses in International Studies!
JSIS 201 A: The Making of the 21st Century (SSc, W)
ONLINE Synchrnonous, TTh 1:10-3:20 p.m.
This course provides a historical understanding of major global issues from the mid-twentieth century to now. It focuses on interdisciplinary social science theories, methods, and information relating to global processes and on developing analytical and writing skills to engage complex questions of causation and effects of global events and forces.
Instructor: TBD
Questions? Email jsisoas@uw.edu
Vanessa Freije
JSIS 202 A: Culture and Power in International Studies (SSc, DIV)
ONLINE Asynchronous, TERM A
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: Vanessa Freijie
Questions? Email vfreije@uw.edu
Jessica Beyer
JSIS B 255: Technology and International Studies (SSc, W)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Technological advancements have profoundly shaped the international system throughout history. Covers major recent technological developments and their impact on the global system, including weapons of mass destruction, information and communication technology, cybersecurity, energy, and emerging technology such as artificial intelligence.
Instructor: Jessica Beyer
Questions? Email jlbeyer@uw.edu
Deborah Porter
JSIS A 207: Asian Civilizations: Traditions (SSc, A&H, W)
ONLINE Asynchronous
An interdisciplinary introduction to the civilizations of India, China, Japan, and Korea, this course explores how religion, philosophy, literature, and society shaped cultural identities across Asia. We’ll trace these influences from ancient times to their powerful legacies in contemporary cinema.
Instructor: Deborah Porter
Questions? Email debzport@uw.edu
Andrea Arai
JSIS B 305: Global Activism (SSc, DIV)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Explores global activism through various social and political movements, explicitly examining how marginalized communities mobilize across national and international contexts. Analyzes the power of social media’s role in amplifying voices, driving participation, and fostering connections. Students research, analyze, and present activism projects using multimedia, engaging with experts and diverse worldwide communities.
Instructor: Andrea Arai
Questions? Email araia2@uw.edu
Celia Lowe
JSIS B 351: The Global Environment (SSc, W)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Explores the environment in international perspective emphasizing the social implications of living in an economically globalized and environmentally interconnected world. Examines these implications through examples of toxics and the human body, biodiversity conservation, climate change, disease, and environmental problems.
Instructor: Celia Lowe
Questions? Email lowe@uw.edu
Danya Al Saleh
JSIS B 335: Geography of the Developing World (SSc)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Explores international development and how it shapes global imagery across countries of the global North and South. Examines historical ideas, key institutions (such as the World Bank and United Nations), and practices that shape contemporary development. Analyzes how power, inequality, and resistance shape landscapes of poverty, inequity, and growth by reviewing real-world case studies from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Instructor: Danya Al-Saleh
Questions? Email dalsaleh@uw.edu
Daniel Bessner
JSIS B 360: US in the World (SSc)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Explores U.S. foreign policy history from colonial times to the mid-20th century. Examines how policymakers and citizens shaped and reacted to foreign policy decisions. Investigates key events, figures, and shifts in U.S. foreign relations, analyzing primary sources and considering factors influencing policy. Topics include the American Revolution, the Civil War, the World Wars, and the Cold War.
Instructor: Daniel Bessner
Questions? Email dbessner@uw.edu
Rebakah Daro Minarchek
JSIS D 323: Globalization and You (SSc, W)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Offers an evidence-based analysis of globalization that addresses how individuals are affected personally as well as economically amidst the market-led processes of global integration.
Instructor: Rebakah Daro Minarchek
Questions? Email daromin@uw.edu
Prof. Robert Pekkanen
JSIS A 435: Japanese Government and Politics (SSc)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Government and politics of Japan with emphasis on the period since 1945.
Instructor: Robert Pekkanen
Questions? Email pekkanen@uw.edu
Heracles Panagiotides
JSIS E 134: Intensive Elementary Modern Greek (Conditional A&H)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Develops a basic level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing skills in Greek as it is used today. Students learn how to understand spoken and written Greek at an elementary level and engage in simple conversations.
Instructor: Heracles S. Panagiotides
Questions? Email hercp@uw.edu
Professor Christian Novetzke
RELIG/CHID 120: Yoga: Past and Present (SSc, A&H, DIV)
ONLINE Asynchronous
Studies yoga and its history, practice, literature, and politics. From the ancient past to modern yoga, studies essential texts and ideas, as well as the effects of class, religion, gender, nationalism, development, Marxism, colonialism, and physical culture on yoga.
Instructor: Christian L Novetzke
Questions? Email novetzke@uw.edu
