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Cross Cultural Studies

Fascinated by cultures the world over? Always wanted to dig a little deeper into how things work outside your home country? A minor in Cross Cultural studies is your chance to scratch those itches.

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Degree Types
Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Document
Language Options
French, Spanish, Arabic, ASL & more

Delve into the intersections between cultures with McDaniel's Cross Cultural Studies minor. A multidisciplinary program of study, Cross Cultural Studies draws on topics in philosophy and religion, literature, history, and the social sciences to form a unique program. This minor pairs well with any major to prepare you for future careers or studies in multicultural settings. 

Diplomats, designers, politicians, and philosophers alike can all benefit from historical knowledge of cultures and politics beyond their personal experiences. And you, too, can expand your worldview with McDaniel's minor in Cross Cultural Studies.

Distinctive Courses

REL 2222 - Introduction to Hindu Religions

An introduction to the variety of religious practices and teachings that go by the name “Hindu,” both in the U.S. and abroad. The course includes topics such as Hindu deities (e.g., Ganesa, Krsna, Siva, and The Goddess in her many forms), people worshiped as divine both earlier and today, festivals, pilgrimages, temples, various teachings such as dualistic and nondualistic philosophies, and Hindu communities in the United States. The course includes visits to Hindu institutions in the surrounding area. No prior knowledge of or acquaintance with Hindu religions is required.

AHY 3305 - Sacred Architecture

An historical and systematic examination of both formal and symbolic aspects of structures built for religious purposes, along with their associated religious activities.  Overlapping cultural and symbolic meanings will be studied, with in depth readings of associated religious texts.

HIS 3331 - Gender and the Family in China

Examination of the changing constructions of gender and the shifting configurations of the family, from imperial times to the present. Primary sources (in translation) and secondary literature together convey how changing notions of kinship, property, ritual, space, and the body have informed notions of gender in China, from the traditional courtyard house to the modern high-rise apartment.

PSI 3333 - Conflict Resolution, Peacemaking, and Peacekeeping in Post-Cold War World

Learn about the multifaceted nature of conflict on the inter and intra state levels, historically, and in the current post-Cold War period. Explore the sources, causes, environmental impact, and determinants of conflict, presenting the various perspectives on the genesis and the amelioration of conflict.

Cross Cultural Studies Program Requirements

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Special Opportunities

Budapest city scene.

CULTIVATING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE Global Fellows

McDaniel's prestigious Global Fellows Program is an academic and co-curricular opportunity. Through this opportunity, you'll deepen and broaden your understanding of global issues, develop heightened intercultural competency, and cultivate the skills and attitudes necessary to lead successful personal and professional lives in a global context. Global Fellows will help you navigate one of the most pressing challenges you'll face as a young professional: How do you succeed in a global workplace that respects the unique experiences of those you're working with?

Leanna Jasek-Rysdahl '16

Alumna Spotlight Leanna Jasek-Rysdahl ’16

Leanna Jasek-Rysdahl ’16, completed funded grad program in Conflict Resolution at The Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, works as Teen Court/Youth Services coordinator.  

“I had phenomenal opportunities and have a dream job because of the individuals I met and the experiences I had at McDaniel,” says Jasek-Rysdahl, who was an Honors student at McDaniel, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in French and Political Science and International Studies. “McDaniel, the professors, and other students helped me in extraordinary ways.”