The study of Global Cultures is required in the LS curriculum and also fulfills a core requirement for several bachelor's divisions of NYU. Students choose from one of five courses featuring the regions of Africa, the East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America. Given the ever-increasing complexity of today's world, this component of the curriculum is designed to help students understand societies that have long histories and enormous diversity within themselves -- societies and cultures that intersect across the globe. These courses will introduce students to aspects of one particular region's cultural development. "Culture" is broadly defined as including, but not limited to, such disciplines as: history, philosophy, the arts, politics and social institutions. Course materials will stress primary over secondary sources, and may include multi-media ones.

African Cultures
This course is an introduction to modern African history and culture. The configurations and problems of modern African society are examined in the context of, and as a product of, a rich history and tradition. The social, political, economic, and intellectual dimensions of African life are approached through a wide variety of readings from the disciplines of history, political science, anthropology, and literature.

Middle Eastern Cultures
This is a general, inter-disciplinary introduction to the societies, cultures, politics and history of the contemporary Middle East and Islamic north Africa. Texts on sociological, historical and political topics, as well as artistic expressions, films and literary works, may be utilized to examine the region's rich historical legacy and current complexity. Topics may include the historical and cultural relations between the Middle East and the West' and the impact of historical, economic, and political change on the region's cultures, societies and contemporary problems. 
 

East Asian Cultures
This course surveys the civilizations of Japan and China, concentrating on their last 200 years and their position in today’s world. Each country’s unique culture and civilization provides the backdrop against which modern events are viewed. Major topics include the imperialist conquests of the 19th century, the nationalist movements and revolutions of the 20th century, and the impact of modernization on traditional Asian societies.

South Asian Cultures
This course examines the historical and cultural roots of political and social change in 19th- and 20th-century South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal). The course explores the complex interaction of ancient traditions, colonialism, and independence movements. It also examines a number of postindependence issues such as development and modernization, hierarchy and democracy, and continuing religious strife.

Latin American Cultures
This course examines major literary texts in the context of political and social change in postindependence Latin America. Genres including the novel, the essay, and poetry are read in light of the emerging nations’ quest to consolidate their identities vis-à-vis Spain, Europe, and 20th-century United States. The course explores how Latin American texts address the challenges of establishing viable politics across class and racial divides; the transition from monocultural and agricultural economies to industrialization and mass urbanization; responses to economic and ideological neocolonialism; the opportunities and crises created by integration into a global economy; the impact of the global media; and the struggle for civil rights.