Department of Interdisciplinary, Gender, and Ethic Studies Elective Course Offerings - Fall 2026
African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAS)
AAS 105: African American Music & Culture - Hip Hop
TUES. / THURS. 1 PM - 2:15 PM
Dr. Javon Johnson
This course is an introduction to African American music and its relationship
to politics and society.
AAS 232: History of Africa III
TUES. / THURS. 1 PM - 2:15 PM
Jeffrey Schauer
Introduction to the history of the world’s second largest and second most populated continent, which surveys major developments from the earliest pieces of the fossil record to Africa’s place in the world today.
AAS 330: From Civil Rights to Black Power and Beyond
TUES. / THURS. 1 PM - 2:15 PM
Barbara Williams
This course examines Black freedom struggles from the late-nineteenth century into the present. Students will learn about national campaigns and figures in the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, as well as activists in Las Vegas who fought racism and discrimination in southern Nevada.
AAS 425A: Black Las Vegas
TUES. / THURS. 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Dr. Tyler Parry
Explores how people of African descent helped build and shape Las Vegas, Nevada, one of the world’s most famous cities. Examines the history of segregation and civil rights in southern Nevada, and how Black people built a unique community in this desert city.
AAS 492: Modern African American Lit
MON. / WED. 2:30 am - 3:45 pm
DEVON CLIFTON
Study of recent and contemporary works of African-American literature.
American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS)
AIIS 494A: Native American Literature
TUE. / THUR. 10:00 am - 11:15 am
Steven Sexton
Literature of Native American peoples, oral traditions through contemporary works.
Asian and Asian American Studies (AIS)
AIS 124: Philosophical Traditions of Asia
TUES. / THURS. 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM
Sandeep Dhillon
Study of the nature of self, mind, knowledge, truth, logic and related themes characteristic of India, China, Japan, or any other Asian country; any one of these may be taught separately.
AIS 323: Chinese Popular Culture
MON. / WED. 2:30 PM - 3:45PM
Ying Bao
Introduction to contemporary Chinese culture and society. Focuses on popular literature, contemporary Chinese cinema, soap operas, political pop in the arts, pop music, and Internet literature in China. Taught in English
AIS 403: Food and Asia America
WED. 11:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Dr. Mark Padoongpatt
Explores the role of food in the making of Asian America, considering issues such as identity, community, immigration, labor, imperialism, colonialism, authenticity, urban and suburbanization. Learn and experience dishes, how to make them, and the broader food culture and communities of which they are a part.
Latinx and Latin American Studies (LAS)
Gender and Sexuality Studies (WMST)
WMST 295: Gender in Pop Culture
TUES . / THURS. 11:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Dr. Susana Sepulveda
What Is Popular Culture? What Is The Role Of Gender In Popular Culture?
How Does Pop Culture Shape Understandings Of Gender?
Addressing These Questions, This Course Examines Various Forms Of Popular Culture (Film, Tv, Radio, Social Media, Music, Literature, & Fanzines) Through A Variety Of Theories And Methods Used In Contemporary Feminist Theory, Critical Theory, Popular Culture & Cultural Studies. This Course Enables Us To Do Critical Thinking About The Images, Practices, And Stories We Encounter In Popular Culture. The Goal Is To Learn To Think Critically About Popular Culture And Our Engagement With It To Become More Thoughtful And Reflective Consumers And/Or Producers Of Popular Culture.
WMST 412/612: Feminist Research Methodology
MON. / WED. 11:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Dr. Danielle Roth-Johnson
An exploration of attitudes surrounding gender and sexuality in contemporary religious traditions. Topics include sex roles and categories of gender within diverse religions; the role of sexuality in religious traditions; feminist critiques, reforms and creations of religious institutions. . Course is crosslisted with WMST 612. Credit at the 600-level requires additional work
WMST 440B: Gender and Early Literature
TUE. / THUS. 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Instructor: Cassidy Holahan
Study of gender, sexuality, and literature from the beginning to the Early Modern period.
WMST 477 / 677: Critical Race Feminism
ONLINE
Dr. Valerie Taylor
This course will examine feminist theories put forward by women of color and themes of resistance and resilience that can be found in their daily lives. Topics include: intersectional and critical feminist approaches to race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, reproductive justice, immigration, activism, labor, and more.
WMST 488/688: Bodies, Sex, and Health
MON. / WED. 10 AM - 11:15 AM
Dr. Danielle Roth-Johnson
Examines the impact of social, economic, scientific, and political issues on women’s mental and physical health. Particularly recommended for students contemplating careers in medicine, counseling, social work, or public health. Includes structural analysis, advocacy, and ethical implications, as well as gender, race, class, and sexuality.
WMST 490/690: Sex and Censorship
MON. / WED. 1 PM - 2:15 PM
Dr. Lynn Comella
This course examines the history of censorship in the United States, from Anthony Comstock's crusade against birth control in the nineteenth century to the feminist anti-pornography campaigns of the 1980s. We will examine banned books, "obscene" art, key legal decisions, and clashes over free speech and expression. We will pay particularly close attention to the ways in which gender, race, class, and sexuality interact with and shape ideas about public morality and how these ideas have changed over time.
For more information about classes or our B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, contact the Department of Interdisciplinary, Gender, and Ethnic Studies: iges@unlv.edu
Follow us on Instagram: @unlviges
For information about IGES programs: https://www.unlv.edu/interdisciplinary/degree
Wilson Advising Center: https://www.unlv.edu/liberalarts/wac
Registration Instructions: https://www.unlv.edu/registrar/registration-guide