Brooks College will offer new programs, courses in fall

As students begin registering for fall semester classes, new programs and courses will be offered through the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

One of the programs is a Latino/a Certificate that will bridge the gap between Grand Valley's campus and the Latino/a community. LAS Program Coordinator David Stark said he hopes that students who participate gain a greater appreciation and understanding of what Latinos/as can offer.

“Many people live next to or work with Latinos/as, so it is important that we understand who they are as a people and their culture,” Stark said.

Below is the list of new programs that will be available in the fall semester.

• The Human Rights Minor will provide opportunities for students to engage in 21st century human rights issues. The wide variety of courses allow students to create their own pathways through the program. Topics explored will include human rights theory, history, law and politics, and issues like trafficking, children's rights, and genocide. Students who choose to minor in human rights will be encouraged to intern with local and global nonprofit organizations.

• The Liberal Education and Professional Skills (LEPS) Certificate will give liberal arts and interdisciplinary majors the opportunity to develop workplace-related skills and to reflect on possible career paths. In this 12-credit program, students would take courses in business communication, financial literacy and computer science.

• The Latino/a Studies Certificate will engage students in intercultural understanding and community involvement. This 15-credit program will include courses on English, history, social work and more.

• IDS 350: Immigration: "Think Global, Act Local" will be taught by Jack Mangala, the new Padnos/Sarosik Professor of Civil Discourse. The course promotes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of immigration, challenging students to think critically about issues that drive international migration, such as globalization, poverty and human rights. Through an exploration of immigration, this course also teaches students strategies for engaging in civil discourse. 

• IDS 180 “Hot Topic” Courses will be offered as interdisciplinary one-credit classes. Sustainability as a Lifestyle, Urban Agriculture, and Intergroup Dialogue are a few of the options that will be available.

For more information about these new programs, contact the Brooks College Office of Integrative Learning and Advising at (616) 331-8200.