Need GenEd Humanities courses for the fall? Interested in German Culture? Check out these courses that still have spots open!
GRST 201-01–Pirates and Profiteers: German-Speaking Europe’s Colonial Past. Double-counts towards GenEd Humanities and MUGC Global!
For centuries, the allure of high-sea adventures and the pursuit of gold and treasure have captivated imaginations through popular literature, art, and film. This course delves into the fascinating and tumultuous history of pirates as a product of colonial expansion and capitalist ventures, with a special focus on German-speaking Europe’s colonial past from the 18th to early 20th century. We will explore literary, historical, and artistic representations as well as learn about the legal, material, and political conditions underneath piracy and colonialism. Some of the questions we will discuss include: How were colonies and their peoples represented? What were the motivations of adventurers and colonists? How did capitalism and statecraft manage colonial territories? How did the indigenous population resist these expansions? In addition, students will engage in local explorations, including Charleston’s past involvement in piracy. Join us on this voyage through time to uncover the intricate connections between pirates, profiteers, and the colonial ambitions of German-speaking Europe.
GRST 230–Green Germany: Environmentalism and Sustainability in Modern Germany Counts towards GenEd Humanities, the B.A. in Environmental Studies, and the Environmental Studies minor!
This course explores political and environmental issues by examining the roots and culture of environmentalism in Germany, including its long history with recycling and Germans’ fascination with, and appreciation of, nature, the Greens political party, and current environmental initiatives and their reception in Germany. The course will also investigate environmental initiatives within other countries in Europe and how European Union regulations have influenced Europe’s green innovations. Current green practices within the U.S. and other countries around the world serve as a point of comparison to current practices within Germany and Europe. Course and readings in English.
Fall 2025 GRMN and GRST courses — click here for the full list of courses for the fall!