Why is global learning important? The College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University is preparing students for careers in the increasingly globalized marketplace and to be informed, reflective, ethical and engaged global citizens.
Knowledge
What globally related content should students take away?
- Be familiar with the international dimensions of their chosen field of study.
- Understand how human actions modify the physical environment, and how physical systems affect human systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the forces that have shaped the world, such as cultural, demographic, economic, historical, technological, political, religious and social factors.
Skills
What globally relevant abilities should student possess?
- Ability to communicate and open inquiry that minimizes the assumptions made about others.
- Ability to think critically and problem-solve while relying upon globally relevant knowledge and a variety of cultural frames of reference.
- Ability to use technology in an intentional fashion to effectively participate in global dialogue.
- Ability to use second language skills and cross-cultural knowledge to access and express information, experiences and understanding.
Perspectives
What globally significant values should students be able to reflect upon and enact?
- Critical reflection of one’s own cultural origins, practices, and habits of thought.
- Willingness to learn from, and engage with, other cultures – moving beyond ethnocentrism to a position approaching empathy: the ability to see others as they see themselves, given their conditions and values.
- Respect for diversity and cultural differences and respect for the rights of all to express and share their individual cultural heritages.
- Willingness to become a globally engaged citizen who will work toward a socially and environmentally sustainable future.