Global Citizenship

Polls have found that over 50% of individuals across 14 countries see themselves more as global citizens than as citizens of their own country. Young people today are especially connected to people and cultures from around the world given their ability to travel, to communicate and to access information. They also understand that to address today's challenges, including our world's environmental crisis, our refugee and human rights crisis, or our world's poverty crisis, we must become engaged and creative global thinkers and forces for change. What do we need to learn and understand about cultural differences and cultural change to become more competent, collaborative and respectful in our lives and careers? And how can we contribute meaningfully to our local and global communities? What is our place in the world? In this introductory class, students will actively engage with what it means to be a global citizen. This foundation will be enhanced through real-life case studies from around the world that will allow students to see themselves as part of a shared community. This course will include speakers, intercultural communication, mini language workshops, and digital storytelling projects that will enhance students' critical reflection on purposeful global citizenship.