Global Learning Outcomes
Why is global learning important? The College of Arts and Sciences at Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ 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.