Students are discovering how globalization is transforming the world through a new program in LAS, for freshmen, that combines integrated curricula with internationally prominent guest speakers and the chance to travel abroad.
The Global Studies program, launched this fall, offers seven 100-level courses encompassing religious studies, economics, history, sociology, geography, English, and anthropology that have been revamped and enhanced to focus on common themes in globalization. All of the courses introduce students to world cultures as they teach them to recognize and critically assess the forces of globalization. Students explore how people are retaining their cultural identity despite the trend toward a world monoculture. The students also address profound questions about their place in tomorrow's world. The courses integrate classroom content with programs at the Spurlock Museum, Krannert Art Museum, and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Students may enroll in more than one Global Studies course (even though some course material will overlap).
A highlight of the program are five "joint" sessions of all seven Global Studies courses during which students hear prominent international figures from politics, media, and the arts. Among this year's speakers are Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian activist and 2004 Nobel Peace laureate, and Tariq Ali, an internationally known author, critic, and major figure in the European New Left; Harvard economist, author of Limits to Globalization, Dani Rodrik; and Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of the Mahatma Gandi.
Students may also take a follow-up course abroad over winter break. They may choose from seven three-week courses in Barcelona, London, Vienna, Accra and Ouidah, Morelia, Singapore, and Bombay. Each course examines the notion of a Global City from the perspective of the host country. Field trips and interactions with local cultures will be integral to the hands-on nature of the courses. The courses carry U of I credit and are being made available at a low group rate.
The Global Studies program was created by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and is open to all incoming freshmen. More than 1,400 students are now enrolled, making it one of the most widely shared educational experiences among U of I students.
In addition to introducing students to issues underlying globalization, the Global Studies program provides an opportunity for upper class mentors, called Global Studies Interns, to work with small groups of students in these courses. The program also enables local K-12 teachers to earn credit by attending and participating in the program's joint sessions.
