The Curriculum and Academic Regulations (CAR) Committee recently passed the Global Learning Outcomes and modifications to the University Core Curriculum Goals and Embedded Elements. These learning outcomes will be incorporated in faculty-led study abroad programs. A link to UP’s Global Learning Outcomes is provided here.
While support will be provided for incorporation into study abroad programs based on specific needs, all faculty can begin thinking about how coursework might strengthen UP students’ global perspectives. To help faculty become familiar with incorporating global learning outcomes and internationalizing the curriculum, the American Council on Education has published ideas about internationalizing individual courses.
According to Helms and Tukibayeva (2013), there are four levels of curriculum that require attention: content, materials, activities and assignments, and student learning outcomes. While they suggest that implementation of these four things could be done simultaneously, they also acknowledge that individual courses can be effectively designed in small steps that blend well with specific courses requirements. They agree that the process of global course design can be overwhelming, but offer some tips:
- Incorporate international perspectives and highlight global issues in the field.
- Use technology in innovative ways to enhance global learning, e.g. through joint coursework and interactions with students and faculty abroad.
- Reinforce international elements of the curriculum, facilitate discussion and interaction among students of different backgrounds and support the integration and success of international students around campus.
For more information, click on the link to the article “Internationalization in Action: Internationalizing the Curriculum.”