2020 International Conference on the Development and Assessment of Intercultural Competence

Symposium

English

Curriculum design and instruction

Small liberal arts colleges face unique challenges integrating international perspectives and global learning. However, limitations on staff, resources, and administration can often provide opportunity for creative solutions. This symposium brings together five small liberal arts colleges that offer effective approaches to providing global learning curriculum and instruction to undergraduates.

Paper 1: Using a Macro-level, Data-driven Approach to Guide Internationalization, Sally Steindorf (Principia College)

At Principia College, the American Council on Education’s model for comprehensive internationalization was used to document existing internationalization practices and make recommendations for institutional change.  This macro-level approach led to an advisory board, faculty professional development workshops and travel grants, and the addition of global citizenship to our college-wide SLOs.

Paper 2: Successful Globalizing Initiatives at Small Liberal Arts College, Maribel Morales (Carthage College)

Carthage has embedded global learning and engagement throughout the curriculum with three specific foci: interdisciplinary study, short and long term study abroad, and common experiences and critical conversations for all students. Implementing initiatives and curricular requirements ensures every student attains a global perspective and has the opportunity to learn abroad.

Paper 3: Centering Languages and Intercultural Perspectives for Campus-wide Global Learning, Jann Purdy and Erica Andree (Pacific University)

Global learning at Pacific took root in an academic center housing the world languages department and international studies program.  In order to branch out across disciplines, we created a three-pronged approach: support and development of international and diverse perspectives courses, faculty professional development, and creation of a globally-focused curricular pathway.

Paper 4: Reimagined Liberal Arts Education for the 21st Century, Elaine Meyer-Lee (Agnes Scott)

Takeaways and assessment data will be shared on how Agnes Scott College’s innovative Summit initiative prepares graduates to be effective change agents in our global society.  Every student completes a global learning-focused curriculum and co-curriculum, including a collaboratively-designed spring first-year Journeys course that integrates a one-week global community-based immersion experience.