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Background:
Think Global, Act Locally!!! We've all seen this catchy bumper sticker but what does it really mean? Mesa Community College decided to put this into action through the development of a new interdisciplinary program that will assist students in developing a global perspective and applying it to their individual lives. The Academic Certificate of Global Citizenship, administered by MCC's Cultural Science Department, is intended to support students in understanding the interconnectedness of peoples and societies, developing a general knowledge of history and world events, accepting the existence of different cultural values and attitudes, and celebrating the richness of human diversity.
The Academic Certificate in Global Citizenship will enhance students' understanding of the world around them and current social issues such as economic and social justice, human and civil rights, world and regional conflicts, environmental degradation, cultural diversity, and political change.
The academic certificate consists of the following parts:
Areas of Emphasis
Students choose one of the following tracks that will be the focus of their coursework, research, and experiential activities and work with a faculty member to assist them in the study of a specific global issue related to each track.
- Track 1
Impact of Diverse Cultures on American Life
- Issues to consider: pluralism, immigration, education, communication, popular culture
- Track 2
Political and Economic Interdependence of the International Community
- Issues to consider: terrorism, outsourcing, child labor, NAFTA, European Union, nuclear proliferation, world tribunal, war criminals, human rights
- Track 3
Global Study of Cultures, Religions, and Values
- Issues to consider: women's rights, human rights, AIDS, family planning, religious fundamentalism, tolerance, spirituality
- Track 4
Regional Study of Cultures, Religions, and Values
- Students will select a specific region of the world as a focus.
- Track 5
Science, Technology and the World
- Issues to consider: global warming, environmental degradation, natural disasters, nuclear waste, cyber security, technology transformation
Multidisiplinary Approach
Once a student selects an area of emphasis, they will choose from a variety of multidisciplinary courses that will not only fulfill the requirements for this certificate but more importantly, can be incorporated into an associate degree program and is applicable to a wide variety of majors.
A total of 15-16 credits will completed as part of the certificate. The extensive list of the required courses and approved elective courses can be found at: http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d10/soc/index.html
Research/Experiential Component
In addition to the required and elective courses, students will conduct research on a specific global issue related to their area of emphasis through one of the following options:
Research and Presentation
Study Abroad Program
Model United Nations Program
Through a combination of coursework and experiential learning, students will develop skills in critical thinking, inquiry, and discourse while becoming more informed, socially responsible, and engaged citizens of their communities, country, and world.
For more information contact:
Paul Harasha
(480) 654-7729
harasha@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
Shereen Lerner
(480) 461-7306
slerner@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
Or click on the Global Citizenship link at:
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d10/soc/index.html
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