Global Perspectives

Students may participate in a curricular or meta-curricular component that instills elements necessary to develop innovations in a global economy, or address ethical issues of global concern. Domestic activities that stress global or cross-cultural implications may satisfy this component.–NAE

 

Learning Objectives

The learning objectives for the Global Perspectives element of the GCSP are based in UMBC’s global learning assessments and on the Intercultural Development and Perspective AFC. In addition to the four core Global Dimensions learning objectives, students will select two personalized learning objectives.

  • Working With Diverse Teams: Exhibit proficiency working in or directing a team with ethnic or cultural diversity.
  • Global Citizenship: Show self-awareness as “citizens of the world” as well as citizens of a particular country, and appreciation of the challenges facing mankind, such as sustainability, environmental protection, poverty, security, and public health.
  • Cultural Awareness: Identify the broad attitudes, beliefs, values, assumptions, histories and communication styles of themselves and others and their relationship with others. Support and validate the cultural experiences of others, and incorporate multiple, potentially conflicting, perspectives into evaluative and analytical work.
  • Openness to Difference: Welcome personal and cultural difference, seek to maximize the community of relevant stakeholders and interact non-judgmentally with these stakeholders.

Pre-approved options for completing experience requirement:

GOLD

 

  • Completion of
    • Global Studies, MLLI, or other globally focused major or minor.
    • Semester- or Summer-long study abroad experience.
    • Significant internship with a global focus (e.g., with a global NGO/nonprofit or in an international division of a global company).
  • Participation on an Engineers Without Borders travel team.

 

SILVER

  • Completion of
    • Two or more MLLI or other globally focused courses.
    • Shorter intensive winter, spring, or summer session study abroad experience.
    • Shorter internship with a global focus.
    • ENME 489 (Global Engineering) or HAPP 403/SOCY 663 (International Field Research).
    • Global Studies core course (GLBL 101 (Introduction to Global Studies) or GLBL 301 (Approaches to Globalization)).
  • Continuous, significant involvement (such as serving as an officer or committee chair) on an Engineers Without Borders project team, without travel.
  • Participation in a Global Brigades project.
  • Year-long participation in an Intercultural Living Exchange Living Learning Community.

BRONZE

  • Completion of
    • An approved Global Studies gateway course or elective with a connection to the student’s GC focus area.
    • An advanced language or culture course with a relationship to the student’s GC focus area.
  • Active involvement with Engineers Without Borders for one year.