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Global studies

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Global studies, in its broadest definition is the academic study of political, economic, social and cultural relationships of the world. Furthermore, it can also include the study of political and cultural processes, the impacts of globalisation, markets and communications. Global Studies incorporates transnational and local trends in its curriculum. Undertaking a global studies course can also include field work or research in a particular area of interest.

Global studies can also be referred to as world studies, International Studies or International education. However, international education can also refer to the development of educational institutions internationally.

History and Context

The development of global studies in secondary and tertiary education is arguably a product of globalisation, and its consequent results on the international community. Globalisation is said to have really begun in the 15th century when European countries began colonizing to increase trade, power and status. However, it has been in the last few decades that the world has experienced an unprecedented rise in technology software quality, again enhancing the processes of globalisation: “it is a shift in our very life circumstances ... the speed of change is closely allied to the growth of communication, and development in information and communication technologies have been exponential ... globalisation is a fact of life from which we cannot retreat.” [1] As a result of this constantly changing global community, education providers began to see a need for the introduction of global studies into secondary school curriculums (i.e. introduction of global issues through already existing subjects), and to create global studies degrees for tertiary students (i.e. sole degrees with a global focus). The benefits of integrating global knowledge into education are plentiful and include cross cultural understanding, a sense of global community and the ability to critically analyse foreign affairs issues.

Difference between Global Studies & International Studies

There can be much confusion about the use of the terms “global studies” and “international studies.” Often, for educational purposes, they are used interchangeably and differences in meaning are not particularly evident, with the suggestion that both the disciplines are concerned with political, social and cultural issues, with the main focus of study being placed on international community interaction. However, subtle differences can be made between the two phrases. International studies generally looks at exchanges between states, multilateral or bilateral agreements, diplomacy and how issues are handled between two or more states. While global studies focuses on globally shared issues like the preservation of culture and environment, movements of people and the effects of globalisation (i.e. issues that are communally relevant worldwide). It has also been suggested that there are left and right wing connotations to each phrase, international studies being preferred by the right wing (i.e. relations between states) and global studies preferred by the left (i.e. issues affecting all global citizens). While definitions are still quite blurry, the terms have also been described as such: “International studies might be called the grandfather of global education. It often includes the study of countries, world religions, languages and international relations ... {global studies} is centred on the concept of connectedness – recognizing local/global connections, the commonalities all humans share, and how understanding how national borders have become practically irrelevant for many global actors.”[2]

Motivations

Proponents of global studies claim that the reality of globalisation and the interconnectedness of nations and economies demand that students must be well educated in global issues.[3] Four commonly cited motivations for global studies are national security and diplomacy, effective citizenship in a participatory democracy, global competitiveness in a world market and the desire to enter the aid and development sector.

National Security & Diplomacy

The first major funding for international education was the 1966 International Education Act in the USA. It provided funding to institutions of higher education to create and strengthen international studies programs.[4] Created at the time of the Cold War, this act stressed the need for all citizens (with a focus on USA citizens) to understand global issues in order to build skills for diplomacy.[5]”The importance of diplomacy as a driving force for political development is well known and understood.. it is of great importance as a long term instrument for conflict prevention.”[6]

Recent events that have had a global impact such as September 11, the London and Madrid bombings and the consequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan convinced policymakers of the importance of global studies and international education to national security and diplomacy.[7]

Global Competitiveness

A second motivation for global studies is arming U.S. workers to engage in the global marketplace. Many international companies have identified the need for a workforce that has the skills to work cross-culturally and identify and serve the needs of a global market.[8] Some international companies, such as Microsoft, have taken the lead in convening policymakers and key stakeholders to demand additional investment in education.[9] The USA state and federal governments have also placed global studies as a key priority for preparing a competitive workforce.[10]Furthermore, in 2002 the Australian federal government (through its development body AusAID) used some of its funding to introduce a ‘Global Education Program.’ This program aims to increase understanding of development and international issues among Australian students. It provides teachers with professional development opportunities with NGOs and thorough curriculum support. The program “informs and encourages teachers to introduce students to global issues in a classroom setting.”[11] Higher education institutions have closely followed with integrating international studies across disciplines. It is rare to find a leading business school without an international focus.[12][13]

Effective Citizenship

A third motivation for global studies is the creation of an effective citizenry. The National Council of Social Studies states that the purpose of social studies is to “teach students the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and civic values necessary for fulfilling the duties of citizenship in a participatory democracy.” A key goal of NCSS is “global education”.[14] As globalisation causes the lines between national and international to become blurred, it becomes increasingly important for citizens to understand global relationships.[15] The creation of effective citizenship results in people who are willing to, and have the capacity to become involved in local and global issues. Local government research conducted in the surrounding areas of London has found that citizens must have the opportunity to become involved and then possess the skill, knowledge and confidence to take part. The outcomes are often very positive, leading to an improvement in services, better quality of democratic participation and community education.[16] To achieve effective citizenship, students must be educated in ways that engage and place emphasis on the importance of global issues. By studying a subject such as global studies, students can gain the knowledge required to become effective citizens.

Some critical scholars note that beyond content, students must be taught "global cognition" in order to truly understand global perspectives. These scholars believe that in order to fully understand world issues, students must recognize that their perspective is not necessarily shared by others and understand the social forces that influence their views.[17][18]

Aid and Development Sector

The increase of people entering into this sector has grown exponentially over the last few decades with the “NGO sector now being the 8th largest economy in the world ... employing nearly 19 million paid workers."[19] Studying global studies may lead to involvement in the aid and Development sector in multiple ways. These can include working in post-conflict or natural disaster zones, improving public services in developing communities (health, education, infrastructure, agriculture) or aiding private sector growth through business and market models. [20] Through studying global studies, students can be equipped with cross cultural knowledge, field experience and an awareness of global issues. Many students are now studying global studies in order to enter this sector.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the global studies vary, depending on the institute’s objectives. However, there are some generic outcomes that students are expected to develop over the duration of study. These include:

  • Cultural awareness
  • Ability to think globally and locally
  • Skills in research and analysis
  • Awareness of current affairs
  • Professionalism
  • Ability to communicate effectively in a range of situations
  • To be bilingual or have some comprehension in a second language.

Job Prospects

The job prospects after graduating from a degree of global studies are exceptionally varied. Career paths may include entering into international relations, trade, foreign affairs, diplomacy, politics, local government, environmental research and planning and international development.

Universities that offer Global Studies

See also

References

  1. ^ Eggins, H 2003, ‘Globalisation and reform in higher education,’ Open University Press, Glasgow.
  2. ^ Merryfield, M 2004 ‘The importance of a global education,’ Outreach World, viewed 5/10/10 at: http://www.outreachworld.org/article.asp?articleid=77
  3. ^ "Global Education Policies and Practices," Peace Corps. http://peacecorpsconnect.org/global-education-policies-and-practices, accessed September 7th, 2009.
  4. ^ "Digest for Education Statistics, 2004 - Chapter 4: Federal Programs for Education and Related Activities." National Center for Education Statistics (2004), http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d04/ch_4.asp, accessed September 7th, 2009.
  5. ^ International Education Act: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Education of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, United States Senate, Eighty-Ninth Congress, Second Session on S. 2874 and H.R. 14643. Publication date: 1966, Accessed through ERIC, http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED093756&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED093756.
  6. ^ Skylakakis, T 2010, ‘The importance of economic diplomacy,’ The Bridge Magazine, viewed 24/9/10 at: http://www.bridgemag.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=38
  7. ^ Korry, Elaine. "Bush Expected to Hike Funding for Language Training," National Public Radio Broadcast, January 5th, 2006, Accessed online http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5127944
  8. ^ Groennings, Sven. "Economic Competitiveness and International Knowledge. A Regional Project on the Global Economy and Higher Education in New England. Staff Paper II." New England Board of Higher Education. October 28th, 1987. Page, 26
  9. ^ "ECS, ISTE and Microsoft to Sponsor Global Education Competitiveness Summit." http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/jun09/06-23gecs2009nrpr.mspx, Accessed September 8th 2009.
  10. ^ Putting the World into World Class Education. West Virginia Department of Education. http://wvconnections.k12.wv.us/documents/GlobalAwarenessPresentation062408_001.ppt, Accessed September 6th 2009
  11. ^ Gallus, C 2002 ‘Global Studies Statement Launch,” AusAID, viewed 2/10/10 at: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/media/release.cfm?BC=Speech&ID=9768_9422_1276_9667_8426
  12. ^ Harvard Business School. http://www.hbs.edu/global/, Accessed September 8th 2009
  13. ^ Yale Business School. http://mba.yale.edu/MBA/curriculum/core/international.shtml, Accessed September 8th 2009.
  14. ^ "About National Council for the Social Studies." The National Council for Social Studies, http://www.socialstudies.org/about, Accessed September 8th 2009
  15. ^ Lapayese, Yvette. "Review:Toward a Critical Global Studies Education" Comparative Education Review, Vol. 47, No. 4 (Nov., 2003), pp. 493-501
  16. ^ Andrews, Cowell, Downe, Martin 2006 ‘Promoting effective citizenship and community empowerment,’ Office of the Deputy PM, Cardiff University, London, viewed at: http://www.cdhn.org/documentbank/uploads/PromotingEffectiveCitizenship.pdf
  17. ^ Hanvey, Robert. "An Attainable Global Perspective." Theory into Practice, Vol. 21, No. 3, Global Education (Summer, 1982),pp 162-167
  18. ^ Anderson, Charlotte. "Global Education in the Classroom." Theory into Practice, Vol. 21, No. 3, Global Education (Summer, 1982),pp 168-176
  19. ^ Hall-Jones, P 2006, ‘The rise and rise of NGOs,’ Public Services International, viewed 23/9/10 at: http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=11738&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm
  20. ^ Coffey International Development, 2010 ‘Work that makes a difference,’ Coffey, viewed 24/9/10 at: http://www.coffey.com/our-businesses/coffey-international-development/our-expertise/sectors/overview
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