Colloquia Courses
During each of the four semesters of the program, students will take a one-credit colloquium course.
First Semester
This is the first foundational course in Global Communities. Students introduced to key concepts of global competency and barriers to global competency. We will define and discuss the meanings of culture and explore how cultural differences impact individual and societal identities. We will also survey basic intercultural communication theory and practice. An important element of this course will be assessing global knowledge with the Global Awareness Profile (GAP).Second Semester
This course offers three-week workshops on a variety of pertinent global issues. Two workshops will run at the same time throughout the semester. A total of ten (10) workshops will be offered, but students are only required to attend five (5). Workshop topics may include: religious revivalism, global migration, health pandemics, and climate change. Expert speakers, videos, simulations, and field trips will reinforce course readings and facilitate discussions.
Third Semester
This is the second foundational course in the Global Communities program. Students are exposed to several different avenues for pursuing their interest in global cultures and issues—as well as the complex considerations that go into each avenue. Mirroring the structure of the previous two courses, topics will be covered in three week cycles. Topics include: international service and ethics, research and teaching abroad, and global arts and music. Students begin to prepare for their capstone experience during this course.
Fourth Semester
UNIV 289A: Capstone Experience
The capstone experience is an individualized, semester-long activity that asks students to explore an area of interest and create a final project that showcases the knowledge they have acquired in the program. There are three capstone options from which to choose. Each option has an advisor from the Global Communities Staff. Additionally, students that select the research option will be paired with a professor from the Global Communities’ faculty oversight board.
Research Option
This capstone asks that students engage in a self-designed research project. Students will develop a research question that interests them and, with the help of their faculty advisor, begin the process of reviewing literature. Students will meet with their faculty advisor twice throughout the semester and twice with their GC advisor. At the end of the semester, students should have a polished research paper of 12-15 pages, or a professional poster that highlights their work. Students must be prepared to present their research at the year-end Capstone Showcase.
Service Option
This capstone asks that students volunteer with a community-service organization in the DC Metro Area. Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community-service and meet bi-weekly with their advisor and other students who chose the same option to reflect on their experience. At the end of the semester, students should have a polished reflection paper of 12-15 pages that relates their experience to understanding culture and intercultural communication or situates American societal issues in a global context. Students may also opt to do a photography or video project. Students must be prepared to present their experience at the year-end Capstone Showcase.
Internship Option
This capstone asks that students complete a semester-long internship with an organization, campus department, or government agency that will help them on their path to global competency. Students’ GC advisor will help them find an internship provider, but students are ultimately responsible for making contact and establishing a working schedule. At the end of the semester, students should have a polished reflection paper of 12-15 pages that relates their experience to understanding culture and intercultural communication or situates American societal issues in a global context. Students may also opt to do a photography or video project. Students must be prepared to present their experience at the year-end Capstone Showcase.