What is The Global Conversation about?
The Global Conversation focuses on the way in which the structure of the global economy affects the environment both globally and locally.
It also explores what we as individuals, informed by differing cultural and political perspectives, might do to ameliorate the problems we face in our local environments, as well as how we might contribute to the construction of a global civil society. At a very basic level of analysis, it is about how we live on the planet both individually and collectively, and it poses the fundamental question – “Is our way of living on the earth sustainable?”
Who can enroll in The Global Conversation Course?
Although BCA was instrumental in the creation of this course, it has become a collaborative effort that involves institutions, as well as students and faculty from many different countries participating in a “global classroom.”
The institutions include BCA; Magee College of the University of Ulster in Derry, Northern Ireland; the Institute for Social and European Studies in Köszeg, Hungary; the University of California, San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies and Public Programs which administers UCTV; and, the online magazine, China Dialogue.
Students studying at the following venues can now enroll in the course:
- BCA Programs in:
- Magee College of the University of Ulster in Derry, Northern Ireland;
- Institute for Social and European Studies in Köszeg, Hungary
In addition, individual students may participate in the course on an independent study basis from various other institutions. In total, we expect that students from 10 to 15 countries will participate in the course each semester.
Why should I enroll in The Global Conversation Course?
This is a unique course (or “module” as they call it in some countries) engages students in addressing the political and social consequences of what will undoubtedly be the most compelling issues of the 21st century – the sustainability of human habitation on the planet.
In this course you will explore the issues created from globalization and the environmental problems that have resulted from our current way of life.
What are Learning Circles?
Environmental issues at the local and global level will be explored through the vehicle of online Learning Circles, each established with a small number of students studying in various parts of the world. The course will provide the Learning Circles with the background information necessary to give them both a general understanding of the relationship between environmental problems and economic imperatives, as well as more specific information on aspects of the global eco-system’s transformation, and ways in which human populations might mitigate its effects.
Each student is assigned to one online Learning Circle (or work group), which will be made up of students participating in the course from other sites and countries. Given the number of students enrolled in the course each semester, each group will have between 8 and 12 participants. The assignment to a Learning Circle will be made based on the individual student’s interests, as much as possible. Local faculty coordinators for the course will assist with organization and identification of resources for different Learning Circles.
The goal of each of the Learning Circles is to explore one principal aspect or theme related to the link between economic globalization and environmental problems by examining general theoretical, local, regional, and global aspects of the environment, as well as the ramifications if the specific topic is not being addressed in consultation with the other student members of the Learning Circle in other parts of the world. This will require both carefully coordinated cooperative effort among the participants of any circle and individual work at the local level. In addition to contributing information of a global nature, the key requirement for each individual member of a circle will be to contribute local knowledge – for example, from Serbia, China, or the United States – to the perspective developed by the overall circle.
Who teaches The Global Conversation Course?
Dr. James Skelly, BCA’s Coordinator for Peace & justice Programming, as well as Visiting Professor of Peace Studies at Magee College where he is based, is the academic coordinator for the overall course and is also responsible for the academic assessment of BCA and University of Ulster students enrolled. We have also included leading experts from around the world with established voices in the “global conversation” through video lectures and panel discussions provided by University of California TV. In addition, information and occasional lectures are provided by course facilitators at the various sites where students are studying.
How will I be assessed in The Global Conversation Course?
The following guidelines for assessment will be used for students enrolled at BCA sites and the University of Ulster, and may be modified as needed by local course coordinators.
The components of the assessment process will include: general online participation; a midterm essay; a final essay; and collective online presentations by Learning Circles; as well as, a final write-up of the Learning Circle project with individual student’s contributions highlighted. Suggested percentages for each activity are:
- Online participation: 10%
- Midterm essay: 25%
- Final Essay: 40%
- Online Presentation of Learning Circle Project: 10%
- Final Written Version of Learning Circle Project: 15%
What credits will I earn for The Global Conversation Course?
If students choose to take The Global Conversation Course for credit as a BCA student, it is worth 3 credits. Students also have the choice to audit the course. We strongly encourage auditors to read some of the pieces online and monitor the discussions as these will be tied to activities and excursions at the BCA sites. By participating as an auditor students will develop a better understanding of how the issues connect to specific facets of their host country’s politics, culture and economy.
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"The Global Conversation was by far one of if not the most interesting, engaging, and exciting courses I have ever had the privilege of taking. It was an amazing learning experience that is hard to find. Enrolling in your course was one of the best decisions of my semester abroad, and I am grateful for the experience. Your style of teaching was so engaging that it kept me looking forward to class each week."
Brian Sewell, University of Vermont
Brian was recently appointed Clean Energy Intern for Environment America, an NGO in Washington, D.C.
