Global Citizenship
Global Citizenship Program
Neil McGurty, Director of Study Abroad
Coxe Hall, 32 Sayre Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone (610) 758-3351; Fax (610) 758-5156; email: nem207@lehigh.edu; www.lehigh.edu/~ingc/
As the world becomes more interdependent in commerce, technology, and popular culture, people of different cultures must reconcile diametrically opposed views of fairness, equity, and conduct. Religious extremism, trade policies, human rights, and gender equity are but a few examples of controversies born out of belief systems colliding on the global stage. How will individuals from different national, religious, and cultural traditions understand their personal responsibilities in a world increasingly strained by resurging nationalism and the pressures of globalization?
Students planning any major can apply to join the Global Citizenship Program during the matriculation process prior to the beginning of the first year. The first-year experience in Global Citizenship includes a writing-intensive fall and spring course sequence, which replace English composition 1 and 2. During sophomore year, students receive a scholarship to travel abroad for 10-12 days as a group. In addition to the curricular elements of the program, students are required to take advantage of co-curricular opportunities like speaker programs, alternative spring break activities, and Lehigh's status as a United Nations non-governmental organization. The Certificate program in Global Citizenship is selective and will admit about 20-25 students in each entering class.
Certificate in Global Citizenship
Year 1: | GCP 010 Introduction to Global Citizenship (3) (Fall) |
Year 2: | GCP 085 Practicum (1) (Fall) |
Year 3: | GCP 285 Junior Practicum (2) (Fall or Spring) |
Years 4: | GCP 385 Global Citizenship Capstone (4) (Fall and Spring) |
Floating Requirements: | 3 GC-designated electives (9 to 12 credits) |
Study abroad in year 2 or 3. The student may transfer credits back to Lehigh from the Study Abroad experience but credits are not required for the GC program. Acceptable Study Abroad experiences must be at least 5 weeks in length, take place in a non-English-speaking country, and include language instruction. Home-stay is encouraged. Students are encouraged to spend at least a semester abroad, but summer programs are acceptable.
Courses in Global Citizenship
GCP 010. Introduction to Global Citizenship (3)
A reflection on the multi-faceted notion of "global citizenship." What does it mean to be a "citizen"? Is there an irreconcilable divide between patriotism/nationalism and cosmopolitanism? Is it possible to cultivate contrasting allegiances (e.g., to one's community, one's country, the world)? How can we reconcile the sometimes conflicting calls of local action and global impact? English 1 equivalent.
GCP 007 (ENGL 007). Global Literature (3)
This multidisciplinary seminar asks students to explore the notion of "global citizenship" by using the lens of literature, i.e., by applying rhetorical and persuasive techniques to address various issues. Literature from the country or region targeted by the intersession trip will be the object of the students' explorations. English 2 equivalent.
GCP 085. Practicum (1)
Preparation for sophomore Global Citizenship inter-session trip. Focus on the country of travel will include culture, politics, economics, art, religion, trade and technology. Taught by the faculty leader of the inter-session trip.
GCP 385. Global Citizenship Capstone Course (4)
Students are required to complete a senior project and a paper that reflects on their personal concept of global citizenship as it relates to a specific topic in their individual disciplines. Students meet weekly in a seminar format to discuss their projects and peer review each other's work. Global Citizenship projects can be wrapped into other senior projects that are required for students' majors or programs. Seminar is taught by the Director of Global Citizenship, who will work closely with students and their faculty advisors.