HNRS 2060 Exploring Global Studies
"Life is short and the world is wide."
In Spring 2015, I completed a semester course named "Exploring Global Studies" taught by Professor Kevin Grace. In deciding what my first Honors experience should be, this course seemed like a great learning experience for me, as I had a myriad to learn regarding the world, customs, values, and people outside the United States. With only one prior out of the country experience, the course was a way for me to get outside my comfort zone by pushing myself to speak and engage in topics that I wasn't knowledgeable about before registering for the course.
The overall message of the course was to engage with the surrounding worlds, learn about the differences of culture, and actively engage in the study through research and hands-on experience, all while remaining on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Our class read, discussed, and reflected on three books: Becoming World Wise: A Guide to Global Learning, Palestine Speaks: Narratives of Life Under Occupation, and A Movable Feast: Life-Changing Food Adventures Around the World. These books provided a different perspective of world events that are not showcased in the United States. We also reflected on current events and viewed documentaries on world travelers. We participated in WorldFest, a collaborative effort with ethnic minorities from all over campus to host various events on campus that give UC students the opportunity to gain a greater world perspective.
There are many reasons why I chose to participate in the coursework from "Exploring Global Studies". I wanted to engage in an activity where the potential to learn and grow was emphasized. Worldwide travel was not in my vocabulary when I started at UC. While study abroad was something I always dreamed of doing, this course has given me a foundation to make this a reality. The course exceeded my expectations as I learned valued information to becoming an educated traveler and a safe traveler. I learned the process of an Honors study abroad experience and the potential opportunities the Honors program may offer in the future.
I look at this first Honors experience as an opportunity for the future. It has given me a solid foundation of the surrounding world. I can now take the knowledge I have and apply it on a study abroad experience. I am thrilled that I took this course as a freshman - I now have years ahead to utilize this knowledge in travel abroad experiences! The course was informative because it helped me become culturally competent. I realize the need to show a respect for other cultures, to understand the potential differences in lifestyles, and to accept the opportunities offered to a traveler. I learned that not all college students display these qualities, forming a negative stereotype of Americans. At the end of this course, I challenged my future self to break the ignorance barriers.
The overall message of the course was to engage with the surrounding worlds, learn about the differences of culture, and actively engage in the study through research and hands-on experience, all while remaining on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Our class read, discussed, and reflected on three books: Becoming World Wise: A Guide to Global Learning, Palestine Speaks: Narratives of Life Under Occupation, and A Movable Feast: Life-Changing Food Adventures Around the World. These books provided a different perspective of world events that are not showcased in the United States. We also reflected on current events and viewed documentaries on world travelers. We participated in WorldFest, a collaborative effort with ethnic minorities from all over campus to host various events on campus that give UC students the opportunity to gain a greater world perspective.
There are many reasons why I chose to participate in the coursework from "Exploring Global Studies". I wanted to engage in an activity where the potential to learn and grow was emphasized. Worldwide travel was not in my vocabulary when I started at UC. While study abroad was something I always dreamed of doing, this course has given me a foundation to make this a reality. The course exceeded my expectations as I learned valued information to becoming an educated traveler and a safe traveler. I learned the process of an Honors study abroad experience and the potential opportunities the Honors program may offer in the future.
I look at this first Honors experience as an opportunity for the future. It has given me a solid foundation of the surrounding world. I can now take the knowledge I have and apply it on a study abroad experience. I am thrilled that I took this course as a freshman - I now have years ahead to utilize this knowledge in travel abroad experiences! The course was informative because it helped me become culturally competent. I realize the need to show a respect for other cultures, to understand the potential differences in lifestyles, and to accept the opportunities offered to a traveler. I learned that not all college students display these qualities, forming a negative stereotype of Americans. At the end of this course, I challenged my future self to break the ignorance barriers.
Course Artifacts
In the first reflection essay, we were asked to write about the Journey Towards Mindfulness, based on the book, Becoming World Wise: A Guide to Global Learning. The focus was on paralleled and estranged strategies of mindfulness, especially when being a cultural traveler.
|
The next essay in the course analyzed the importance of ethnic restaurants in broadening one's global understanding. As a melting pot of immigrants and a salad bowl of culture, America is a prime example of enhancing this idea.
|
We spent a large portion of our semester focused on events surrounding UC's Worldfest. We were given guidelines for the project including attending events, researching education in different countries, tasting foods from an ethnic restaurant, and uncovering stories from UC students who were born in another country.
|
Finally, we completed a concluding paper reflecting on what was learned in the course and the further development of our global understanding. I recalled each of the books read and the extensive in-class discussions. I also was able to thoughtfully prepare for my trip to Montreal by recalling the facts from Exploring Global Studies.
|