Wilmington College’s global education program seeks to lead students to a life of success and service in an increasingly interconnected world.
Why Global Education?
According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities, 96% of employers rate intercultural skills and 53% rate knowledge of global issues as important considerations when hiring graduates. All Wilmington College students will take at least two courses with a Global focus; these courses are available in most major/minor programs as well as throughout General Education. Students will complete their Global Education experience by taking GL 320: Wilmington Global Signature in the junior or Senior year. The Wilmington Global Signature is a seminar course in which students will examine one theme, area or period through the lens of social justice, Quaker values and ask how these issues form a part of universal questions that are faced by, and unify, the human experience.
With reference to Wilmington College’s mission, vision, core values, and queries, students will
1. develop knowledge of:
- the perspectives of cultures other than their own
- global issues, especially as they relate to peace, social justice, and/or ecology;
2. reflect upon the interconnectedness of the world and their own roles as engaged members of a global community.
“This course has had a major effect on my thinking; I have realized that I am a global citizen, and I can have a huge impact on the world around me even though I am a young college student.”
Global Education is an integral component of the Wilmington College general education program and graduation requirements. Fulfillment of the Global Education requirement has two components:
G Courses
- Every student is required to take two "G" designated courses, these can be satisfied either in the major/minor or through general education.
- The "G" courses strive to connect academic discourse from all disciplines with the ideas, concerns and findings of cultures, nations, ethnicities and belief systems from all over the world, uniting knowledge to better understand a global world.
GL 320
- GL 320, Wilmington Global Signature: This “Big Ideas” course is offered each semester and taken by students of JR or SR standing (transfers will be required to take it during their first term at WC). This course can take the form of a “great book/s” model, or focus on any global and universal questions faced by and unifying the human condition. With reference to Wilmington College’s mission, vision, core values, and queries, students will continue to increase their understanding of the perspectives of other cultures, global issues, and the interconnectedness of the world through in-depth exploration of global topics. Students will also reflect on their future roles as engaged members of a global community. Topics will vary.
- Alena Moore
"The opportunity to create and customize a unique service abroad experience served as an avenue to better myself as well as experience the world. I have invented a personal philosophy to always treat each and every person that I come into contact with with the same exultation and elation as the Maasai tribe bestowed upon us. Since my return, I have witnessed the effects that my travels have had on my job search and my professional pursuits and would recommend without reservation becoming globally involved in your community
- Erin Wollett, Class of 2015
“The opportunity to create and customize a unique service abroad experience served as an avenue to better myself as well as experience the world. I have invented a personal philosophy to always treat each and every person that I come into contact with with the same exultation and elation as the Maasai tribe bestowed upon us. Since my return, I have witnessed the effects that my travels have had on my job search and my professional pursuits and would recommend without reservation becoming globally involved in your community.”
Travel And Field Experience
Students are encouraged to meet Global Education requirements through study abroad programs or other international experiences. Study abroad or travel classes with a “G” designation may be used to meet the “G” graduation requirement, and some sections of GL 320 include field experiences. Opportunities range from short spring break trips to semester-long residential courses
Students who are interested in travel opportunities should speak with the Study Abroad Advisor.
REAL HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
“My time in Colombia gave me insight into a vivid, thriving culture that I still hold dear to my heart. I became a Colombian while I was down there and continue to feel a deep sense of admiration for that magical place.” – Carly P.
Students pressing sugar cane in the Monteverde cloud forest region of Costa Rica.
Global Seminar
GL320
GL 320 serves as the capstone to the global strand of General Education. With reference to Wilmington College’s mission, vision, core values, and queries, students will continue to increase their understanding of the perspectives of other cultures, global issues, and the interconnectedness of the world through in-depth exploration of one to three specific contemporary global topics in the context of a broader global issue. Students will also reflect on their future roles as engaged members of a global community. Topics will vary.
GL 320 Course Description:
This “Big Ideas” course is offered each semester and taken by students of JR or SR standing (transfers will be required to take it during their first term at WC). This course can take the form of a “great book/s” model, or focus on any global and universal questions faced by and unifying the human condition. With reference to Wilmington College’s mission, vision, core values, and queries, students will continue to increase their understanding of the perspectives of other cultures, global issues, and the interconnectedness of the world through in-depth exploration of global topics. Students will also reflect on their future roles as engaged members of a global community. Topics will vary.