• University of Reading
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Living in a Connected World: The Challenges and Opportunities of Global Citizenship

Want to make a difference in the world? Find out what global citizenship means, and how your actions can create positive change.

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Living in a Connected World: The Challenges and Opportunities of Global Citizenship

  • 2 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Understand what it means to be a ‘global citizen’

As the world becomes more connected, the landscapes where we live and work continue to change. It is therefore vital that we embrace this connectedness to navigate it successfully.

On this two-week course from the University of Reading, you’ll gain a solid understanding of global citizenship and acquire the skills to live and work in an interconnected world.

You’ll explore what it means to be a global citizen, giving you a broader perspective on international issues to inspire you to take meaningful actions.

Discover the importance of developing intercultural competence

Understanding how our culture affects our deeply and unconsciously held assumptions and beliefs and the more obvious behaviours and values is a crucial skill in today’s interlinked world.

You’ll start your journey towards intercultural competence with the three elements necessary to be competent in anything: the right attitude, skills and knowledge.

With these skills, you’ll be better equipped to navigate multicultural settings – from your personal life to your workplace.

Explore the challenges of globalisation

Globalisation presents both opportunities and challenges. You’ll delve into the inequities and systemic biases that can arise from globalisation.

Through this exploration, you’ll be better prepared to advocate and act for a fairer and more inclusive world.

Gain real-world skills from the University of Reading

Through case studies, you’ll learn how to apply frameworks for ethical action to help you navigate the moral landscape of international law and human rights.

You’ll also discover how education is a powerful tool for fostering global citizenship.

By the end, you’ll learn how to take action as a global citizen to make a difference in your community and beyond.

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Culture and globalisation

    • Welcome to the course

      Thank you for joining us on this course. Discover what you'll be learning over the next two weeks.

    • What is global citizenship

      What does the term global citizen mean? Discuss how we live, how we work and how we learn in an interconnected world and what this means for you.

    • Culture and intercultural competence

      What competencies are required to be a global citizen? Explore different tools and techniques for reflection in an interconnected world.

    • Challenges to being a global citizen

      How can you advocate for a fairer and more inclusive world? Delve into the inequities and systemic biases that can arise from globalisation.

  • Week 2

    Rights, responsibilities and the role of education

    • Frameworks for ethical action

      What are our responsibilities as a global citizen? Explore the frameworks, global agreements, conventions, and treaties to protect our rights as individuals.

    • The role of education

      What can education achieve? Learn about meritocracy and cultural stereotyping in education and reflect on what needs to change.

    • Taking action as a global citizen

      How can we think globally, but act locally to become global citizens? Explore ideas for how you can take action to make a difference.

    • What's next?

      Discover the opportunities available at the University of Reading to develop your global citizenship mindset further, and complete a final poll to see if your views have changed since the beginning of the course.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Discover why today’s interconnected world requires us all to be critical global citizens. What would it take for you to be one?
  • Develop your intercultural skills so you can engage with other cultures and worldviews constructively and thoughtfully.
  • Reflect on the challenges of globalisation and practice analysing complex real-world issues that affect you.
  • Investigate the role your own education can have in training and developing you as someone who makes a difference to the world.
  • Take effective action based on deep self-awareness and understanding of different perspectives.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone who wants to understand global citizenship.

It will be particularly useful for those in higher education who are preparing for a career in a very different world to that of previous generations.

Who will you learn with?

I am an Associate Professor at the University of Reading and Director of Teaching & Learning of our Joint Institute in China. I convene the Intercultural Competence and Communication module.

I lead the Global Graduate Programme at the International Study and Language Institute at Reading University. My research interests are critical pedagogy, global citizenship and the politics of UKHE.

Who developed the course?

University of Reading

The University of Reading has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.

Ways to learn

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 21 Oct 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 31 October 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 31 October 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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