Welcome to the course

Everyone is a global citizen regardless of their background or experiences because we live in a globally interconnected world.

In Week 1, you’ll look at why global citizenship is important, so important that UNESCO has coined the term ‘global citizenship education’ to drive a movement championing the idea that everyone belongs to a broad, interconnected global community as well as to a nation or region. You’ll explore the concept of ‘culture’ and how it impacts our perspectives, before being challenged to reflect on a global issue that has an impact on you. You’ll put yourself in someone else’s shoes and consider if global citizenship – its rights and responsibilities – is equally experienced wherever you live in the world.

In Week 2, you’ll look at the legal frameworks that are in place to uphold everyone’s rights and consider why it’s so difficult for global issues to be solved by the world’s governments. You’ll investigate the role education can have, both in exacerbating inequities and in teaching the skills and attributes of global citizens. You’ll be encouraged to think critically about a global issue that affects you, apply the intercultural competencies you’ve gained on the course and take effective action at a local level.

Our Educators

Daniela Standen, Associate Professor, International Study & Language Institute (ISLI)

I am an Associate Professor and University Teaching Fellow at the University of Reading. I convene the Intercultural Competence and Communication module, and I spend my time between China and the UK in the role of Academic Director of Teaching and Learning at NUIST-Reading Academy. My scholarship interests include intercultural competence and communication and academic and vernacular literacy practices.

Dr Lucy Watson, Lecturer in EAP and Global Citizenship, ISLI

I’m the Coordinator for the Global Graduate Programme at the International Study and Language Institute at the University of Reading. My research interests are critical pedagogy, global citizenship and the politics of higher education.

Facilitation

This course will be facilitated by a mentor team at certain points during the year. Even if the mentor team aren’t active, you’ll get a lot out of this course by interacting with your fellow learners in the discussion areas.

If you’re new to the FutureLearn platform or have any questions with how the site works, you may find the Using FutureLearn page, The Crowdsourced Guide to Learning and the accessibility and inclusion policy helpful.

Now you’ve met the team, please introduce yourself in the discussion area below and tell us why you’re interested in this course.