CGST 205 – Introduction to Social Engagement

This team-taught seminar introduces students to the ideas and practices central to strengthening one’s intercultural competence, in part through a critically informed approach to globalization. The course views “cultures” as porous, fluid, internally contested, and often overlapping–and yet still as vital realities shaping the lived experiences of all people. Building intercultural competence requires not just acquiring new knowledge but also practicing the skills and honing the attitudes that are needed to interact effectively and appropriately on a basis of informed, mutual respect. This course is a core requirement of the Global Engagement Minor (GEM); students will begin to work with the eportfolio that they will use over their time in GEM to track, reflect on, and synthesize the various experiences making up the minor.