Designing subjects with an international or intercultural focus

What is it?

At the course or program level, we can promote global skills, awareness, and competencies by offering subjects that are international or intercultural in their focus. They might focus on an international context, a global issue, or an intercultural skill.

Offering such subjects as electives may be a good option for programs with strict requirements; however, they often benefit only a few students at a time. Making these subjects core requirements, or subjects in which all students will enrol, can expand the reach and scale of their benefits.

How do I do it?

A wide range of subjects could meet this aim, including subjects that do any of the following:

1. Focus on a cross-cultural skill related to the profession or discipline (e.g., intercultural communication in marketing).
2. Explore a regional application or context of the discipline (e.g., business in Asia).
3. Consider diversity within the local community and/or within the profession (e.g., inclusive practice).
4. Expand global skills or understandings (e.g., language and culture).
5. Debate current ethical issues within the discipline (e.g., human rights).

What does it look like?

Below are some subjects from across the University that are international and/or intercultural in context, scope, or material.