Purpose Of General Education For This Discussion
Purpose of General Education For this discussion, address the following prompts: •Provide at least three reasons why every student should be required to take general education courses. Explain your rationale. •Describe what you have learned from at least two specific courses (e.g., philosophy, history, or psychology) that illustrated usefulness in your daily life. For instance, what did you learn in history classes beyond just names, dates, and places? In literature courses, what did you learn about life, the university, and everything beyond the literary work itself? ASSIGNMENT: Reflecting on Personal Identity and Global Citizenship Review the Global Education and Global Citizenship video and read the article “A Model of Global Citizenship: Antecedents and Outcomes” by Stephen Reysen and Iva Katzarska-Miller. Please take some time to reflect on how the concept of global citizenship has shaped your identity and respond to the following prompts: •Based on the video, explain the importance of educating others on global citizenship. •Address each of the following outcomes of global citizenship as they pertain to the development of your own identity: intergroup empathy, valuing diversity, social justice, environmental sustainability, intergroup helping, and the level of responsibility to act for the betterment of this world (found in the article). Explain how your environment influences these outcomes. •Provide at least two personal examples or events in your life that illustrate the development of global citizenship based on the outcomes. •Analyze how your general education courses influenced you to become a global citizen. •Demonstrate critical thinking by accurately interpreting the evidence (scholarly sources) provided. Your paper •Must be 750 – 1,000 words in length (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. •Must include a separate title page with the following: —Title of paper —Student’s name —Course name and number —Instructor’s name —Date submitted •Must cite at least the two sources used for this assignment.
General education courses serve as foundational pillars in higher education, designed not only to deepen disciplinary knowledge but also to cultivate essential cognitive and social skills. Requiring all students to undertake these courses offers multifaceted benefits that extend beyond academic gains, shaping well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. This essay explores three primary reasons why general education should be mandated for all students, reflecting on personal insights gained from specific courses, and analyzing how these educational experiences have fostered an understanding of global citizenship.
Importance of General Education
First, general education courses promote critical thinking and analytical skills. These courses compel students to engage with diverse perspectives, question assumptions, and develop well-reasoned arguments. For example, a psychology course not only introduces theories of human behavior but also enhances one's capacity to interpret everyday interactions critically. According to Nussbaum (2010), such skills are vital for informed citizenship and meaningful participation in democratic societies. By encouraging students to analyze complex issues, general education nurtures intellectual agility essential for personal and professional decision-making.
Second, these courses foster cultural awareness and global competence. In our interconnected world, understanding diverse cultural norms and societal structures is paramount. A history course, for instance, illuminates the evolution of civilizations and provides context for contemporary global issues. Moreover, courses in literature expose students to varied narratives, broadening their perspectives. As Banks (2016) emphasizes, exposure to diverse cultures through education enhances empathy and prepares individuals to function effectively in multicultural environments. Such intercultural sensitivity aligns with the principles of global citizenship, underscoring the importance of these courses.
Third, general education broadens personal development and civic responsibility. These courses often challenge students to reflect on their values and societal roles. For example, engaging with environmental science content can heighten ecological awareness and inspire responsible behaviors related to sustainability. Additionally, classes that emphasize social justice or ethics nurture moral reasoning and social consciousness. According to Dewey (1916), education should prepare individuals not only for careers but also for active participation in society, fostering responsible citizens capable of contributing to community well-being.
Educational Impact on Personal Daily Life
From my experiences in history and literature courses, I have learned lessons that transcend academic content, significantly influencing my daily life. My history class went beyond memorizing dates; it instilled an understanding of historical patterns, power dynamics, and societal change. For instance, studying civil rights movements taught me the importance of resilience and activism in advocating for justice. This understanding influences my daily efforts to promote equity and challenge injustice in my community.
Literature classes, on the other hand, provided profound insights into human nature and compassion. Reading works like "To Kill a Mockingbird" deepened my appreciation for empathy and moral integrity. These lessons guide my interactions, ensuring I approach conflicts with understanding rather than judgment. Furthermore, literature's exploration of diverse life experiences has enriched my appreciation for diversity, aligning with the values of global citizenship.
Development of Global Citizenship
The concept of global citizenship has profoundly influenced my identity and sense of responsibility toward the world. The video "Global Education and Global Citizenship" emphasizes the significance of educating others about interconnectedness and shared responsibility. Recognizing that local actions can have global repercussions has heightened my awareness of environmental sustainability and social equity. For example, participating in community cleanup initiatives reflects my commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
My environment plays a crucial role in shaping these outcomes. Growing up in a multicultural city exposed me to diverse perspectives and fostered intergroup empathy. Witnessing disparities in opportunity and resources has cultivated my value for social justice and appreciation for diversity. Personal experiences, such as volunteering with refugee communities, have reinforced my commitment to intergroup helping and responsibility for global issues.
Personal Examples of Global Citizenship
One pivotal event was volunteering at a local shelter, where I interacted with individuals facing homelessness and poverty. This experience deepened my empathy and understanding of social justice issues, motivating me to advocate for policy change and community support systems. Another personal example involved participating in environmental activism, such as organizing awareness campaigns about recycling and conservation, which reflects my commitment to environmental sustainability and collective responsibility.
The Influence of General Education
My general education courses played a vital role in shaping my global perspective. Courses in ethics, cultural studies, and environmental science fostered awareness and provided frameworks for understanding global issues. These classes challenged my assumptions and encouraged critical reflection on my responsibilities as a global citizen. For instance, studying environmental policies equipped me with knowledge to participate effectively in sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the importance of informed advocacy supported by scholarly research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, general education courses are essential for developing critical skills, fostering cultural understanding, and nurturing social responsibility. Personal experiences from history and literature classes exemplify how these courses influence daily life and moral reasoning. The concept of global citizenship, reinforced through educational experiences, motivates individuals to act responsibly for the collective good. As global challenges continue to mount, the importance of a comprehensive general education becomes increasingly evident in preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.
References
- Banks, J. A. (2016). Cultural diversity and education: Foundations, curriculum, and teaching. Routledge.
- Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and education. Macmillan.
- Nussbaum, M. C. (2010). Not for profit: Why democracy needs the humanities. Princeton University Press.
- Reysen, S., & Katzarska-Miller, I. (2015). A model of global citizenship: Antecedents and outcomes. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 64(1), 1-24.
- Saitoh, T. (n.d.). Philosophy as translation: Democracy and education from Dewey to Cavell. In the Ashford University Library.