Academic Courses

Instructor: GSP Associate Director

Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Completion of or current enrollment in ALA 211 and admission into the Global Scholars Program for a second academic year.

Other course info: This course is required for students returning to GSP as Peer Facilitators. Students are required to attend an off-campus, overnight weekend retreat in late January. All costs are covered and meals are provided.

Notes: Students who have reached their maximum courseload and are unable to enroll in ALA 212 may explore alternative arrangements with the associate director.

Description: This course is an integral part of the GSP's global social justice course sequence. ALA 210 and 211 focus on developing GSP members' individual intercultural communication and relationship-building capacities within culturally diverse group settings. In ALA 410, students expand their foundational knowledge of intercultural community organizing through readings and case study analysis. Additionally, they have the opportunity to apply concepts and practice their skills through the completion of a community organizing project and active engagement in the GSP community.

What students say about ALA 212:

"My biggest challenge was getting over the fear of committing a microaggression. I got over my fear because we were taught that even though it is not okay to commit a microaggression, you can work hard to address any biases or attitudes you may have if you do happen to commit one. You can work hard to educate yourself and also apologize if you catch yourself. As a future facilitator I realize that I will make mistakes but I can learn from them and work hard to prevent them from happening again."

"It was really cool to see how my culture was represented and indicative of some of the behaviors I also show, and knowing that my parents are from an interdependent culture and that I've grown up in an independent culture – I think that is what played a big role in how I communicate." 

"I will carry these essential skills in my future academic, professional, and personal endeavors."

Instructor: GSP Associate Director

Credits: 2

Prerequisite: Completion of or current enrollment in ALA 211 and admission into the Global Scholars Program for a second academic year.

Notes: Students who have reached their maximum courseload and are unable to enroll in ALA 470 may explore alternative arrangements with the associate director.

Description: This course is required during students' third year of membership in the Global Scholars Program. Third-year GSP members serve on the GSP Advisory Council (AC). As Advisory Council members, they have spent two years in GSP developing their intercultural capacities as individuals within culturally diverse group settings (CG membership) and as facilitators of culturally diverse groups (peer facilitation or leading special projects). During their third year, they help organize GSP’s community of globally diverse members by advising staff on key program decisions, hosting signature community events, and chairing committees that reflect GSP's mission and values.

During the fall semester, AC members receive academic credit for their continued learning and skill-development by enrolling in ALA 470. This is a practicum course and is unlike most traditional academic courses. It serves as the AC meeting time and the majority of assignments are directly related to AC leadership responsibilities. In addition, ALA 470 provides a scholarly foundation for AC membership through the analysis of case studies of organizing communities, movements and/or institutions.

Other Course Info: This course is required for students returning to GSP as General Members. It is required by the third year for Peer Facilitators and Special Project Leads, though they may take it during their second year if spaces are available.