Curriculum Internationalization at IUPUI

Definitions of Curriculum Internationalization

• Internationalization is the process of integrating an international, intercultural, or global purpose, function, or delivery of education. (Knight, 1999)
• “Rethinking basic course concepts from a different perspective using knowledge from other traditions, developing intercultural communication skills, and emergence of positive attitudes toward diverse cultures.” (Whalley, 2000)

Why is Curriculum Internationalization Important?

Academic Goals

• Strengthening liberal education to prepare students for productive citizenship, lifelong learning, and multiple careers
• Enhancing the quality of teaching and research through knowledge about scholarship and teaching around the world and the use of diverse theories, research approaches and cultural perspectives

Economic Goals

• Preparing students for careers that are potentially international
• Contributing to local economic development and competitiveness

Social Goals

• Enhancing students’ ability to live an increasingly multicultural environment in the United States of America
• Enhancing the development, excellence, and relevance of institutions in other countries

National Security and Foreign Policy

• Producing experts required to support U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy
• Creating goodwill and support for the United States of America in other countries

From Green, M. F. & Olson, Christa (2008). Internationalizing the campus: A user’s guide. American Council on Education Center for Institutional and International Initiatives: Washington DC.

How Do I Internationalize?

International Awareness
Infusing curriculum with international examples, cases, and perspectives
Goal for Students: Understanding that knowledge is not from a singular cultural base and that knowledge is applied differently in different cultural settings
Focus: General, introductory subjects
How: Include international origins and interpretations of key concepts in the discipline
                Stimulate interest in non-domestic issues and events with exposure
                Presence and inclusion of international students and their knowledge of their home countries
               
International Competence
Building cross-cultural interaction in formal and informal experiences of university life
Goal for Students: Communication and engagement in cross-cultural settings
International Expertise

More on Internationalization Strategies

Curriculum Internationalization at IUPUI

There are many ways to support internationalizing the curriculum at IUPUI.

Course, Curriculum, and Campus Internationalization Workshop

The Center for the Study of Global Change, the IUPUI Office of International Affairs, IUB Campus Instructional Consulting, and the Office of the Vice President of International Affairs are hosting an Indiana University International Learning Workshop on November 6, 2009. This one-day workshop (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) will be held at the Bloomington campus at the Neil Marshall Black Culture Center (275 North Jordan Avenue) and will provide focused discussions on various aspects of internationalization. Participants will choose a topical strand to stay with for the day so that they have the opportunity to intensely consider specific aspects, implementation, and the logistics of internationalization at Indiana University.  The three thematic tracks will cover the internationalization of courses, curricula, and campuses. Please encourage your faculty and staff to attend.

Register for workshop

International Learning Goals

IUPUI was one of 6 universities selected to participate in the American Council on Education’s 2004–2005 Internationalization Laboratory to integrate international learning throughout the undergraduate experience.

Global Crossroads Videoconferencing Facility

The Global Crossroads laboratory contains interactive video and audio equipment for face-to-face distance communications to support international learning, dialogue, and partnership.
Contact Dawn Michele Whitehead for course development ideas and to tour the facility.

In October 2006 IUPUI hosted the first Interactive Video for International Education (IVIE). See the presentations here.

Strategic Partnerships

IUPUI has comprehensive, long-term partnerships with Sun Yat-sen University (China), Moi University (Kenya), and Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo (Mexico).

The collaboration and interchange that results from IUPUI's comprehensive partnerships will enable students to gain a knowledge and familiarity with the partner university—its faculty, students, and home country—that spreads across the IUPUI campus, modeling the globalized nature of scholarship and science today while developing skills of cross-cultural exchange, reciprocity, and respect. 

Contact Ian McIntosh for more information and to get involved.

Community of Practice on Understanding Society and Culture

This faculty Community of Practice focuses on implementation of Principle of Undergraduate Learning #5, Understanding Society and Culture. If you are interested in developing curriculum modules or conducting research in this area, please contact Dawn Michele Whitehead at dmwhiteh@iupui.edu.