OSAKA UNIVERSITY SHORT-TERM STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM _

Global Issues in Education

Mayumi Ishikawa (Graduate School of Human Sciences)

Cource Objective
   The course critically examines issues concerning contemporary higher education characterized by increased global connectivity, competition and collaboration. By primarily drawing on studies in anthropology, sociology, as well as comparative and international education, students deepen understanding of emergent conditions that surround universities the world over, such as heightened mobility of students and scholars, the creation of educational hubs and off-shore facilities, the prevalence of the world university rankings and league tables, and increased regional coordination and standardization of credentials and/or accreditation systems, so as to understand changes in the traditional roles and expectations of higher education.

   Students are encouraged to acquire situated and analytical understanding of such "global" conditions by learning relevant theories and becoming familiar with issues such as the marketization or commodification of education, neoliberal state policies, power and dominance, as well as status and class reproduction. Issues of wider political and economic implications beyond the higher education arena, such as the rise of post-industrial societies and the knowledge-based economy, are also discussed as a pretext to understand the larger currents of scientific development and the human society.

   The dynamic global challenges that universities face today are also relevant to the future careers and lives of students. The course is thus intended to cultivate social science skills for the critical understanding of the globalizing world of which students themselves are part.

Learning Outcomes
   After studying this course you should be able to:
- Demonstrate by citing examples how universities in the world deal with new conditions associated with globalization.
- Identify major social forces that define changes in the traditional roles and expectations of higher education.
- Assess the impact of globalization on local higher education and society.
- Apply theories studied in the course to explain phenomena related to globalization of higher education.

Requirement / Prerequisite
   The course is for upper-level undergraduate students. Students are recommended, though not required, to have completed relevant introductory courses such as International Education 1 and Food, Culture and Society (both offered G30 4th semester).

Course Content

Textbooks
   Reading materials will be handed out beforehand, and students are required to read them to be prepared for class discussion.

Grading Policy

OUSSEP _
[Index] [List of 2014:Fall Semester] [Prev] [Next]