‘What is globalization?’ is a 3 credit points course that introduces students to the topic of globalization. In this course, students learn about the basics of globalization debates by taking a virtual tour of four cities (using Graveler, a serious game), exploring their history in the global context, four academic institutions, and the biographies of the diverse authors whose work they read.  

In a virtual world tour in the format of a serious game, you will learn about the basics of globalization debates. In the process, you will explore the history of four cities in their global context, four academic institutions, and the biographies of the authors you read. When possible, you will also meet exchange students from the cities visited or who have studied there. 

There are four different sets of courses students can take to fulfill the minimum 9 credit points. We explain each set below. See the list of all creditable courses.

• Thematic Courses: These courses deepen students’ knowledge of specific topics in globalization discussions including migration, human rights, religious and cultural diversity, and ethnic aspects of globalization. See the list of creditable courses.  

• Inter- and Transcultural Fields of Action: These courses allow students acquire language skills, explore fields of intercultural practice and reflect on the conditions of successful interculturality and transculturality as well as global cooperation. In addition, students can participate in other university programs and activities such as the buddy program and language tutorials. However, they cannot earn credit points for activities carried out outside the university such as internships and civic engagement. 

• Student Research Projects: These courses familiarize students with the fundamentals of globalization studies in a semester-long project using research-based learning approaches. These projects can be offered in two areas: (1) Global Issues on the Ground: The research subject is in the immediate vicinity of the students and highlights global processes and contexts on the ground, and (2) New Views of the World: The research project includes contact with actors and organizations that act globally, and possibly (virtual) field trips. 

• Join Projects: These courses are offered in partnership with other universities in Germany, in the CIVIS network or abroad and include some form of exchange. They also include short-term course programs such as Spring, Summer or Winter Schools. In these courses, students gain insights into the various effects of globalization processes and will be prepared for future cooperation with partners in Germany and abroad by developing intercultural and social skills.

Only courses that are not already credited in your subject studies can be credited for the certificate (i.e., double crediting is not possible). Therefore, if you are interested, please always indicate which subject you are studying, which courses you have already completed or would like to complete, and send a copy of your Transcript of Records. However, the application for the certificate can only be made via the application form. 

An overview of the creditable courses can be found in the list of creditable courses. The creditable courses that are offered within the TCP Bachelor program can be found in the last part of the current TCP course program. 

To receive your certificate, no separate registration is necessary. Please take the creditable courses via the Alma platform. After course completion, please complete this application form to receive your certificate.