Global Awareness Certificate
The current challenges resulting from increased interconnectedness of people around the world, accelerated climate change and, not least, the pandemic require us all to rethink life on our planet. If initially the idea of globalization was primarily associated with trade, technology and media, today this understanding is expanding to include rethinking the relationship between nature and culture. The awareness that we form a single unit concerns not only social relations, but the relations between all living beings and the understanding that we live on one globe in the universe. An overview of this requires a lively exchange between disciplines and people in different parts of the world to better understand global challenges, generate new ideas, and make the world a more just place.
The courses offered in the (non-degree) certificate contribute to making you responsible actors in this globalized world by preparing you to deal with the social and ecological problems of our time. To this end, the courses cover a wide range of topics and approaches. They also take into account diverse perspectives in terms of subject, country or world region, and gender of the authors both in the literature discussed and in the selection of case studies. In this way, you will be encouraged to prevent racism and promote peace and understanding.
The knowledge you gain from the (non-degree) Global Awareness certificate complements the subject-related knowledge you acquire in your studies:
- You acquire a sound knowledge of globalization and cross-border processes in order to better understand global interdependencies and interrelationships in everyday life.
- You will experience inter- and transdisciplinarity in the courses and in the discussion of the topic.
- You acquire inter- and transcultural skills for action as well as communication.
- You reflect cultural imprints and processes.
- You will develop your problem-solving skills by cooperating on an equal footing with international partners.
- You will be sensitized to global power inequalities and ethnocentrism in analyses of world events and global history, as well as in your own decisions and worldviews.
For the acquisition of this certificate, you must earn a total of 15 credit points. You must earn at least 3 credit points in the compulsory area and at least 9 credit points in the elective areas. The remaining 3 credit points can be earned in the compulsory or elective areas:
1. Compulsory area: Introductory courses (min. 3 credit points)
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.
Further information
2. Elective area (min. 9 credit points)
a. Thematic courses
In various classes, you will deepen your knowledge of specific topics in globalization debates and engage with theories and sound bodies of knowledge on approaches to inter- and transculturality, migration in history and the present, human rights, religious and cultural diversity, and ethnic aspects of globalization. For creditable courses, please see the list in the download section on the right.
b. Inter- and transcultural fields of action
In these seminars, you will acquire language skills, explore fields of intercultural practice and reflect on the conditions of successful interculturality and transculturality as well as global cooperation at eye level. In addition to these seminars, you can participate in other university supplements, such as the buddy program, language tutorials, and the like. You cannot earn credit points for activities outside the university, such as internships and civic engagement. The creditable courses can be found in the list in the download area on the right.
c. Student research projects
In these courses, you will familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of globalization studies in a one-semester seminar project using research-based learning approaches. These projects may be offered in two areas:
- 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.
- New Views of the World: The research project includes contact with actors and organizations that act globally, and possibly (virtual) field trips.
Please see the list in the download area on the right for the creditable courses.
d. Joint 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, you will 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.
For the acquisition of the certificate, no separate registration is necessary. Please take the creditable courses via the alma platform as usual. After course completion, please complete this application form to receive your certificate.
Please note:
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, e.g. also in faculties, can be found in the course list in the download area on the right. The creditable courses that are offered within the TCP Bachelor program can be found in the last part of the current TCP course program.
If you have any questions about the Global Awareness certificate, please contact gae@tracs.uni-tuebingen.de.