12 th Annual Conference of the Midwest Institute for International andIntercultural Education Illinois Valley Community College Kimberly M. Radek 8 April 2005

Integration of International Education Women in Ancient Cultures –Traditionally a western civilization course Retain Egyptian and Greco-Roman content Add American and Eurasian information –Interdisciplinary General Education class Arts Sciences

Objectives General Education Goals –To develop an awareness of the contributions made to civilization by the diverse cultures of the world. This goal seeks to deepen student’s knowledge and appreciation of the interdependence of the world community be examining various facets of the cultures of the world on the following levels: personal, philosophical, religious, social, economic, historical, and political.

Objectives General Education Goals –To develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally, and spiritually. The purpose of this goal is to contribute to students’ understanding of the importance of choosing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the options available to them.

Objectives General Education Goals –To understand what it means to act ethically and responsibly as an individual in one’s career and as a member of society. The purpose of this goal is to assist students in developing an understanding of the tools necessary to develop and evaluate a personal code of ethics and then to apply those tools within the context of one’s own personal and professional life..

Attaining the Objectives Assignments –Readings Warrior Women by Jeannine Davis-Kimball Women in Ancient America by Karen Olsen-Bruhns –Discussions Content Recall for Comprehension Introspective Comparisons –Papers and Essays

Method/Process Interactive WebPages/Syllabus –Map linked to readings, from texts and Internet sites –Discussions in WebBoardWebBoard Content related Current events that relate –Papers that link fiction and non-fiction and require outside research –In-class films and lectures

Benefits Attaining General Education Goals –Understand the Dangers of Stereotyping “Primitive” and “Less-developed” as loaded terms and indicate bias: Culture Limits/Constraints of assumptions: Gender –Understand the Philosophy of Equality Feminism as valuing diversity and not as a destructive force Science/Spirituality as intricately woven threads not as opposing world views

Benefits Attaining General Education Goals –Understand the Importance of Critical Thinking To be able to logically evaluate evidence To be able to identify how bias can interfere with a valid conclusion To see themselves as actors, rather than reactors, in their lives –Understand their Roles as Humans, Americans, and Global Citizens With privilege comes responsibility –To themselves –To others

Lessons Learning isn’t easy –Takes time –Uses energy –Requires skill and practice –Can be extremely liberating and rewarding

Student Response