INST2001 Global Mindset

2015

4.5

9 Units at Flinders University in any program

A compulsory core topic in the BIS/ a stand alone elective in Internationalisation.

For students who want to be part of international society, to shape their reading and writing to purpose, to understand commercial and strategic forces connecting developed and developing worlds, and to be ready to jump into a career without boundaries, this topic in International Relations is the place to be.

With a major focus on international awareness (what has become known as Global Mindset) this topic brings together two distinct lines of learning:

• geo-political, economic and historical knowledge of Australia’s major global trading and business opportunities, and
• how best to manage yourself and your career in preparation for jumping in, including understanding concepts such as identity, intercultural communication, strategic career planning, networking and self-development.

The topic will be taught as four half-day workshops, which encourage students to follow their own interests, supported by self-directed on-line learning resources and is recommended to students from a variety of backgrounds as a window to international opportunities.

This topic aims to:

1. Cultivate students’ awareness of the diversity of societies, cultures and systems of government throughout the world and their impact on/significance to Australia.
2. Give students relevant knowledge of Australia’s major global trading and business opportunities and strategies for application of that knowledge.
3. Support students to create a career plan, which incorporates strategic choices and personal development.
4. Provide students with opportunities to develop communication skills - oral and written - with special attention to communicating across cultural, linguistic, and disciplinary boundaries in professional settings.
5. Provide opportunities to rehearse appropriate research, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

On successful completion of this topic students should be able to:

1. Identify Australia’s major global trading and business opportunities and demonstrate awareness of the nature of their significance to Australia.
2. Apply their understanding of Australia’s major current foreign policy objectives.
3. Articulate a methodological approach to intercultural communication and demonstrate appropriate practical skills.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with international difference and its implications
5. Construct a ‘borderless’ career plan and articulate the strategic choices entailed.
6. Communicate their ideas and arguments verbally and in writing.
7. Identify their own learning goals and make plans, direct (or re-direct) their activities and evaluate or assess their own progress towards meeting them. This includes seeking appropriate assistance along the way.