Global Issues

The UT Linked Learning Community is one of the most dynamic features of the First-Year Experience. During the first year, each new student experiences a Global issues course and a First-Year Writing Course. These courses often share assignments, texts, and experiential activities, which are designed to broaden their understanding of the global community. The focus of these communities varies, as each professor selects topics about which they are most passionate. In the past, the Global Issues courses have focused on subjects as varied as the role of technology in society, global and local environmental issues, and the history of science after 1940. Whenever possible, students are placed into courses that relate to their selected majors.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the UT Linked Learning Communities is the Global Village Simulation. Each Global Issues class is assigned a country, and they spend part of the semester learning about their country's culture, geography, economy, and other features. During the simulation, each country is assigned a table where they provide information, displays, and food and drink from their assigned country. The simulation is an active and highly experiential activity designed to introduce students to the economic concepts associated with global trade. Each semester about 25 countries are represented in the simulation In addition, each country sends representatives to a number of meetings to interact and debate with other countries. After all of the groups have met, interacted with, and observed each other, a select group of faculty select winning countries for categories such as cultural assimilation, environmental protection, and good citizenship.