The World in the Curriculum: Curricular Strategies for the 21st Century. Education and the World View, II

Recommendations for strengthening the international perspective of the undergraduate curriculum at colleges and universities are offered, and reasons for internationalizing the curriculum are considered, based on changes throughout the world and America's role in it. Attention is focused on the reform of existing programs and the introduction of new ones to increase the attention given to the international aspects of education and their centrality in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, consideration is given to the people involved in the programs, the way that the undergraduate environment can be made more global and international, and the way that undergraduate programs and the international facilities of the institution in general can better relate to the public at all levels. The following types of American higher education institutions or arrangements are examined: the university, comprehensive institutions, the liberal arts college, community and junior colleges, professional schools, continuing education, consortia, and cooperation between school and college. Among the possible approaches for strengthening the international perspective are evaluating the traditional disciplinary major or departmental structure, broadening major offerings, internationalizing existing major programs, integrating an international dimension throughout the curriculum, integrating views of scholars of other nationalities in academic programs, and establishing institutions specifically designed to provide training in international studies. Attention also is directed to the importance of second language instruction, study abroad and international exchanges, financing international programs, and campus activities and resources. A bibliography and list of resource organizations are appended. (SW)