Scientists in a Global Context
CRN 25402 (FRS 003)
Tuesdays 1:10 - 2:00 pm
At the Education Abroad Center on 3rd and A Streets

Students in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences are invited to take this ONE UNIT seminar course that will:

1. Discuss current world events in the fields of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
2. Help you recognize the skills needed to conduct research and work in highly international fields where cross-cultural understanding, language, environment and national identity are major factors
3. Explore how an International academic or practical learning experience can be an attainable component of your degree

This participation-oriented seminar will engage the group in discussions about global citizenship, how it relates to your career plans and how to take advantage of the opportunities available at UC Davis for study/internship/research abroad.

For more information contact Jodee Ellett at the EAC.

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Draft of the Syllabus Click here for Syllabus in PDF format
Course Schedule:

Week 1: Global Science: How international is your field?

Introductions

Discussion: What are the recent changes occurring in the fields of environmental, agricultural and human-related sciences?

Assignment 1 (due Week 2): Reading TBA

Assignment 2: Choose a country that interests you and bring a news headline to class to share.

Week 2: Large Multi-national corporations/NGOs as Global Citizens

Headline Check-in

Discussion: Readings from Week 1 discussion

Assignment (due Week 3): Choose an agricultural environmental or human-oriented company or non-governmental organization (NGO) and research their ‘global citizenry’ efforts and report findings.

Week 3: Academic and personal considerations for studying abroad

Headline Check-in

Discussion: What are the learning and experiential opportunities available at UC Davis that might help you become a better global citizen and scientist? Work on individual study plan worksheet and discuss four-year study plan assignment.

Assignment 1 (Due Week 5): Meet with your major advisor and finish a four-year study plan with advisor’s signature.

Assignment 2: (Due Week 4): Bring to class two questions you have for UCD students who studied abroad and international students studying here.

Week 4: The student view of life, academics and studying abroad

Guests: UCD CAES students who have studied abroad and current International students studying at UC Davis.

Discussion: Preparation, Experience and Reflection on academic and life-learning outcomes of the students’ study abroad experience.

Week 5: Statement of Purpose Workshop

Guest: Instructor from the University Writing Program

Discussion: Considerations for writing a statement of purpose for study abroad

Assignment (Due Week 6): Statement of Purpose draft.

Week 6: Internship, research and work abroad

Headline Check-in

Discussion: The role of international experiential learning for agricultural, environmental and human science students.

Guests: UCD Internship and Career Center, UCD Engineers without Borders

Week 7: Discussion of Individual Study Abroad plans, presentations

Headline Check-in

Guests: Advisors from the academic departments and Dean’s office of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science.

Discussion: Discuss four-year study plans and review information required for end-of-quarter presentation including content and expectations.

Week 8: Presentations

Week 9: Presentations

Week 10: Final Discussion

Review

Grading: Your course grade (P/NP) will be based on (1) statement of purpose; (2) individual four-year study plan; (3) presentation; (4) attendance at a First Steps Workshop; (5) completion of class assignments and readings and (6) class attendance and participation. See grading and assignment sheet for more information.