Quality improvements in curricula for Global Studies

Abstract

Purpose

Based on an in‐depth comparison of 20 multicultural university curricula, this article aims to provide practical and implementable suggestions about how to improve such curricula in order to ensure highest and globally compatible academic quality. The recently founded developmental Master's curriculum “Global Studies” (GS) at the University of Graz, Austria serves as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an academic web‐based process of authoring and reviewing, over a dozen students and practitioners in Global Studies have compiled this analysis. Such an approach shows that education technologies significantly enhance peer‐oriented scientific culture. Further networking among universities from every continent, and their students, is also facilitated.

Findings

Analyses conducted by over 50 contributors during 2010‐2013 show first that the Graz‐based curriculum has achieved international quality standards by spanning multiple faculties, disciplines, professional roles, and perspectives regarding globalisation. Secondly, suggestions for improvements pertaining to nine aggregated issues are provided: partner universities, semester abroad, interdisciplinarity, didactics & lectures, practicals, languages, electives, admission of students, and exams.

Practical implications

The present specific recommendations serve as valuable evidence‐based and authentic input for quality assessment procedures at Graz University, and similarly for other academic curricula elsewhere.

Social implications

Peer‐oriented higher education profits greatly from student input that has undergone an academic peer review procedure. Such quality assurance is favourably implemented via collaborative education technologies such as web platforms with discussion fora.

Originality/value

Students as the core target group in higher education institutions express their own opinion and are valued as experts and stakeholders in a genuinely democratic procedure.

Citation

Bader, L., Bereuther, T., Deutsch, E., Edlinger, J., Füreder, S., Kaspar, E., Köttstorfer, M., Mautner, C., Rossegger, C., Samonig, A., Samonig, S., Schuster, C., Witz, G., Zotter, V. and Ahamer, G. (2013), "Quality improvements in curricula for Global Studies", Multicultural Education & Technology Journal, Vol. 7 No. 2/3, pp. 113-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/17504971311328035