Courses

GIST 101   Global Topics in Focus:* (1-3 Hour)

Prerequisites : Department approval; student must apply to and be accepted into related study away program.

This variable credit course focuses on a topic specific to an area of the world or global topics within the context of a selected area, either domestically or internationally. While the specific academic topic(s) of this course will vary by program, general information regarding the location(s) of interest will be explored. Students will learn about the intersection of the specific academic topic(s) and the specific location(s) of focus through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will reflect on their Study Away experience and their own growth regarding the specific academic topic(s) of focus, their cultural immersion, and any newly gained perspectives, knowledge, or skills via this experience.. This is a repeatable course and may be taken more than once for credit.

GIST 290   Global Awareness Capstone* (3 Hours)

Prerequisites : Department approval; acceptance in the Global Awareness Program.

This course will serve as a capstone for the Global Awareness Program (GAP) at JCCC, and will provide a culminating experience for students in the program to hone the skills in and understanding of concepts that they have interacted with and learned through their participation in GAP. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework, students will analyze global issues through the perspective of communities around the world. Students will analyze how globalization has helped and hindered sustainable development and draw conclusions between culture, policy, and globalization in the context of the SDGs.

GIST 101

  • Title: Global Topics in Focus:*
  • Number: GIST 101
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 1 - 3
  • Contact Hours: 15 - 45
  • Lecture Hours:
  • Other Hours: 15 - 45

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Department approval; student must apply to and be accepted into related study away program.

Description:

This variable credit course focuses on a topic specific to an area of the world or global topics within the context of a selected area, either domestically or internationally. While the specific academic topic(s) of this course will vary by program, general information regarding the location(s) of interest will be explored. Students will learn about the intersection of the specific academic topic(s) and the specific location(s) of focus through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will reflect on their Study Away experience and their own growth regarding the specific academic topic(s) of focus, their cultural immersion, and any newly gained perspectives, knowledge, or skills via this experience.. This is a repeatable course and may be taken more than once for credit.

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of aspects of the location(s) of focus and compare/contrast it with the equivalent within the United States or Kansas.   
  2. Analyze the specific academic topic(s) and the location of focus’s relationship with the world using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework  
  3. Negotiate cross-cultural situations by employing cultural knowledge to interact more effectively and appropriately with people who have been socialized in a different linguistic and cultural environment. 
  4. Document and measure one’s grasp of global cultures and value systems, evaluating one’s awareness of global interdependence through reflective analysis. 
  5. Each program will have at least three additional academic topic-specific learning outcomes, determined by the faculty leading the course.  

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Cultural Understanding of Specific Communities Within or Outside the United States

A. Examine the linguistic, historical, cultural, geographic, etc. aspects of a location of the world and analyze how these elements affect the communities of that location.

B. Engage with and synthesize various elements of cultural understanding of communities outside of the U.S. or Kansas.

II. Framing a Specific Academic Topic Within Context

A. Connect aspects of a specific academic topic within the context of an area of the world and the relationship with that topic and location.

B. Compare and contrast the specific academic topic with its equivalent in the United States and/or Kansas.

C. Each Program can include additional competencies related to the specific academic topic(s).

III. Negotiating Cross-Cultural Situations

A. Demonstrate cultural competence by recognizing how to interact more effectively and appropriately with people who have been socialized in a different culture.

B. Negotiate cross-cultural situations by employing knowledge of various other cultural beliefs, behaviors, and practices.

IV. Global Interdependence and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

A. Examine the specific academic topic(s) and the connection to the UN SDG(s).

B. Evaluate the global interdependence of the location of focus and the rest of the world.

C. Recognize one’s impact on or connection to the specific academic topic(s) and the location(s) of focus.

V. Integration of Study Away Experience

A. Expand on classroom knowledge by interacting with the academic- and location- specific topic(s) first-hand and reflect on one’s impression.

B. Critique one’s view of the academic topic(s) and/or location(s) of focus considering newly gained insight and interaction.

C. Develop a capstone project or assignment that catalogs the student’s academic growth in knowledge and understanding of the academic topic(s) of focus and location(s) of focus from a cultural standpoint.

VI. Academic Topic-Specific Learning Outcomes

A. Supplemental academic topic specific learning outcome specific to the program.

B. Supplemental academic topic specific learning outcome specific to the program.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

30-40%    Completing quizzes or assignments on readings and in-class/online material related to the specific academic topic(s) of the course not during travel
15-25%    Completing quizzes or assignments on readings and in-class/online material related to the specific locations(s) of the course not during travel
20-30%    Projects or assignments assigned during the travel portion of the course
20-30%    Capstone reflection project/assignment after travel

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

This is a variable credit hour course (1-3 credits). 

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

GIST 290

  • Title: Global Awareness Capstone*
  • Number: GIST 290
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3
  • Lecture Hours: 3

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Department approval; acceptance in the Global Awareness Program.

Description:

This course will serve as a capstone for the Global Awareness Program (GAP) at JCCC, and will provide a culminating experience for students in the program to hone the skills in and understanding of concepts that they have interacted with and learned through their participation in GAP. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework, students will analyze global issues through the perspective of communities around the world. Students will analyze how globalization has helped and hindered sustainable development and draw conclusions between culture, policy, and globalization in the context of the SDGs.

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. List and define the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and analyze each goal in a different global context . 
  2. Apply cultural and international knowledge and skills in various contexts. 
  3. Recognize and reflect on one’s impact and interdependency on, and responsibility in, an increasingly globalized world. 
  4. Demonstrate adaptability and humility in cross-cultural, multi-lingual, and international contexts. 
  5. Develop new perspectives on topics through careful reflection. 

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

A. List and define the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals.

B. Examine how locations of the world are addressing the Goals.

C. Identify international organizations, national organizations, or government agencies related to the advancement of the Goals in a location of focus.

D. Assess factors contributing to the degree of progress towards the Goal in a specific location.

II. Cultural and international knowledge and skills

A. Apply cultural and international knowledge and skills in written contexts.

B. Apply cultural and international knowledge and skills in verbal contexts.

C. Apply cultural and international knowledge and skills in virtual (online) contexts.

III. One’s impact and interdependency on, and responsibility in, an increasingly globalized world

A. Determine one’s dependency on global markets and industries.

B. Determine one’s impact on markets, industries, and SDGs in a global context.

C. Determine one’s impact on markets, industries, and SDGs in a local context

D. Appraise sustainable practices within one’s ability and control.

IV. Cross-cultural, multi-lingual, and international contexts

A. Interact with concepts from other cultural, linguistic, and/or global contexts through secondary source information.

B. Interact with concepts from other cultural, linguistic, and/or global contexts through primary source information.

V. New perspectives on topics with careful reflection

A. Evaluate perspectives from other countries, cultures, and contexts based on new information.

B. Critique where one’s perspective originates from and challenge accordingly.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

30-40%    Research papers
10-20%    Participation in discussions in class and/or online
15-25%    Assignments or Quizzes
15-25%    Class presentations
15-20%    Final research paper

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).