Kalamazoo Times

At Western Michigan University, the course GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field, offered by the College of Arts and Sciences' School of Environment, Geography and Sustainability in collaboration with the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, aims to merge academic knowledge with practical experience through study abroad programs.

Students in this semester-long class are encouraged to explore cultural, historical, political, and social institutions in their chosen international locations while appreciating commonalities and differences among global communities. Professor William McQuitty, who teaches a section of this course, emphasizes the significance of this integration. Information about GIST 3100 and potential $1,000 study abroad scholarships is available at the Registrar's Office.

During a class session in Dunbar Hall, McQuitty discussed how objects have different meanings based on historical, cultural, and personal contexts. He referenced the artist Banksy, whose shredded artwork, "Love is in the Bin," sold for $25.4 million in 2021, far exceeding its original price. Students were encouraged to bring personal items to class to explore how meanings evolve over time.

McQuitty stressed the importance of understanding one's own culture alongside others. He advised students to engage in cultural inquiries while abroad, viewing it as an opportunity for lasting connections. The course satisfies the WMU Essential Studies Level 2: Exploration and Discovery category and is open to students of all levels.

WMU senior Molly Dixon took GIST 3100 in her first year. She connects the lessons to her studies and future career in Spanish, noting the value of networking and multicultural perspectives. Dixon studied abroad in Costa Rica and later interned with WMU’s Global Engagement Program (GEP), which recognizes students for global engagement.

Dr. Anezka Viskova-Robertson, the global learning manager at the Haenicke Institute, articulates the course's purpose in preparing students for international engagement, including internships and short-term visits. The Haenicke Institute, established in 1998, supports international students and facilitates global learning activities at WMU.