2006-08 THEME "GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AND THE LIBERAL ARTS" ANNOUNCED BY DEAN AND PROVOST AT THE DECEMBER FACULTY MEETING

In its mission statement, St. Olaf College challenges students to become "responsible and knowledgeable citizens of the world." In a world characterized by widespread cultural divisions, frequent political conflicts and an increasingly global economy, it is not always clear what it means to educate citizens. We have explored many aspects of our mission, yet we have not often reflected on the civic consequences of our teaching and scholarship. During the next two academic years (2006-07, 2007-08), St. Olaf College will explore what it means to be a responsible and knowledgeable citizen of the world. Through activities and events involving faculty, students, visiting scholars and the wider college community, several related issues will be investigated.

Fostering a Global Perspective Through Study Abroad:
Since the Senate of the United States has designated 2006 as the Year of Study Abroad, St. Olaf will use this occasion to reflect on the value of experiential learning abroad. We will seek to promote greater integration of on and off-campus learning experiences and stimulate greater involvement of faculty and students in the study of global issues.

Expressing Who We Are Through Language:
Language is critical in shaping our understanding of ourselves and thereby our interpretation of what constitutes a citizen of the world. We will consider topics such as how language influences our sense of identity and how we relate that identity to others, as well as how language shapes the social and political choices of our citizens.

Liberal Arts in Times of War:
Global citizens face a number of issues in the world community; none if more crucial than war. We will encourage college-wide reflection on the contributions of liberal arts to understanding, [a] war, its nature, origins and consequences; [b] terrorism and the war against it; [c] morality in the initiation and conduct of war; [d] "realism," "just war," "holy war," and "non-violence" as competing normative traditions in the analysis of war.

Civic Engagement and the Liberal Arts
The call to citizenship is more than a simple exhortation to "get involved." We face a complex world filled with ambiguous issues. The critical reflection of the liberal arts is essential to citizens seeking thoughtful engagement. The college community will be asked to consider the public purpose of a liberal arts education.