Section 3. GLOBAL STUDIES PROGRAMS AND SYLLABI AROUND THE WORLD University of Graz and Other Eighteen Universities' Curricula for Global Studies: Comparisons and Improvements

This article provides an overview of multicultural and developmental curricula worldwide with an emphasis on ‘Global Studies’ (GS) curricula such as the recently founded GS Master's curriculum at Graz University, Austria. Based on an in-depth comparison, practical and implementable suggestions are made about how to improve such curricula in order to ensure highest and globally compatible academic quality. The analyzes conducted by over 50 contributors during 2010–2013 show fi rst that the Graz-based curriculum has achieved international quality standards by spanning multiple faculties, disciplines, professional roles, and perspectives regarding globalization. Secondly, suggestions for improvements pertaining to nine aggregated issues are provided: partner universities, semester abroad, interdisciplinarity, didactics and lectures, practicals, languages, electives, admission of students, and exams. The present 1 Almost all co-authors study ‘Global Studies’ at Graz University or graduated from this curriculum. Additionally, Lena Bader (holding a master degree in economics and in GS) and Gerhard Witz are elected student representatives since GS start in 2010; Silvia Fureder acts as study assistant for the GS curriculum since 2012 at the Institute for Social and Economic History of Graz University; Elisabeth Deutsch MA works in the headquarters of the St. Vincent Community accommodating and feeding daily over 500 people in their homeless shelters throughout Austria; Marlene Kottstorfer holds a master degree in Ethnology and works at the department for children, youth and family in the township Knittelfeld, Styria. Victoria Zotter at presently study GS or already graduated from GS. Dr. Christine Kapper is head of the Department for eLearning and Scientifi c Software Service at Graz University. Daniela Lehner is student in Global Studies and Geography at Salzburg University. Dr. Gilbert Ahamer is elected board member at the Austrian umbrella organization for developmental curricula such as ‘Global Studies’, namely the Vienna-based ‘Mattersburg Circle for Development Policy at Austrian Universities’.

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