Overview of Course

Welcome aboard the MV World Odyssey as we undertake a voyage of discovery to make sense of the world we live in, how it came to be this way, and our roles in making it better. Our journey takes us from the Global South to the Global North learning with and from people in eight different societies facing the intertwined global problems of economic inequality, environmental crises, and intercultural othering. We offer a comparative analysis of the many ways these challenges manifest across countries with vastly different economic, social, and political systems to spark bold solutions to global challenges. Along the way, we trace historical legacies of conflict, power, and oppression as they structure current events and systems, and learn about unique ways these countries are embracing emerging possibilities for a more just and peaceful future in the 21st Century.
The course is structured around our dynamic itinerary, with each academic module synchronized with direct experiences of life and culture in the countries we visit. Foregrounding wonder and curiosity, we engage with the world as it is and consider how it could be. We identify the immense impact of the climate crisis on societies in the Global South as well as new opportunities for collaboration, connection, and innovation.
Prepare to step beyond the traditional classroom, immerse yourself in the complexities of our interconnected world, and emerge with fresh perspectives and actionable ideas that can shape the future.