When learning a language, students need a clear purpose. Students at UCD’s International Joint Colleges (Beijing-Dublin International College, Chang’an-Dublin International College of Transportation, and Guangzhou-Dublin International College of Life Sciences & Technology) are motivated to develop their Academic English skills because all UCD modules are taught through the medium of English. Even so, the introduction of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a primary focus of the Stage One Academic English curriculum has given them further incentives to apply their English language skills to addressing real world issues. Global Engagement seed funding has enabled us, in collaboration with teachers at the partnership colleges, to develop a curriculum based around the theme of sustainable development. The funding has made it possible to produce professional-quality materials and assessments, and students have already responded positively.
In Semester One, students study SDG 12 (‘Responsible Consumption and Production’) in detail. They learn about fast fashion, discuss greenwashing, and debate the best ways to reduce wasteful consumption patterns. In Semester Two, they conduct their own survey-based research on an SDG of their choice and write a report based on their findings. Following a pilot run of the Semester Two syllabus in Spring 2021, we have already found that students continue to be motivated by the SDGs into Stage Two, writing research essays on topics such as how the adoption of autonomous vehicles can contribute to achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and how to find a balance between economic development and environmental protection in developing economies.
We are confident that through sustained engagement with matters of international importance, students will both enhance their ability to use English to participate in academic and professional communities and progress into their future careers as active and responsible global citizens.
Please submit any enquiries to (opens in a new window)globalseedfund@ucd.ie.