What Can I Do with This Class? Building Employment-Related Skills in International Relations Courses. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biswas, Bidisha; Haufler, Virginia
• Is Part Of: Journal of political science education. Volume 16:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Active learning -- international relations -- skills -- employment; Political science -- Study and teaching (Higher); 320.0711
• DOI: 10.1080/15512169.2018.1515634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1551-2169

Abstract

Abstract: Critics contend that current college graduates lack necessary skills for the workplace. What are the aptitudes that employers seek? How can classroom instruction and assessment help develop these capacities, particularly in an international relations class? Numerous surveys of employers indicate they value cross-cutting "soft" skills—such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. Contrary to the views of critics, these skills are often taught in political science courses. Unfortunately, we are rarely explicit about stating the skills as learning outcomes or linking them directly to assignments. We argue that instructors should be more intentional in proposing learning outcomes and assessments that link academic content to the specific skills that will be useful for students' future professional lives.