1. Read about what constitutes a global problem in your course.
2. Find your passion. Choose something that you are interested in that is connected to your learning journal and/or professional plans.
3. Decide on a global problem topic idea and do some background research.
4. Consider the impact of cultural diversity on your global problem. Read the resources and questions provided in your course and do some preliminary research on how cultural diversity impacts your topic.
5. Complete and submit the Milestone 1 template: Topic proposal worksheet

Note: For detailed instructions on this assignment, refer to your course.

No idea what you want to write about? We recommend that you check out CQ Researcher, a database containing comprehensive reports on current, controversial issues.

• Go to CQ Researcher.
• Check out the Hot Topics (short reports) on the right and the Recent Reports (full reports) at the bottom to see what’s currently being talked about across the U.S. and beyond.
• Once you open a full report, you can click on Pro/Con in the left menu to see pros and cons of the issue written by experts.
• Keep browsing topics using the Browse options at the top of the screen until you find one that you’re passionate about, or;
• Search for your own topic at the top right of the CQ Researcher screen

Familiarize yourself with some background information so you are prepared to write about your topic. Background information includes overviews, encyclopedia articles, reports, eBook chapters, etc. Once you read some background information, you may better understand your topic and know which stance you want to take for your research.

Using the databases linked on the Background Information guide below, read at least 3 articles or encyclopedia entries on your topic. [You will need to include an APA citation for your sources in the Milestone 1 template]. Click on a database name to search it. We recommend starting with the Credo Reference database.

Don't forget to think about how cultural diversity impacts your topic. Consider the following questions:

• How does cultural diversity change or influence the problem I want to solve?
• How does my own cultural background impact my own biases and understanding of the problem?
• How does this global problem impact various cultures, groups, and communities differently?
• How do various cultures view this problem differently?
• Do all individuals and all cultures have equal opportunities to impact and solve your chosen global problem?
• Where and why are ideas about your topic minimized on a global scale?
• How does examining ideas on your topic from multiple cultures change the way you might think about it?