Course overview
This course will introduce key issues in contemporary global societies. The course is grounded in sociology, global politics and international studies, these concepts, knowledge and skills will be utilised to provide an increased awareness of how contemporary global issues affect people as individuals, groups, states and societies and to educate students on how to become global citizens. This course introduces students to the impact of globalisation on individuals, groups and governments around the globe. The course is multidisciplinary - politics, sociology and international studies. It examines the interconnectedness of the world in the context of globalisation and provides a lens to analyse contemporary global issues. Central to the course is the question over what it means to be an ethical global citizen. The course explores the current global challenges such as global inequalities, human rights violations, global conflicts as well as migration, super-diversity and sustainability. The course also considers the role of global institutions and social change agents, like social movements. The course prepares the students for conducting research, analysis and effective communication in the social sciences and humanities areas.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically reflect on your own role as a global citizen
- Apply analytical approaches to interpret contemporary global issues and discuss different explanations for inequality and diversity
- Identify local, national and global strategic responses to global challenges
- Apply a sociological lens to a particular case study of contemporary global issues
- Use methods of argument and styles of writing appropriate for the social sciences