Global Challenges module (PO12004)

This team-taught module introduces the key global political debates and challenges in the third decade of the 21st Century.

It delivers on this by examining two interrelated sets of challenges within the global order: the ideational debates taking place throughout the world and the main policy problems that stand in the way of ensuring a sustainable standard of living for the world population.

The first section engages with the dominant theoretical and ideological frameworks – and those which are gaining prominence in contemporary global politics. Through these, substantive policy challenges are viewed, giving analysts, policymakers, and ordinary citizens different perspectives on the nature of the problems and potential solutions.

The second section delves into modern-day challenges that affect various levels of society, including local, national, transnational, regional, and global spheres. It concentrates on issues recognized by the international community as urgent global matters. Through this, the section ensures engagement with academic analysis of politically significant topics. The key focus here is exploring both the opportunities and limitations in crafting policy solutions both domestically and on the world stage

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn more about some of the most important contemporary global challenges, and the future implications arising from them
• gain insight into the dominant theoretical and ideological frameworks – and those which are gaining salience – in contemporary global politics
• critically examine the interconnections between political ideas and the main material problems that form barriers to a sustainable standard of living globally

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• analyse the interrelations between key policy challenges and the ideational frameworks through which they are interpreted and debated
• understand the interaction of theory and practice, linking key concepts to the development of politics and policy
• further your critical thinking skills in reading and evaluating academic publications and primary sources
• evaluate different types of data (qualitative and quantitative)

Assignments / assessment

The assessed components on this module are:

• 5 Multiple Choice Quizzes (MCQs) worth 10% each- 50%
• essay (1,500 words)- 50%

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

One-hour lectures (two per week) that will provide an overview of the weekly content

One-hour tutorials (one per week) that will allow for smaller group work, student discussion and debate

Independent study is a requirement, encouraging increased participation and deeper involvement in the learning