Brief description
This module - an extension of IP 19810 - seeks to focus on what you might already know (the `headlines') and then build upon it (by looking at what is `behind the headlines'). We will identify a series of major contemporary issues in global politics at different levels - from the state of the world to global politics - and seek to explain why the issues are important, what are the main dynamics driving them, and what are their implications. This will be done through a variety of different teaching methods: traditional lectures, the use of video material, roundtables and debates. A number of other non-traditional approaches will be adopted, such as self-managed small groups, an open-book examination and the writing up of a group project. Among the headlines to be explored in this module - together with IP19810 - will be those associated with recent developments in humanitarian intervention, the global economy, developments in the United States and Russia, the state of war, the future of Europe, devolution in the UK, human rights protection, the international drug trade and so on.

Aims
The central aim of the module is to provide an introduction to the critical analysis of a wide selection of global political issues. The module will also provide the opportunity for experiencing a range of different learning environments.

Objectives
On the completion of this module you should be able to

• discuss a range of contemporary global political issues (their origins, the present state-of-play, their dynamics, and their future implications);
• be able to search for and use information relevant to particular global political issues;
• critically assess information sources (whether printed or electronic) with a more sophisticated understanding;
• compile a reflective log about the issues in the module in a self-managed group;
• organise work in a team context.

Incompatible modules - GW19910