Brief description
This module 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 IP19910 - 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. In addition to looking behind the headlines, the module will also introduce you to a set of study skills that will be essential for all modules in the department.

Aims
The module has two central aims. The first is to provide an introduction to the critical analysis of a wide selection of global political issues. The second is to introduce a set of study skills, and provide the opportunity for employing them in 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);
• use a range of explicit study skills 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 - GW19810