The intensification of the globalization process is a very contentious issue which has implications for politics, economics, culture, the environment and ethics. Analyses of some of the most important challenges facing human society exemplifies many themes established as 'core' to geography: inequality; power; environmental sustainability; the links between ideology; policy and practice; and the contested nature of science. This module uses selected challenges to expose some bizarre anomalies in our contemporary global political and economic system. While affluent consumers enjoy a quality of life unprecedented in human history, millions of others continue to eke out a pitiful existence at the margins of society, in squatter settlements and refugee camps where access to basic amenities are minimal. . Increased affluence has been based on the exploitation of the earth’s resources which many argue is unsustainable, this module examines some of the most vital of these environmental-political challenges, including conflicts over the direction of development with specific reference to some critical resources , water, energy and food for example. This module evaluates the problems and potentialities of a globalised capitalist system with reference to specific case studies in the affluent North and less affluent South. Specific themes include: equity and sustainability in an intensely globalised world; .the impact of a changing global economy on biodiversity; corporate control and democratic accountability; conflicts over resources such as water and energy generation; opportunities and challenges associated with an aging population.

One examination [Learning Outcomes 1 – 5]
2 hours in length and consisting of short answer section (40%) and an essay (60%).

10 Lectures to introduce the core themes and perspectives (10 hours)
10 Seminars/workshops employing a variety of strategies to encourage students to engage with the material and each other. (10 hours).

The remaining 130 hours should be used to prepare for the seminars, workshops and examination.

Hite, K.A. and Seitz, J.L (2015) Global Issues 5th edition [Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell]

Harris, F. (2012) Global Environmental Issues 2nd Edition [Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell]

None.

None.

1) Understand the ideological nature of globalisation and the challenges it poses for communities in diverse contexts, from the local to the global.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, APPLICATION)

2) Demonstrate understanding of historical and contemporary trends in global governance to appreciate the politicised nature of many challenges.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ANALYSIS)

3) Analyse and evaluate the diverse factors which create and frame the nature of some important challenges.
(ANALYSIS)

4) Understand the contested nature of the challenges facing communities at various scales from the local to the global.
(ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS, APPLICATION)

5) Express and communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and concisely.
(COMMUNICATION, REFLECTION)