This module reviews changes in the contemporary world political economy and their implications for citizenship and sustainable development. One of the most important factors generating change is globalization and we examine the ideologies and institutions which serve to integrate all regions and peoples more intensely than ever before. Globalization influences patterns of production and consumption in every corner of the globe and consequently resource use and environmental impacts everywhere; case studies are selected to examine its very divergent outcomes in a very inequitable world. An attempt is made to map the various winners and losers in an increasingly frenetic global environment. The module evaluates a variety of dissenting perspectives to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses and to understand how they might inform politics and practice in the global, national and local arenas. The concept of citizenship is employed to help students explore how they might participate at a variety of levels and in a variety of ways to construct a more equitable and sustainable global community.

10 Lectures to introduce the main themes and perspectives (10 hours)
10 seminars/workshops employing a variety of strategies to encourage students to engage in the material and with each other (10 hours)
5 Advanced seminars with dedicated readings from the theoretical literature (5 hours)

1 x 2 hour examination (essay questions) [50%]
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7.

One essay 1500-1750 words [50%]
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.


Additional Assessment Details:

The essay will be an in-depth critique evaluating the core readings studied and discussed in the advanced seminars.


Formative Assessment:
Formative feedback will be provided in a variety of ways during the seminars/workshop sessions, primarily through the discussion of key ideas delivered in the lectures and key literature with both tutors and peers. This will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay plans.

University library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resources Centre, Internet and email facilities.

Clark, J (2003) Worlds Apart: Civil Society and the Battle for Ethical Globalization. Earthscan, London.
Baker, S (2006) Sustainable Development. Routledge, London
Sutcliffe, B (2002) 100 Ways of Seeing an Unequal World. Zed Books, London
Bigg, T (2004) [ed] Survival for a Small Planet. Earthscan, London
Perrons, D (2004) Globalization and Social Change. Routledge, London
Dodds, K (2005) Global Geopolitics. Prentice Hall, London.

None