A portfolio (3500 words, LO's 1-4)


Key Information Set:
100% coursework

This module will analyse the relationship between the 'global' and the 'local' in terms of contemporary societies in both the global ‘North’ and the global ‘South’. It will utilise different levels of analysis - from universalising development and globalisation theories to more localised analysis - and ask to what extent the concept of 'society' and the nation state is still relevant in a 'globalised world'.

Particular attention will be paid to the changing relationship of different types of societies (e.g. western/non-western, post-industrial, advanced industrialised, post-communist, low-income) at the global level. At the local level however issues of social identity, difference and community will be explored. Attention will also be paid to the way in which globalisation has supported and encouraged the emergence of new forms of social solidarity, such as global social movements, and led to greater cultural diversity and interaction through processes such as international migration. The specific case studies and examples will vary from year to year but will involve combinations of the following:

The global environment
Global production and consumption
Global social movements and civil society.
International migration and refugees
Transnational crime and warfare
Global Cities

Cohen, Robin and Paul Kennedy (2nd edn. 2007) Global Sociology, Macmillan.
Conway, D. and Heynen, N. (eds.) (2006) Globalization’s Contradictions: geographies of discipline, destruction and transformation. Routledge.
McMichael, P. (2004, 3rd ed) Development and Social Change: a global perspective. Pine Forge.
Perrons, D. (2004) Globalization and Social Change: people and places in a divided world. Routledge.

Access to:
Blackboard
Powerpoint/OHP projection facilities
Internet and email
VCR/DVD playback facilities

1. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF GLOBALIZATION THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE ANALYSIS OF PROCESSES OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION WITHIN AND BETWEEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOCIETY.
Knowledge & Understanding
Application

2. APPLY GLOBALIZATION THEORY AND THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY, CIVIL SOCIETY AND POWER RELATIONS.
Analysis
Application

3. ANALYSE PROCESSES AND EXAMPLES OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY AND CONFLICT AS THEY OPERATE AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL.
Knowledge & Understanding

1. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF GLOBALIZATION THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE ANALYSIS OF PROCESSES OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION WITHIN AND BETWEEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOCIETY.
Knowledge & Understanding
Application

2. APPLY GLOBALIZATION THEORY AND THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY, CIVIL SOCIETY AND POWER RELATIONS.
Analysis
Application

3. ANALYSE PROCESSES AND EXAMPLES OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY AND CONFLICT AS THEY OPERATE AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL.
Knowledge & Understanding

4. APPLY THE ABOVE PERSPECTIVES AND PROCESSES TO SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL CHANGE AND TO PARTICULAR 'SOCIETIES' GLOBALLY.
Application

Whole group lectures, supported by seminars/workshops and electronic materials provided in Blackboard. Seminars will support students' learning through encouraging students to engage with the major themes and ideas introduced in lectures and through promoting the further development of subject and other key skills. In addition, seminars will support and guide students in the use of independent study time in order to prepare for workshops, and in order to fulfil assessment requirements. Directed study schemes form an explicit part of the independent learning strategy, requiring students to work on particular materials, issues and concepts. Students are also encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance to support their learning and/or to prepare for assessment as required.


Key Information Set:
20% scheduled learning and teaching activities comprising:
Lectures
Seminars
Formative assessments

80% guided independent learning activities comprising:
Guided reading and research
Personal tutorials
Preparation for scheduled sessions
Completion of assessment tasks
Exam practice and revision