International relations

Global Issues

Module code: L2006N
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Essay

A major newspaper once claimed that 'nation-states are too small to fix global problems'. What are these global issues? Can they be fixed? What role do nation-states play in creating and solving these issues?

These are some of the questions that we address in this module by introducing you to a variety of contemporary issues that inform politics globally. These include:

  • climate change
  • health
  • migration
  • populism
  • poverty.

Each year, the issues discussed are adapted to reflect latest developments in world politics. This module also gives you the opportunity to explore different ways of communicating your analytical insights by creating documentaries.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understanding of the range of problems and issues that define the contemporary study of Global Politics and Global Political Economy
  • Knowledge of some central debates and conceptual approaches in academic study of global politics and global political economy
  • Ability to apply analytical and critical frameworks to interpret contemporary events in global politics and global political economy
  • Development of academic research, and writing skills