PTC5022 - Global Crises

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a knowledge of a key development in international responses to global crises, such as demography, health, environment, and energy, since the 1980s.
Critically review the effectiveness of policy in response to global crises.
Explain the impact on policy of media representations of these crises, 'common
sense' notions, and governmental strategies. Critically analyse the diverse and increasingly complex requirements of states in relation to a specific global crisis.
Negotiate and refine an appropriate format for presenting their findings and arguments to agreed standards and in a striking and persuasive manner.

Content:

In this module global phenomena, such as conflict, migration, pandemics, ecology, humanitarian aid, gender inequality, and energy supply, are analysed on a trans-national level. These issues are set in a context of the nature of political systems in developing nations, but the concept of crisis is not limited to such nations. Crises caused by terrorism are excluded from consideration here as they are covered in PTC 6072 Counter-Terrorism and the State.

The first part of the module takes a historical and comparative view of international responses to various types of global crises from the 1980s to the present day. Students explore what has been expected from and required of international responses and how various reforms to the ability and capacity to respond effectively have helped shape the current situation. It also reflects upon the public images of international crises that have arisen and their influence.

The second part of the module examines the contemporary crises: health pandemics (such as Ebola and 'avian flu'); ecological disaster (climate change, tsunamis, drought); and demography (economic migration, mass migration from failed states); persistent gender inequality, and religious extremism. This diversifying portfolio of activities, each becoming increasingly specialised poses challenges in relation to state budgets and requirements for cooperation and equitable distribution of efforts and costs.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Seminars/workshops will be the principal modes of delivery. Learning will be supported by material and resources placed on Moodle in advance of each session, and by 'directed activities': preparation and reading before each seminar as directed by the tutors. The focus of the classes will be on student-led discussion and debate, and the discussions of pre-structured case studies and debates will drive the engagement with the key texts and contemporary criticism.

Seminars/workshops
Hours: 32
Indended Group Size: 50

Guided independent study
Hours: 168

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - Case Study: the case study will be selected from a range of global crises pre-millennium. The case study form of assessment has been chosen for its ability to synthesise practical, professional, and academic viewpoints.
Assessment 2 - Group Presentation: the topic will be selected from C21 examples of global crises with guidance on selecting more recent examples, so as to evaluate the contemporary situation.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nathan Uglow
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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