Curso 2023/2024 | guias.usal.es

Curso Académico 2023-24

GLOBAL SOCIETY

Estudios Globales / Global Studies

1. Subject Information

(Date last modified: 13-03-24 13:02)

Code: 140500
Plan: 405
ECTS: 6.00

Type
Year: 1
Duration: First semester

Language: ENGLISH

Area: -

Departament: -

Virtual platform: Campus Virtual de la Universidad de Salamanca

Professor Information

Profesor/Profesora: Zakaria Sajir
Group/s: Único

Centre: Fac. Derecho

Office: 415

Office hours: Under request by email

Web address: http://campus.usal.es/~acpa/

E-mail: zakaria.sajir@usal.es
Phone: -

2. Association of the subject matter within the study plan

Curricular area to which the subject matter pertains.

Sociology

Purpose of the subject within the curricular area and study plan.

Mandatory

Professional profile.

Undergraduate students

3. Prerequisites

There are no specific or extra requirements to take this course.

4. Learning objectives

This course is designed to immerse students in the multifaceted field of Global Society, presenting a panorama of its current debates, challenges, and transformations. While not exhaustively covering all facets, the course aims to equip students with analytical tools, both theoretical and empirical, that they'll use to critically engage with global phenomena.

Course Objectives:

●Grasp foundational concepts and theories central to understanding global societal structures and their evolution.

●Analyze and discuss the diverse challenges, from environmental concerns to digital divides, that global societies face.

●Develop a critical understanding of both opportunities and threats presented by globalization.

●Acquire tools for empirical analysis that provide insights into various global societal phenomena.

●Engage constructively in debates and discussions, formulating informed perspectives on global issues.

5. Contents

Theory.

The course dives into the topics of Global Society from a multidisciplinary lens, including sociology, economics, politics, and more. Throughout the theoretical sessions, students will familiarize themselves with central concepts, theories, and the current debates in the field.

Overview of Global Studies and its Relevance Today
The Roots of Globalization
Global Governance from Above and Below
Rise of Populism and Threats to Democracy
Globalization and Security
Global Migration, Mobility, and Cultural Exchange
Health Disparities in a Global Context - Spotlight on COVID-19
Climate Change, Degradation, and Ethical Consumption
Global Culture, Cultural Homogenization, and Cultural Diversity
Digital Revolution and Digital Divide
Global Urban Networks and the Changing Notion of Belonging
Gender and Sexuality in a Global Perspective
The Future of Labor in Global Societies

Practice.

Practical sessions are designed to offer hands-on experience in analyzing empirical studies, encouraging discussions on various global societal issues. Each session, coupled with multimedia insights, enables students to contextualize theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

6. Competences acquired

Basic / General.

BASIC

Upon completion of the course on Global Migrations, Human Trafficking, and Refugees, students will be deeply entrenched in an active learning process. They will harness the ability to critically analyze global challenges using various perspectives, notably through understanding the fundamentals of international law (C1) and the primary approaches and legal underpinnings of International Relations (C2). Further enriching their perspective, students will comprehend the roles and structures of international organizations, with a special emphasis on the European Union (C3).

Moreover, they will be adept at recognizing the evolving facets of states, their institutions, and legitimacy (C6), as well as identifying global threats to economic, political, and social stability, both regionally and globally (C11). Equipped with this knowledge, they can craft compelling arguments grounded in the discipline, substantiated by their ability to collate and interpret relevant data (H1, H2). This critical reasoning and data interpretation will empower them to make insightful judgments within the broader multidisciplinary context of Global Migrations, Human Trafficking, and Refugees.

Furthermore, their refined skills will be indispensable for those intrigued by the prospect of pursuing postgraduate studies or advancing in their respective careers.

GENERAL

GS1. To apply the acquired knowledge to solve specific problems in new or unknown environments, within a wider (or multidisciplinary) contexts.

GS2. To know and apply several research methods in the area of social sciences with the purpose of analyzing problems linked to their area of expertise.

GS3. To develop organizational skills, task planning and project coordination, in order to foster teamwork.

GS4. To develop a set of skills to design and implement plans and problem-solving programs, from a global and multidisciplinary perspective.

Specific.

Diving deeper into the nuances, students will discern the historical elements of social and political processes, essential for comprehending the dynamics of democracy and public opinion (C10). Their grasp on international collective action (C15) will enable them to recognize and outline contexts surrounding global migrations and refugees. Their proficiency in various data analysis techniques (H3, H4, H16) will allow them to assess and elucidate these contexts with precision.

Their acquired skills and competencies will not only make them experts in the field but will also prime them for success in various roles, fostering continuous autonomous learning (H10) and promoting effective teamwork (H11).

7. Teaching methods

The pedagogical approach for this "Global Society" course is designed to be interactive and dynamic, ensuring that students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but are active contributors to the learning process. While various methodologies are employed, they all share the common goal of promoting critical thinking and fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted global society.

Lectures: The initial sessions of the course will be predominantly lecture-based. These lectures, led by the professor, will introduce foundational concepts, theories, and perspectives that are vital for a holistic understanding of global society. To keep lectures engaging, multimedia elements, including videos and infographics, might be incorporated.

Seminars: The core of this course operates on a seminar format. This approach necessitates student participation, where they will have opportunities to present on assigned topics, contribute to debates, and critically engage with readings and case studies. Given the seminar-style, active involvement is not only encouraged but is essential for the comprehensive development of the course.

Group Discussions: Regular group discussions serve as platforms for students to share insights, challenge viewpoints, and collaboratively analyze the complexities of global societal issues. These sessions aim to replicate real-world scenarios where diverse opinions converge, and consensus must be reached.

Case Studies: To ground theoretical concepts in practical realities, select sessions will delve into case studies. These cases, sourced from various regions and contexts, offer students a chance to apply their analytical skills in understanding specific global society phenomena.

Multimedia Integration: Recognizing the richness of visual aids, multimedia elements such as documentaries, podcasts, and interactive simulations will be seamlessly integrated. These materials provide alternate perspectives and supplement traditional teaching techniques.

Tutorials: Periodic tutorials are scheduled to address any concerns, provide clarifications, or delve deeper into topics that warrant extended discussion. These sessions are beneficial for students seeking personalized feedback or those looking to engage in advanced discussions.

In essence, while the professor plays a pivotal role in guiding the course's trajectory, the shared responsibility of learning rests on every student. Participation, both in terms of quality and frequency, is integral to the course's success and will constitute a significant portion of the assessment.

8. Anticipated distribution of the use of the different teaching methods

Anticipated distribution of the use of the different teaching methods (Fecha: 13-03-24)

9. Resources

Reference books.

Turner, Bryan (ed.), (2010). The Routledge International Handbook of Globalization Studies. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Juergensmeyer, M., Sassen, S., Steger, M.B. & Faessel, V. (Eds.) (2019). The Oxford handbook of global studies. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Mathews, Ribeiro, G. L., & Vega, C. A. (2012). Globalization from Below: The World’s Other Economy. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Other bibliographic references, electronic or other types of resources.

Additional references: to be provided at the start of the semester

10. Assessment

General considerations.

Assessment in this course is not only instrumental for enhancing learning but also serves as a motivation for students to diligently prepare and engage in each session.

Assessment criteria.

The evaluation strategy employs a continuous assessment model throughout the semester, based on the following components:

●Class Participation and Individual Exercises (30%)

●Written Examination (40%)

●Group Research Project (30%)

. Students who accumulate more than 4 unexcused absences have the option to sit for a comprehensive written examination in the class.

Assessment tools.