976001 Foundations in International Studies

The aim of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of international approaches and perspectives in regards to issues of contemporary importance. The subject is taught from various disciplinary perspectives, although with a strong focus on social justice, and regional comparison. The objectives of the subject are to develop effective academic presentation, research and writing skills necessary to make informed arguments within International Studies and to be successful in writing and presentation techniques suitable for the Contemporary Society and In-country Study (ICS) project elements of the degree. The subject encourages students to exploit multidisciplinary approaches to create a deep and shared understanding of key issues of international and comparative approaches to learning, to apply specific disciplinary knowledge to general issues of international concern and interest and vice versa, and overall to develop a sense of possibility, cohesion and enterprise. The International Studies student cohort together acquire an appreciation of representative theoretical approaches to the main forces in global issues: communications, media, economics, technology, politics, and social experience, sufficient to apply these approaches to specific cross-cultural and interdisciplinary areas of interest.

Assessment: Assessment tasks involve the writing of essays.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus