Current Global Issues

Module title	Current Global Issues
Module code	INT0053
Academic year	2020/1
Credits	30
Module staff

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	13	13

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module will introduce students to a wider set of skills and knowledge that will help them with their studies in UK Higher Education. They will explore cross-curricula topics that will provide them with underpinning knowledge on a range of subject areas. Through the study of these topics, students will develop and be able to demonstrate a range of employability skills. Students will have the opportunity to conduct an extended piece of research connected to a topic introduced during the module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will provide students with an introduction to a range of topics and events, the study of which, will provide useful underpinning context and knowledge for their wider studies.

The module will also enable students to develop a range of key employability skills

Students will learn the skills needed to design, plan and complete a research project.

Students will share the findings from their research in an exhibition or equivalent event

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Demonstrate understanding of key events, debates, issues and concepts studied on the module
2. Design, plan and complete a research-based extended written project with all relevant supporting material

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

3. Demonstrate a range of employability skills including communication, IT, self-management, planning and organisation, problem-solving, teamwork
4. Interpret and analyse a range of information beyond mere description
5. Develop an ability to research a topic, extract and synthesise information from a range of sources to further identify, and engage with, key issues within the module's themes
6. Demonstrate an ability to analyse and critically evaluate texts and other forms of information

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

7. With tutor support, take responsibility for your own learning and work independently
8. Evaluate progress in relation to agreed objectives and to own learning, research, and performance
9. Share your findings with a wider audience

Syllabus plan

A two semester module for all Foundation students. In the first semester, weekly lectures introduce and explore themes such as employability, globalisation, environmental concerns, and corporate crime. This module utilises a range of study methods which typically include lectures, workshops, seminars, and self-study. Seminars ensure that key lecture concepts are understood and offer opportunities to discuss lecture content, text extracts and case studies. The course will enable you to

develop and evidence a range of employability skills
understand key terms, ideas, and contemporary issues
distinguish between fact and opinion, between what is relevant and what is not, and between opposing views based upon conflicting evidence
extract and synthesise information and formulate a response
practise the skills of independent learning and time management

Topics typically include

Environmental issues and their solutions
Crime, criminals and corporate crime
Social media
Identity and society
Education

The second semester Research Project develops and assesses your ability to create an extended, research-based project. The project, chosen by the student, will connect to concepts, issues or events studied in semester one. The project may be of an academic, practical or creative nature. Aside from the project, supporting documentation will include a Research Review offering an evidence-based discussion of the concepts and critical context which influenced the project, a Portfolio, including a project log, drafts of written work, a reflective statement, and a complete bibliography.

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
104	196	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Lectures, Seminars, E-Learning Activities and Tutorials	104	Lectures; Group seminars, workshops, tutorials and e-learning activities; Teacher led E-Learning activities; Individual and group tutorials
Guided Independent Study	196	Research for assignments and project, exam revision, project completion

Assessment

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Project Plan	200 words	2, 7-9	Written, Tutorial
Research Review	500 words	1, 4-6	Written
Reflective Writing	300 words	3, 7, 8	Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Project proposal and plan	10	500 words	2, 7	Written
Written Project	50	2500 words	1, 2, 4-6	Written
Individual Portfolio	40	2000 words - Content list provided	3, 7, 8	Written
Exhibition	0	N/A	9	N/A

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Written Project	Resubmit written project	1,2 4-6	ASAP after APAC
Individual Portfolio	Resubmit portfolio	3, 7, 8	ASAP after APAC
Exhibition	Upload poster onto ELE	9	ASAP after APAC

Resources

Key words search

Current Global Issues, Current Issues, Global Issues

Credit value	30
Module ECTS	15
Module pre-requisites	N/A
Module co-requisites	N/A
NQF level (module)	3
Available as distance learning?	Yes
Origin date	21/10/2020
Last revision date	21/10/2020