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Current Global Issues (Fast Track)

Module description

A two-semester compulsory module, Current Global Issues introduces key concepts and skills relevant to sutdents wishing to study a wide range of disciplines. In the first semester, weekly lecture(s) consider a broad range of current global issues, including (for example) Crime, Environmental Issues, Capitalism, Pandemics, Artificial Intelligence, and Globalisation.

The second semester research project involves the creation of a group artefact and supporting portfolios (i.e, Group and Individual Portfolios) of work. The project is an extension of concepts and topics introduced in semester one. Elements of the project assess critical thinking, self-evaluative, group-working and research skills, and the planning, designing, and creation, and presentation of an artefact (i.e., a day of Exhibition of Artefacts) which may be creative (e.g., designing and creating a 3D model/website, editing videos/podcasts, short films, magazines/newspapers) or academic (e.g., academic poster) in nature.

Module aims - intentions of the module

1. To introduce an inter-disciplinary exploration of key concepts of cultural relevance in today’s world. 
2. To design, plan and complete a group project (including an artefact) applying organisational strategies to achieve agreed objectives.
3. To explore key concepts of cultural reference on a global scale in an inter-disciplinary manner.
4. To work with a small team of peers in designing and making an artefact for a public exhibition, applying organisational strategies to achieve agreed objectives.
5. To evaluate artefact outcomes and reflect on their own learning and development during the production period. 

By achieving 1 – 5 above, this module could provide students with skills (i.e., transferrable skills) relevant to an undergraduate degree programme in a range of disciplines.

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. Identify, design, plan and complete a group project and achieve agreed objectives in a timely fashion.
• 3. Employ appropriate skills/technology/materials to create a group-produced artefact.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. 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.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 6. With tutor support, take responsibility for your own learning and work independently.
• 7. Work co-operatively and effectively in a group.
• 8. Evaluate progress in relation to agreed objectives and to own learning, research, and performance.
• 9. Communicate effectively in a format appropriate to this discipline.

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

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

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment. 

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to resubmit your Individual Portfolio. A grade of 40% will be awarded if this assessment is passed. 

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Suggested pre-course reading and viewing:

• Referencing guide: https://www.citethemrightonline.com/
• Education: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-and-training-statistics-for-the-uk/2020
• Crime: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zk6k96f/revision/1
• Capitalism: https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/capitalism
• Poverty: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn07096/
• Environmental Issues: https://earth.org/the-biggest-environmental-problems-of-our-lifetime/#
• Pandemics: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210111-what-could-the-next-pandemic-be
• Health and Beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPh7jE9bwcs 
• Artificial Intelligence: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/49274918

Key words search

Current Global Issues, Current Issues, Global Issues