Description
The arrival of the millennium brought with it great expectation and hope that it would usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. The wars of the twentieth century were behind us, communism had been discredited and it seemed as if economic uncertainty was at least under control. Think again! Starting with the attacks of September 11, 2001 through to the global recession that began in December, 2007 and continues today, we have been reminded of the interconnectedness of a globalized world. For the next few months we will immerse ourselves in the international issues that affect us all either directly or indirectly. Be prepared, there might yet be surprises over the horizon that will affect the way live.
Type Subject
Optativa
Semester
First
Credits
4.00
Previous Knowledge
Objectives

OBJECTIVES The aim of this course is to analyze relevant contemporary global issues from a sociological and international relations perspective. Students will develop an understanding of events happening around them and the ability to critically analyze their actual and potential impacts. The knowledge developed should complement the contents of other courses and impress upon students the need to closely follow developments in international current affairs and how they effective business and the world political economy.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course students should be able: 1. Students will be able to identify major issues in international current affairs. 2. Students will be able to summarize the background of the major issues. 3. Student will be able to identify and discuss the different points of view relating to the major issues. 4. Student will be able to describe the impact these major issues have on business and the world political economy. 5. Student will be able recall case studies on issues related to international current affairs.

Contents

AGENDA FOR THE SESSIONS: Below you can find a tentative schedule, subject to change if needed. I believe that activity and reflection are important parts of the learning process. Therefore, every session you will be provided with readings, take-home exercises or activities or an assignment for the following session.

Session
Objectives and Topics by Session
Introduction to the Course
Introduction to Global Sociology
An Overview - The objectives, methodology, content and organization of the work are presented in detail. Introduction for Wellesley University MOOC - Introduction to Global Sociology on the EDx platform.

Part 1 - Provisional
Wellesley MOOC - Introduction to Global Sociology
September 23 Introduction
September 25 Discussion of MOOC week 1
September 30 and October 2 Discussion of MOOC week 2 and 3
October 7 and 9 Discussion of MOOC week 4 and 5
October 14 and 16 Discussion of MOOC week 6 and 7
October 21 and 23 Discussion of MOOC week 8
October 28 and 30 Discussion of MOOC week 9
November 4 and 6 Discussion of MOOC week 10
November 5 and 7 MOOC Conclusion

Part 2 - Provisional
Global Issues
November 18 and 20 Current International Issues
November 25 and 27 Current International Issues
December 1 and 4 Current International Issues
December 9 and 11 Current International Issues
December 16 and 18 Current International Issues
January 8 Current International Issues
January 13 and 15 Conclusion

Methodology

Methodology
The course will consist of two parts:
1) Sign up and complete Duke University´s MOOC 9/11 and its Aftermath. The classes during this first part will be a seminar type discussion and critical analysis of the weekly MOOC assignments. To understand these concepts, it is essential that required readings be completed on time. Classes are designed to maximize student participation and debate
2) A mixture of lectures, videos, case analyses, extensive readings and class discussions on gobal issues from Adrian Done´s book Global Trends. The lectures will be analysis and expansion of the required readings. Students will present research on the topics selected.

Evaluation

Your Final Grade will be based on the following:
(1) 20% - Quality participation in class discussions on assigned readings. This includes turning in any assigned mini-presentations in a timely manner. Failure to attend at least 50% of scheduled classes will result in 0 for your participation grade. Failure to attend due to documented long term health issues will be assessed on a case by case situation.
(2) 20% - To delivery at least one individual presentation or written paper on the critical analysis of a global Issue during the semester. Late presentations for unexcused undocumented reason will receive a grade no higher than 5. Ths will be considered your midterm grade.
(3) 20% - Participate in a group presentation on a selected topic expanding the issues covered in the MOOC. This must in include a bibliography. If you are part of a group presentation and do not show you will get a 0 for this part of your Final Grade. This will be your Final Exam.
(4) 40% Successfully complete Wellesley University´s MOOC Introduction to Global Sociology on EDx. Students who can demonstrate that they completed the course will receive a 5 for this part of the course, students who receive an Honor Code Certificate of Achievement will receive a 7, 8, 9 or 10 for this part of the course. This will depend on the quality of work you produce.
Retakes: If you fail the course you can take a Retake which consists of an exam and turning in any missing projects or assignments no later than the date the retake is scheduled. The grade you receive on the Retake will then be added to your original final course grade and the average will be your Final grade. For example if you received a final course work grade of 4 and received a 6 on your retake and you turned in all pending assignments you Final Grade will be a 5. If all pending assignments are not turned in by the date the retake is scheduled you will not be able to receive a passing grade.
CLASS NORMS - EXPECTATIONS
You are expected:
To Participate.
You are evaluated on the quality of your class participation. If you want to pass the course come to class with the readings, exercises, activities or assignments completed.
To demonstrate academic integrity in all of your work.
If you are caught cheating in any form on exams, plagiarizing or rehashing in exercises, activities, assignments, presentations or handing in work you did not do, be prepared to receive a failing final grade for the course.
Be sure your work is your own. You are responsible for citing all sources on which you rely, using quotation marks when language is taken directly from others´ work, and knowing how to use your own language to paraphrase a source. Use Harvard Referencing.

Evaluation Criteria
Basic Bibliography

Readings
Readings required by MOOC course 9/11 and its Aftermath.
Selected readings from Done, Adrian. 2011. Global Trends: Facing Up to a Changing World. Palgrave-Macmillan
Selected Reading from: Jackson, Robert M., 2012, Annual Editions, Global Issues 12/13. 28th ed. USA: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin.

Additional Material