Global Connections: A Transdisciplinary Approach (IL014/IL114) 2023/24

Description

Globalisation has changed our perspectives and experiences of the world through multidimensional, fluid and complex processes that interlink cultural, economic, ideological, political, social and environmental factors. In our increasingly interconnected world, the importance of developing, promoting and enhancing our intercultural awareness and understanding of global connections shouldn’t be underestimated. In the wake of counter-globalisation forces and the rise of the national populist movement, a rich and pluralistic appreciation and understanding of 'the global' will be relevant to all Warwick graduates in their personal and professional lives.

Global Connections offers a transdisciplinary approach to learning through an innovative blended format which encourages students to share insights as co-collaborators. Autonomous online learning, face-to-face workshops, and multidisciplinary group work guide the learning experience and are facilitated by specialists from a range of subject areas who are engaged in globally-oriented projects. Students are encouraged to integrate their own disciplinary knowledge; personal and professional experiences; and learning reflections as they examine the complexities of Global Connections throughout the module.

Global Connections is offered by the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL) and is available at 15 CATS to undergraduates from across the University of Warwick who are in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year of study.

Learning Outcomes

Level 5 (2nd year) – All students registered on IL014

By the end of the module, you will have:

1. Demonstrated a theoretical knowledge base and understanding of the complexities of globalisation and/or global connections.
2. Critically reflected on your progress, including its applicability beyond academia, in response to and engagement with module content, independent research, and collaboration with peers.
3. Critically analysed disciplinary/interdisciplinary boundaries (benefits and limitations) in addressing globally-oriented problems.
4. Referenced and communicated ideas in a way that demonstrates a familiarity with and grasp of professional and scholarly practice.
5. Applied an interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary approach towards your learning, including towards an independent research project.
6. Developed a coherent and informed argument and thesis in response to interrelated, global issues/problems.

Level 6 (3rd/4th year) – All students registered on IL114

By the end of the module you will have:

1. Demonstrated a broad theoretical knowledge base and in-depth understanding of the complexities of globalisation and/or global connections.
2. Critically reflected on and evaluated your progress, including its applicability beyond academia, in response to and engagement with module content, independent research, and collaboration with peers.
3. Critically appraised disciplinary/interdisciplinary boundaries (benefits and limitations) in addressing globally-oriented problems.
4. Utilised a range of sources to reference and communicate ideas in a way that demonstrates a distinguished grasp of professional and scholarly practice.
5. Critically reflected on and applied an interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary approach to your learning, including towards an independent research project.
6. Developed a coherent, informed and justified argument and thesis in response to interrelated, global issues/problems.

Module Structure

Sample Weekly Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Global Connections: A Transdisciplinary Approach

Week 2: Global Governance, Democracy and Colonialism

Week 3: Natural Resources, Trade and Commodities

Week 4: Global and Sustainable Development

Week 5: Migration

Week 6: Peace, Conflict and Violence

Week 7: Global Cultural Flows

Week 8: Health and Wellbeing

Week 9: Translation and Globalisation

Week 10: Consolidation

Each week will be delivered by a Specialist Contributor who engages in interdisciplinary / transdisciplinary work that is globally-oriented. The content that is delivered will come in two formats: a pre-recorded ‘mini presentation’ for you to go through asynchronously online (through Moodle), and then later in the face-to-face session on Thursdays, which will focus on active learning & discussion. You will also be assigned to a multidisciplinary team of 5 – representing students from across the university – and you will be asked to do a small homework task together each week, designed by that week’s Specialist Contributor.

This structure gives you the opportunity to explore the content thoroughly prior to the in-person session – first on your own, and then with a small group. By the time you come to class, you’ll be ready to meet the Specialist Contributor in person, and hit the ground running!

The Thursday session will be divided into two parts:

First Half: Facilitated by that week’s Specialist Contributor

Second Half: Facilitated by the Module Convenor

Global Connections: An official Learning Unit of EUTOPIA

As a part of this module’s learning experience, you will have the opportunity to take part in a cross-university, international project with students from different disciplinary backgrounds from across Europe. Global Connections has been selected as an official learning unit of the European University Alliance EUTOPIA, which connects students to engage with transdisciplinary, global issues.

Half way through our term together, you will be assigned into an international multidisciplinary group of students to complete a mini ‘Student Devised’ project together on a globally-oriented issue. This opportunity is special, as you will build an international network, experience project management across borders, and explore the process as a formative, pre-assessment activity that will inform your Assignment 2 – The Student Devised Assessment.

For more information on what this looks like, please see the EUTOPIA Global Connections Learning Community page hereLink opens in a new window.

Assessment

This module has two assignments – both of which are designed to develop an interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary vocabulary and foster self-guided learning based on your personal/academic/professional interests and goals.

Contact

For more detail on this module, please see the explanatory video on this page. Please do feel free to contact the Module Convenor, Dr Heather Meyer at any time for more information.