The above Learning Outcomes are specific to the course Situated Analysis of Global Connections, and relate to a mix of practical skills and higher order thinking that you will be developing. During class, you will also be engaged in developing a range of MSc level skills. These include your abilities in: summarizing and breaking down sophisticated texts, synthesizing and integrating ideas from different schools of thought, diagramming the interrelationships between concepts, exploring your own interests relative to this field of study, organizing and planning your own work. Core texts unite the class, and groupings allow focus within the specialization on particular themes (e.g. Green concerns). You will be writing critically engaged texts of your own, something that will build on, test and develop your existing skills of expression. Perhaps more importantly, this class is invested in supporting your capacity to think independently and creatively. Openness to thinking through the important contributions that are made by social sciences to analyzing, comprehending, and engaging with the challenges of the contemporary world is welcomed. The course is taught intensively over six, full-day Monday seminars during the first seven weeks of the semester, from Monday January 26th to March 2nd. It is designed this way so that the remainder of the semester can be dedicated to writing, discussion and reflection. During the intensive, each week addresses a different theme in the course. Sessions are based on a seminar style teaching, which comprises lectures as well as mandatory student presentations. From March 2nd, Phase II begins. Monthly workshops to support research, reflection and the development of written texts. Films are used to spark debate. Student participation is essential to the course, and you will be asked to read carefully, prepare thoughtful questions and small texts, listen and respond to one another’s comments. You will be supported in this by both the course manager and the TA, and you will have much richer class discussions as a result of good preparation!
A ten page paper based on a small independent research project conducted during the semester. The paper will identify and undertake a situated analysis of a research field or topic relevant to the course, demonstrating an understanding of core themes covered by the course and the ability to put this understanding into practice. The paper will include an empirical research element to be agreed with the course manager (e.g. ethnographic analysis of an incident, situation or object; an interview with an expert or practitioner working in the chosen field).