Admission requirements
This course is only available for students in the BA International Studies.
Description
This course, which runs parallel to the Introduction to Area Studies course, introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of some of today’s global issues. Starting from the material provided by the course’s textbook, lecturers from the entire Faculty of Humanities will illustrate these issues from the perspective of the area and disciplines they represent, and in so doing nuance, question, and, where necessary, criticize the book’s analyses.
In the tutorial series that accompanies the lecture series, students will work together to digest all the information offered, by discussing the book and the lectures, as well as how these relate to each other. Also, they will be guided through the process of writing an academic essay on a topic related to the course.
The book studied is:
- R.J. Payne, Global Issues, 4th edition, Boston etc.: Pearson, 2012.
In the tutorials, use will be made of:
J. van Loon et al., Academic writing in English. A process-based approach, Bussum: Coutinho, 2011
K. Williams and J. Carroll, Referencing and Understanding Plagiarism, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.
Other materials will be available on Blackboard and in a reader.
Course objectives
After this course, student have gained insight into fundamental cultural differences and divisions between the areas of the world, even where they are intertwined by the common problems facing them. This insight will help them in making a rational choice for their area and language of specialization.
Additionally, students will have practiced formulating a clearly defined question, and are able to let such a question be their guide when writing an academic essay, i.e., an essay that meets the rules current in academic writing. They have experienced how to cooperate by participating in discussions, giving and accepting criticism in a constructive manner, and benefiting from the directions of their supervisors. They are able to make a realistic planning for their work, and to deliver under time pressure.
Timetable
The timetable is available on the BA International Studies website
Mode of instruction
One two hour lecture per week; bi-weekly tutorials.
Attending lectures and tutorials is compulsory. If you are not able to attend a lecture or tutorial, please inform the tutor of the course. Being absent without notification can result in a lower grade or exclusion from the final exam or essay.
Assessment method
Participation in tutorials, and an essay of 2,000 words.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used. Students are requested to register on Blackboard for this course.
Reading list
R.J. Payne, Global Issues, 4th edition, Boston etc.: Pearson, 2012
J. van Loon et al., Academic writing in English. A process-based approach, Bussum: Coutinho, 2011
K. Williams and J. Carroll, Referencing and Understanding Plagiarism, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009
Registration
The student administration will register all first year students for the first semester courses in uSis, the registration system of Leiden University. General information about uSis is available in English and Dutch.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Not applicable.
Remarks
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