A lucid understanding of global political, social and cultural issues is a crucial part of navigating the way of functioning of any society. It is vital to contemplate how the Democratic Engagement in the International Context Module would step by step, provide the students with various knowledge and skill sets indispensable for critically assessing and developing awareness of international dynamics.
Firstly, the course could be divided into three aspects: learning about a chosen country’s social, cultural and political mechanisms, engaging with fellow students during the studies and the trip to the studied country depending on the present geopolitical situation and accomplishing the written coursework. While exploring various theories concerning global citizenship and other contemporary issues, students will get access to significant information, develop communication skills and grow confident with the use of scientific methodology.
Secondly, it would also be helpful to focus on the expectations regarding the coursework. This student’s work contains several pivotal elements. Such elements are four blogs, written during the course that our peers would review to supply constructive and nifty feedback, a ten-minute presentation that should cover the subject of our search and the report based on the gained knowledge and the trip experience.
While the presentation and the blogs would contribute 25% each to the grade, the above report would weigh 50%. Such a construction would ensure the students’ engagement during the whole study period while also allowing us to master diverse abilities due to being involved in numerous events, attending workshops and having an opportunity to enhance our writing and presenting skills. For instance, while the report would call for thorough scientific research – it would unlikely be adequately done without students engaging in discussions arising during the reflection on the blogs and the presentation.
In conclusion, the purpose of the Module is to cover the subject of education in a global context. It is fortunate that, along with future fruitful learning, the trip to the partnering country would also give us a detailed understanding of the different political, social and cultural dynamics.
Alina Maksakova