The field trip to Istanbul presents a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of the Politics and Development in the Middle East module through immersive, firsthand learning. Istanbul’s historical role as a bridge between Europe and Asia and its complex layers of politics, religion, and commerce makes it an invaluable setting to explore regional dynamics...
A key interest of mine lies in exploring Turkey’s influence as a central actor in the Middle East and understanding the multi-faceted factors that encompass development in modern Turkey. Falling at a crossroads between East and West, this trip to Istanbul presents an enriching opportunity to enhance my knowledge of its development and apply what...
Exploring the Crossroads: An Immersive Journey into Istanbul’s Living History As a country at the crossroads of East and West, the upcoming field trip to Istanbul, Turkey, offers a unique opportunity to connect classroom theories with real-world experiences. With Istanbul as a living classroom, the trip will not only be an immersive experience that is...
Growing up in France, my understanding of the Middle East was primarily shaped by a limited educational perspective, focusing almost exclusively on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a geopolitical angle. This focus left much of the region’s complexity and cultural diversity unexplored. Since coming to university, however, I have gained a broader, more nuanced understanding. The...
Over the past few weeks, sessions 2, 3, and 4 provided invaluable insights that have enhanced my understanding of democratic engagement within an international context. Although the topics covered were predominantly scientific, they hold relevance for my course in International Relations, particularly in developing a broader, culturally inclusive perspective. In Week 2, the discussion on...
The “Democratic Engagement in an International Context” course has provided valuable insights through its first three weeks of workshops, each focusing on distinct but interconnected themes. In Week 2, Dr. Kalpana Surendranath introduced the concept of CRISPR technology; in Week 3, Dr. Andy Pitchford examined the “McDonaldization” of education; and in Week 4, Dr. Pooja...
In Week 2, we examined the ethics of CRISPR technology and how to engage various communities in discussions about it, which is particularly relevant to my course, English Language and Global Communications. Ethics plays a crucial role in global communication, as we are learning to build trust and foster effective interactions between communities worldwide. During...
In sessions 2, 3, and 4, we explored various topics, all centered around the overarching theme of innovative education – education that stimulates, encourages interaction, and fosters engagement. Initially, I struggled to see the connection between these lessons and the broader topic of development in Vietnam. However, as the weeks progressed, it became much clearer....
Innovation against standardization, the long-lasting dispute of rigid one-size-fits-all structures against fostering creativity and authentic learning for a tangible social impact. In a rapidly globalizing world, the intersection of education, innovation, and sustainability is increasingly complex, revealing both potential and tension across cultural contexts. During the first four weeks of the course Democratic Engagement in...
My name is Nawapon Sakulpan, and I am a student in international relations in the BA (political science) program at Kasetsart University. My early interest in the historical relations of countries, particularly involving the Arab world, was sparked by games, films, and documentaries. Over time, I realised that the portrayal of conflicts often carries biases...
My name is Pichapa Rungrueang, and I am a fourth-year student at Kasetsart University in the Faculty of Social Sciences, majoring in International Relations within the Department of Political Science. I am honoured and delighted to have the opportunity to study Politics and Development in the Middle East course at Westminster University. I am also...
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country bordered by Cambodia, Laos, and China and currently has a total population of 100 million in an area of about 300,000 square kilometres. After the Vietnam war, Vietnam experienced an economic boom in the late 1980s, increasing urbanisation, globalisation, and industrialisation. While the country is known for its scenic...