The world at the crossroads 1400-122TWATC-OG

We live in times of unprecedented change. We witness acceleration of so many processes, scientists proposed we are in a new epoch now – the Anthropocene. Many researchers also say that with our growing influence on global processes we might be crossing serious planetary boundaries right now – surpassing lines beyond which there might be no return to the planet we grew up on as a species.
The aim of the course is to build knowledge and awareness of global issues associated with planetary well-being and human population functioning on the planet. We will use the common modern medium – full-length film – to be immediately followed by a discussion of both the global challenges and possible solutions.
During the course we will watch together the most important films showing the world at the crossroads. Each of the ten meetings will be focused on a different issue – from climate change through biodiversity disintegration to societal transformations – which will be discussed straight after the film projection.
The topics discussed will include:
- Planetary boundaries and introduction to the Anthropocene
- How human-centred is in reality our “anthropocentrism”?
- Tipping points, biosphere integrity and ecosystem services
- Human diet and moving towards a new system of food production
- Extinction of experience and reconnecting to nature
- Our ghosts of evolutionary past: greed, fear and cognitive bias
- Conservation optimism and the visions to follow

Type of course

general courses

Course coordinators

Wiktor Kotowski
Barbara Pietrzak

Mode

Remote learning

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student
Knowledge:
- knows global and regional environmental, social and economic challenges and understands the mutual connections between them
- recognizes the problems and challenges of the functioning of the human population in the planet's ecosystem
- understands the concept of sustainable development and the need to introduce therein principles for functioning of human societies
- knows where to look for reliable sources of information and databases and can verify these data
Skills:
- asks critical questions and finds appropriate solutions
- actively participates in academic and practical discussions on sustainable development issues
- uses social communication methods in activities promoting sustainable development solutions
Social competences - is ready to:
- actively participate in resolving conflicts and conducting negotiations
- use new technologies and media in effective communication (online blog, film review)

Assessment criteria

- The active presence in minimum 8 out of 10 meetings is the precondition for passing.
- The assessment is based on mini-essays concerning the discussed films and problems.
- Assessment: These reviews / short essays (100-300 words) are written on topics drawn during the exam.

Practical placement

n/a

Bibliography

Films, their related materials, and internet sources recommended by course co-ordinators

Notes

Term 2023Z:

None

Term 2024Z:

None

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1400-122TWATC-OG in USOSweb