Global problems in the contemporary world 1900-GPCW-OG

The course presents contemporary, global problems from different perspectives (environmental, political, cultural, socio-economic). The course is conducted by several lecturers - specialists in various topics.

The course provides knowledge about the most important environmental issues, e.g. transboundary movement of hazardous waste (hazardous waste law in the world and in Europe, main transportation routes of hazardous waste, problem of landfills and recycling of electronic waste in Asia and Africa), invasive alien species (definitions, characteristics and examples of invasive species in the world, pathways of intentional and unintentional introduction and spread of invasive alien species), habitat destruction, rhino horn illicit trade and ivory illicit trade (contemporary crisis, main smuggling routes of rhino horn and ivory, countries generating demand, methods of combating rhino horn and ivory trafficking), transboundary protected areas.

One meeting is dedicated to the issue of the global loss of biodiversity. The aim of the lecture is to provide knowledge of the endangered species based on statistical data from the Living Planet Report and IUCN Red List, to explain the main threats to biodiversity and to introduce how in situ conservation strategies can help protect wild animal species. The lecture also includes real-world examples from projects involving local communities in the countries of Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos, showing how local engagement supports an effective wildlife conservation.

The two lectures discuss the forces shaping international migration in the 21st century, including economic and social transformations and political, technological and environmental changes. This is followed by a characterisation of contemporary processes such as the increase in the number of migrants and the diversification of destinations, important global migration chains, receiving and sending countries. The last part discusses the feminisation of migration, the global refugee crisis and the rise of environmental migration.

Other lectures focuses on socio-economic changes and depopulation in Russia, particularly on socio-economic transformation after the collapse of the Soviet Union, religious diversity, secret cities in Russia, development of social pathologies and spatial diversity, causes, effects of the depopulation processes (this topic only in winter semester).

One meeting is dedicated to social inequalities in states and cities. The aim of the lecture is to present social inequalities in the context of social polarisation within states with focus on EU countries, its causes and regional distribution, and in the context of social segregation of chosen cities – different dimensions and scales.

The course focuses also on selected issues related to general situation of the national and ethnic minorities in the chosen regions (countries) of the World, Europe and Poland, as well. The following topics will be discussed during the lecture: ethnic and national diversity of Europe and Poland; protection of minorities (international and local law); ethnic identity; intercultural contacts - from cooperation to tensions and conflicts.

One lecture will focus on electoral geography, especially in Poland. We will discuss its history and the most important theories. We will also address changes in political spatial patterns and the differences between Poland and other countries.

Several lectures provides knowledge of tourism issues: influence of global crisis on tourism sector, global problems of tax havens for developing countries, natural and cultural disadvantages connected with developing of tourism in Third World countries, isolation indicator and the strategies of island territories for economic development (e.g. economic zones, selling licences for fishing, selling citizenship).

4 ECTS lecture x 25 h. = 100 h., including:
30 hours - hours in direct contact with the teacher, i.e. participation in classes,
70 hours - student's own contribution: 20 hours - reading the literature, 25 hours preparation of a written assignment, 10 hours - preparation for the class discussion, 15 hours - analysis of lecture materials