Content and objectives
The modern phenomenon of “globalisation” comprises the various social, economic, cultural, technological and political changes that result in increased connectivity among human societies around the world. This process has led to a historically unprecedented situation in which human activities are affecting many parts of the global system, reflected by a range of unsustainable trends in the natural and social environment. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, global health, and fresh water scarcity are just a few examples of today’s worldwide concerns.

But what does ‘globalisation’ mean? What are the nature and form of the global changes that are occurring in the world today? What are the causes of the changes we are witnessing, and what do they mean for us as individuals and as members of societies? As new situations develop they bring new opportunities and challenges, but also threats to the global environment – how does the process of globalisation affect the global environment? And what does globalisation mean within the context of sustainable development? These are just some of the questions that will be discussed during the course. This course is primarily about deepening our understanding of the nature, processes and potential impact of what has commonly become known as ‘globalisation’.

This course provides an overview of key issues related to globalisation and sustainable development. During the course the student will:

• develop a basic understanding of the following key issues: climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystems, global tourism, the global use of the oceans, human health, and global freshwater availability;
• explore the significance and implications of globalisation processes, and identify human vulnerability;
• explore the regional differences in globalisation issues;
• adopt an interdisciplinary and integrative attitude towards the complex interrelationship between the environment and society.

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