Monash College Handbook

CONTEMPORARY WORLDS 2 (MCD6130)

Purpose

Contemporary Worlds Two introduces you to aspects of the world as we move into the new millennium.

The 20^th Century began as a time of hope and a belief in "progress", at least for many in Europe and North America. Globally, European powers ruled large areas and dominated others (China, Persia), and the United States of America (USA) was already a large and powerful nation. Indeed, the goal of many Europeans was emigration to the "New World".

As the 21^st Century begins, the world appears to be a much more complicated place. Contemporary Worlds Two looks at some of the issues and problems facing the world, and also at attempts to come to terms with them. Amongst other issues, we look at the rise of mass communications and entertainment, the threat of disease and environmental catastrophe, globalization and technological change, the role and power of international institutions, challenges to 'Western' ideas and assumptions, the role and place of women and indigenous people in a globalised world, and finally, in a concluding lecture, at your nation’s place in the contemporary world, and some of the issues that are likely to face you as citizens in the Twenty-First Century.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. recognise the importance of debates about globalization and its likely development
2. understand the importance of debate and discussion in the development of these ideas
3. have sound oral and written communication skills and be able to utilize these in such debates
4. understand the importance of critical analysis and be comfortable in challenging ideas and arguments
5. take effective and relevant notes and study independently
6. effectively and critically use technology in the process of learning

Assessment

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