Global politics for beginners: a short introduction
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- Start Date: 20 Sep 2025End Date: 20 Sep 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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What is the course about?
This one-day introductory course on Global Politics for Beginners is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of key political concepts, global power dynamics, and contemporary international issues.
What will we cover?
We will explore the role of major political actors such as nation-states, international organisations, and non-governmental entities.
Topics will include the structure of international relations, pressing global challenges like climate change and migration, and the influence of economic and technological forces on global politics.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the media coverage of the complexities of global politics
- understand current events in the international arena
- be ready for additional studies on your own or in the form of other courses.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Lecture, discussion, in-class work + Q & A.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs, but you may wish to bring a notepad and pen or digital equivalent for note taking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HPC266 The Atlantic Ocean in 21st century global politics
HPC267 Argentina and Brazil: neighbours and/or friends?
HPC202 China and Latin America - new friends?
HPC204 Latin America and Africa – new friends.
Dr. Maísa Edwards holds a Joint International Relations PhD from King’s College London and the University of São Paulo. Her doctoral research focused on Brazil, the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic and the South Atlantic region. She also has an MSc in Brazil in Global Perspective from King’s College London and a first degree in French and Spanish from University College London. Maísa also has a keen interest in multilingual and multicultural literature and has run the Talk Books With Me (@talk_books_with_me) project since February 2021.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.