Global problems in the contemporary world

general courses

(in Polish) Przedmiot nie jest przeznaczony dla studentów kierunku geografia (I i II stopnia) Wydziału Geografii i Studiów Regionalnych UW. Studenci tego kierunku są proszeni o nie rejestrowanie się na ten przedmiot.

Classroom

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 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, loss of biodiversity, invasive alien species, habitat destruction, rhino horn illicit trade, ivory illicit trade, transboundary protected areas.

Two lectures provide the general knowledge of migration process in the 21st century. First part of these lectures deals with characteristics of contemporary processes, among others: increase in number of migrants and diversification of destinations, feminisation of migration, politization of migration issues. Second part of the lectures present mast important global migration movements and its features i.e. destinations (south-north and south-south routes of migration) and most important migrant categories (migration of international workers, students and refugees). Third part presents consequences of movement in receiving and sending countries (for example: brain drain, brain gain, remittances, "migration industry").

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).

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.

The subject of one of the classes will be international peace and security. The laws of armed conflicts will be briefly covered, as well as their classification and effects. The most important contemporary armed conflicts will be covered as well.

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.

Literature and course materials:

Anderson B.A., 2002, Russia Faces Depopulation? Dynamics of Population Decline, „Population and Environment” 23 (5)

Becker C.M., Hemley D.D., 1998, Demographic Change in the Former Soviet Union During the Transition Period, „World Development”, 26 (11)

Global Environment Outlook – 5, Environment for the future we want, 2012, United Nations Environment Programme

Podhorodecka K., Wites T., 2024, Global Challenges - Social, Economic, Environmental, Political and Ethical, Springer Geography.

Podhorodecka K., 2009, Economic impact of tourism on tropical islands, “Asia and Pacific Studies" 4, University of Warsaw, Institute of Regional and Global Studies, Warsaw

Turton D., Gonzales J., 1999, Cultural Identities and Ethnic Minorities in Europe, Universidad de Deusto, Bilbao

Wites T., 2004, Abortions in Russia before and after the fall of the Soviet Union, “Miscellanea Geographica” 11

The student knows the most urgent and actual environmental problems. The student is able to give examples of the cases common in developed and developing countries. The student knows their origins and actions undertaken to reduce damage of environment.

The student have knowledge on socio-economic transformation in Russia.

The student understand contemporary problems connected with tourism development.

Written exam with test questions.

The exam is a written test consisting of open and closed questions. 50% of the points are required to obtain a positive grade.

The make-up exam takes place on the same terms as passing the exam for the first time.

-