Global problems in the contemporary world

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The course includes analysis of contemporary, global problems from different perspectives (environmental, political, cultural, socio-economic).

The course provides knowledge about the most important environmental issues, including cross-border movement of hazardous waste, loss of biodiversity, invasive alien species, habitat destruction, illicit trade of animals, cross-border protected areas. In addition, it addresses social issues – related to global migration, changes in the former Soviet Union, the situation of national and ethnic minorities in selected regions of the world, problems of tourism, or ensuring peace and international security.

As part of the conversation classes, students prepare and discuss a project on global problems of the contemporary world taking into account social, economic, environmental and political perspectives.

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.

Learning outcomes: S_W01; S_W02; S_U01; S_U02; S_U03; S_U04; S_K01; S_K02; K_U09

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 understands contemporary problems connected with tourism development.

The student knows and understands the most important political and social problems (e.g. migrations, social inequalities, depopulation) in the contemporary world.

The student understands the dependencies and connections of geographical phenomena at various spatial scales (global, regional and local).

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

The retake exam takes place on the same terms as passing the exam for the first time.

Lecture: Written exam with test questions.

Conversation classes: discussions and projects

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