Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
A Systemic Approach to Dealing with lobal Crises
Course Code
SZF_192
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Management Science; Political Science; Social Anthropology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Lelde Metla-Rozentāle
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
This course aims to develop the ability of Masters students in International Relations and political Science to think systemically and analyse today’s global crises by understanding their interconnectedness and long-term consequences. The course offers a complex approach, combining system dynamics, U theory, principles of chaos and self-organization to analyze the processes, conflicts and challenges of global governance of international politics. Students will learn how to move from reactive, ego-system-based approaches to proactive and collaborative eco-system strategies using techniques such as impact mapping, dialogue circles and prototyping. As part of the course, students will not only theoretically analyse international relations and global change, but also develop the practical skills needed to work in policymaking, diplomacy and international organizations.
Preliminary Knowledge
In order to successfully complete the course, students are advised to have basic knowledge of international relations and policy theory. There is no need for specific prerequisites on the systemic approach to process analysis or crisis resolution methodology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.A deep understanding of the systemic approach to dealing with global crises.
2.Knowledge of the various systemic approaches and their practical use.
3.Understanding a systemic view and its impact through participation in international policy making.
Skills
1.Ability to apply systemic analysis and critical thinking – ability to identify, structure and analyse global crises using a systemic approach and interdisciplinary methods.
2.Tackling complex challenges: the skills to integrate knowledge across sectors to offer effective and sustainable solutions in the context of international policy and global crises.
3.Effective reasoning and communication – ability to clearly and convincingly present complex ideas, present the results of analysis and defend their views in an academic and professional environment.
Competences
1.Skills in strategic thinking and decision-making: the ability to make informed and systemic choices, taking into account the mutual impact of different factors in the context of global crises.
2.Cooperation and interdisciplinary approach: competence to work effectively within a group, combining different viewpoints and using collective knowledge to find innovative solutions.
3.Practical application of the systemic approach – ability to use theories and methods learned in the course to analyse and solve real situations within the framework of policy, economic and social processes.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
The link between the system and the environment - analysis of examples of international policy. |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students should develop an essay analysing the link between the system and the environment using different examples of international politics. The essay shall demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and receive information and apply a systemic approach to its presentation. The clarity of reasoning, the use of different theoretical approaches and the ability to link theoretical knowledge to real examples are assessed. Essay writing: students should develop an essay analysing the link between the system and the environment using various examples of international politics. The essay shall demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and receive information and apply a systemic approach to its presentation. The clarity of reasoning, the use of different theoretical approaches and the ability to link theoretical knowledge to real examples are assessed. |
||
|
2.
The practical application of the systemic approach methodology. |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Throughout the course, students work in groups using a systemic approach and methods learned through the course. The group’s work includes: an informed analysis of global crises and international policy issues; develop models of a systemic approach to problem solving, develop the skills to cooperate effectively and integrate different viewpoints into a common analysis. Working in groups: throughout the course, students work in groups using a systemic approach and methods learned in the course. The group’s work includes: Analysis of certain global crises and international policy issues; develop models of a systemic approach to problem solving, develop the skills to cooperate effectively and integrate different viewpoints into a common analysis. |
||
|
3.
Seminar discussions |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Regular and active participation in discussions, ability to think critically and engage constructively in seminar work. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Project independently developed by groups |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students in groups shall develop a project based on the systemic approach and the research carried out by the group. Within the framework of the project: Identify the problem; Analyse the systemic structure of the problem and its impact on various factors; proposes sustainable and systemic solutions; present the final result demonstrating an in-depth understanding of systemic thinking and its application in practice. At the end of the course, students will perform a combined knowledge test as an exam, which will include a presentation of the group project. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the systemic approach taken in the course by analysing specific global crises or international policy situations. During the exam, the ability to link theoretical knowledge to analysis of practical examples, to develop sound and sustainable solutions, as well as to argue their opinion in an academic and professional context will be assessed. The presentation will assess not only individual understanding and analytical skills, but also group cooperation, a structured approach to solving the problem and the ability to communicate conclusions effectively. The quality of each work and activity is assessed on the basis of the criteria set and aggregated to determine the final assessment. Students must reach at least 4 points out of 10 to complete the course successfully. Presentation/project: students in groups develop a project based on the systemic approach and the research carried out by the group. Within the framework of the project: Identify the problem; Analyse the systemic structure of the problem and its impact on various factors; proposes sustainable and systemic solutions; present the final result demonstrating an in-depth understanding of systemic thinking and its application in practice. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Understanding the systemic approach – theories.
|
|
Polar challenges: system and process in international relations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
The link between the system and its environment.
Description
Seminar |
|
Basic principles of systemic thinking in international relations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Iceberg model for understanding systemic problems.
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Work in groups - build, process.
Description
Seminar |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Impact mapping in international relations analysis.
|
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System dynamics and cofflaw analysis.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Group work – dialogue circles.
Description
Seminar |
|
Chaos and self-organisation.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Multidimensionality of global crises - a post-disciplinary approach.
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|
Working in groups.
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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From ego-system to eco-system.
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U theory.
Description
Seminar |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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International policy in transition.
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Public field theory.
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cross-sectoral communication.
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Principles of prototyping.
Description
Seminar |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Company 4.0
Description
Seminar |
|
Systemic change.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Course Overview and preparation for Final Paper.
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-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Individual work – advice with students.
Description
Personal consultancy |
-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Individual work – advice with students.
Description
Personal consultancy |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Scharmer, O. (2016). Theory U. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.Suitable for English stream
2.
Kaplan, M.A. (2005). System and Process in International Politics. ECPR Press. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
3.
Waltz, K. (2018). Man, the State, and War. A Theoretical Analysis. Columbia University Press.Suitable for English stream
4.
Capra, F., & Luisi, P.L. (2014). The Systems View of Life. Cambridge University Press.Suitable for English stream
5.
Bertalanffy, L. (2015). General Systems Theory: Foundation, Development, Applications. George Braziller Inc.Suitable for English stream
6.
Bateson, G. (2000). Steps to an Ecology of Mind. University of Chicago Press. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
7.
Meadows, D. (2008). Thinking in Systems. Chelsea Green Publishing. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Prigogine, I., & Stengers, I. (2017). Order out of chaos. Verso.Suitable for English stream
2.
Mancur, O.Jr. (1971). The Logic of Collective Action. Harward Univesity Press.Suitable for English stream
3.
Kauffman, D.L., & Kauffman M. (2021). Systems 1: An Introduction to Systems Thinking.Suitable for English stream
4.
Homer-Dixon, T. (2008). The Upside of Down: Catastrophe, Creativity, and the Renewal of Civilization. Island Press.Suitable for English stream