Global Crises and Political Challenges

What it is about

You engage with contemporary global crises and learn how different types of crises (e.g., ecological, economic, technological, political) are interconnected and influence political decision-making processes under uncertainty. In the end you will be able to analytically examine these interconnections systemically, investigate data- and scenario-based approaches, and design a simple Scenario Exploration System (game) to explore crisis dynamics.

What you will be able to do

• Explain concepts of global crises and interconnected socio-political systems
• Understand the role of data, indicators and models in the perception and control of crises
• Analyze interactions of different crisis types and cascading effects
• Apply Systems Thinking and scenario-based approaches
• Critically evaluate assumptions, limitations and ethical implications of data-driven decisions
• Compare different political responses and governance strategies
• Develop a Scenario Exploration System (game)
• Give and reflect constructive peer feedback
• Synthesize conceptual knowledge, empirical insights and personal learning experiences
• Argue clearly and well in writing and orally
• Evaluate crisis narratives, policy claims and scenario results evidence-based
• Work effectively in teams and think interdisciplinarily
• Learn independently, think critically and cope with uncertainty in a reflective manner

What the module consists of

• SeminarVermittelt die konzeptionellen und analytischen Grundlagen; Fokus auf Diskussion, Analyse und kritischer Reflexion
• Übung/Praktikum (accompanying exercise)Praxisorientiertes Arbeiten an einem Scenario Exploration System in Form eines Spiels; modellieren, experimentieren, szenariobasierte Exploration

Teaching method

• Kurze Inputs und geleitete DiskussionenFühren in Schlüsselkonzepte ein und ermöglichen kritische Auseinandersetzung mit Texten und Beispielen
• Workshops und szenariobasierte ÜbungenUnterstützen die kollaborative Gestaltung des Scenario Exploration Systems und das Erkunden von Unsicherheit
• Gruppenarbeit und Peer-LearningFördern Teamarbeit, interdisziplinären Austausch und strukturiertes Feedback
• Selbststudium und ReflexionsportfolioErgänzen die Präsenzarbeit durch eigenständige Lektüre und persönliche Reflexion