Information on individual educational components (ECTS-Course descriptions) per semester

  
Degree programme:Contextual Studies
Type of degree:Intern
 Special-Time
 Winter Semester 2026
  

Course unit titleGlobal Changes and Geopolitical Dynamics
Course unit code800101022002
Language of instructionEnglish
Type of course unit (compulsory, optional)Elective
Semester when the course unit is deliveredWinter Semester 2026
Teaching hours per week2
Year of study2026
Level of course unit (e.g. first, second or third cycle)First Cycle (Bachelor)
Number of ECTS credits allocated3
Name of lecturer(s)Marek BUZINKAY


Prerequisites and co-requisites

No prerequisites.

Time slot: Thursday, 26. November 2026, from 6 pm and Intensive training week (= Blockwoche) 14-16 December 2026 

For the intensive training week, permanent attendance at the course must be ensured. 

Course language: English

Course occupancy: Minimum 9 persons / maximum 21 persons

Course costs: None

Sustainability: SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions und SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities

FHV Future Skills: Foster Global Awareness & Cultural Competence; Foster Critical Thinking

Registration: From 1 to 10 June 2026 in A5 under ‘Course selection’. If a late booking is required, please contact sabine.frick@fhv.at.

Course content

We address current and past geopolitical changes, with a focus on the impact of technology, state organisation, societal values and education, ecological effects, and economic as well as military power. We discuss theories of prosperity, progress, and innovation, grounded in concrete examples such as the race for AI technology, the bioengineering of the next human species, the reshaping of the world order, and the rise and collapse of civilisations.

We explore questions such as:

  • What influences global stability?
  • How do societies define “equality/inequality,” “democracy/authoritarian structures,” “freedom,” “individualism/collectivism,” and “poverty/wealth”?
  • What can we expect for the year 2035?
Learning outcomes

The students

  • Are familiar with different models of future perspectives for the economy and society and are able to present and explain them.
  • Understand the transition from an industrial to an information-based economy and society, and from a bipolar to a multipolar world order.
  • Are able to rationally justify their own views on future models and apply them to their professional situation.
  • Train critical thinking as a key competence in future personal and professional environments.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Presentations, discussions, group work

Assessment methods and criteria

Group presentation on a future model and a reflection paper

Comment

For further questions please contact: sabine.frick@fhv.at

Recommended or required reading

Acemoglu, D. & Robinson, J. (2013): Why Nations Fail. The Origins of Power, Properity and Poverty. London: Profile Books.

Dalio, R. (2021): Principles for Dealing with The Changing World order: Why Nations succeed and Fail. UK: Simon + Schuster.

Strauss, W. & Howe, N. (1997): The Fourth Turning. An American Prophecy. New York: Broadway Books.

Harari, Y. N. (2019): 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. London: Vintage.

Ammous, S. (2018): The Bitcoin Standard. Wiley.

Srinivasan, B. (2021): The Network State: How to Start a New Country.

Hofstede, G. (2004): Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. Third Millennium Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Talbit, M. (2014): Critical Reasoning: A Romp Through the Foothills of Logic for Complete Beginners. University Press: Oxford.

Miller, Ch. (2022): Chip War. The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. London: Simon & Schuster.

Huxley, A. (1932): Brave New World.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face, distance learning)

Face-to-face

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