From the Mundane to the Global: The Politics of Everyday Life

Course focus and approach:
This course engages with recent scholarship in
International Relations that builds on critical theories, feminist theories, and
interdisciplinary sensory anthropology

Course description:
The traditional study of International Relations (IR) has been preoccupied with states,
international organizations, and formal diplomatic interactions, often sidelining the
lived experiences and everyday activities of individuals. This module diverges from the
orthodox path by acknowledging the significant, yet frequently overlooked, impact of
everyday life on global politics. It contends that the realm of the 'ordinary'—from the
food we eat to the clothes we wear, and the media we consume—is not just a backdrop
but an active participant in the international arena. These everyday practices carry with
them implicit political significances and contribute to the broader constructs of power,
culture, and economy that shape international relations. By juxtaposing the quotidian
with the global, this course invites students to unravel the complex web of global
politics that is woven in part through routine behaviors and cultural norms. It provides
an alternative lens to view IR, not as a distant or elite field but as a domain where the
global and local, the official and the personal, intersect. In doing so, this module equips
students with the ability to discern and analyze the subtleties of power and resistance
that operate within their own spheres of life, challenging them to redefine what
constitutes the 'political.'

Learning objectives:
The aim of this module is to broaden the intellectual horizons of students by exposing
them to innovative modes of learning and scholarship in International Relations (IR).
Students will engage in a multifaceted exploration of how global politics is intricately
linked with the rhythms of everyday life, employing a range of creative mediums like
film and performance. The course is designed to foster a deep understanding of the
socio-political world, enhance critical analytical skills, and enable students to
synthesize complex information into coherent, persuasive arguments. Ultimately, the
module aims to cultivate the capacity to evaluate and articulate the interplay between
individual experiences and larger political structures, challenging students to apply this
knowledge to both scholarly endeavors and practical, real-world contexts.
1. Critically assess the influence of everyday life on global politics and
articulate how routine practices contribute to the formation and operation of
political power.
2. Analyze and compare different theoretical frameworks and methodologies in
political science, applying them to research and evaluate socio-political
phenomena.
3. Gather, synthesize, and appraise information from a variety of sources to
develop substantiated arguments about political issues.
4. Demonstrate creativity and holistic thinking in approaching complex
political problems, and propose innovative solutions that reflect
interdisciplinary insights.
5. Communicate complex ideas effectively, both in writing and verbally,
demonstrating advanced skills in argumentation and presentation.

Course workload:
This module offers a creatively charged environment for students to engage in
'unconventional' activities and conduct critical work. It requires an open mind, diligent
effort, and creative spirit, as the curriculum is reading-intensive and demands
commitment. Students are expected to actively engage with a diverse set of weekly
materials—listenings, readings, and viewings—that are essential for understanding the
weekly themes. These materials, ranging from brief videos or articles to longer
documentaries or chapters, must be critically reflected upon prior to seminars to
facilitate dynamic discussions. These activities are designed to provoke critical thinking
and support daily coursework, from simple tasks like observation and note-taking to
major assignments such as the final assignments, developing key skills for this course
and beyond.

Teaching methodology:
The course commences with an initial two-hour lecture designed to lay the groundwork
for delving into the everyday facets of International Relations. In the second week, we
pivot to the theoretical and practical methods of examining day-to-day interactions,
dedicating two hours to practice-oriented discussions on research methodologies.
From the third week, we'll dive into particular topics, examining the nuances of daily
life and its implications.
To enhance learning, each week will feature an interactive two-hour workshop aimed at
supporting students with their assignments. This will be an opportunity for students to
engage directly with the course material, troubleshoot challenges, and apply the
methods discussed in a collaborative setting.