Dr S. A. Hamed Hosseini

Capitalist and liberal democratic systems, while being at their global climax in both the developed and developing worlds, are facing serious challenges: from the rising socio-economic inequalities, to the disturbing uncertainties in food, fuel and finance, to the looming threats of nuclear conflicts, trade wars/rivalries, political extremism, terrorism, global pandemics, and above all, climate change. Will global capitalism and Euro-centric modernity survive these crises? Will we be able to transition smoothly into more sustainable and resilient socio-ecological systems? Can new technological advances save civilization? Or do we need far more radical transformations and urgent responses at both the macro and micro levels? Is the end of 'organized life' now more imaginable than the end of capitalism? Is Life beyond Capital, Carbon, Constant growth and Consumerism possible or is this just a utopian dream? What are the plausible post-capitalist futures and how can they be realized?

This course attempts to answer these questions by investigating how the past and present major trends of change influence our future and how grassroots initiatives and movements strive to create future societies beyond dependence on capital, carbon, consumerism, growth, and discrimination. More specifically, it provides us with key insights into the nature and future of capitalist globalization for social justice, sustainability and development.

In this course students develop a comprehensive understanding of social science methods for the design of social inquiry. This course concentrates on the collection and analysis of quantitative data and the reporting of results. Students develop an understanding of the uses, strengths and limitations of various methods, ethical issues in conducting social inquiry, debates over epistemology, and skills in design, report writing, and interpretation of numerical data. The computer workshops will include an introduction to appropriate software packages such as SPSS. The course does not require previous statistical knowledge.

Student feedback in 2014 (latest available data)

• "The lecturer/tutor's passion, skill, subject expertise, enthusiasm and humour were significant factors in engaging students in this course. From the first lecture student were advised of the outline of the course, how and when each step would be achieved, and the lecturer's confidence that if students kept up with the readings and attended every tutorial they would be assured of a successful outcome. This approach did much to allay the anxiety that many students felt due to the way in which the course was conducted in 2013. Several students who had previously expressed their apprehension about the course, are now saying that this is one of their favourite courses. A truly inspirational teacher!"
• "The excellent lecturer with the natural gift of teaching (that's not common on such level). It was like the lecture's burden was to really teach us and to make an impact and make us understand. Always the best lecture-readiness (no wasting of time during the lecturers). Even adding a sense of humor to studying the statistics: this was well received! Well done! This course is worth 20 credits (not 10) as it is the most intense and most packed, rushed, complicated and challenging course in the Bachelor of Soc. Science."
• "Hamed Hosseini was an exemplary lecturer and teacher. I appreciated his ability to bring every student with him for the entire journey. No person felt disconnected or left behind. His professional attitude and infectious sense of humour kept me interested in a future of research. I personally believe there should have been more time for this course."
• "This course has definitely challenged me! However I was never without resources and information to help me succeed and understand. The subject matter was definitely different to what I have previously undertaken, and as a consequence all that I have learnt has been an immense development in my original understanding. SPSS is much clearer than it once was! Encouragement from Hosseini, and witnessing the effort and care he puts into this degree motivated me to work hard in order to do credit to his own meticulous work."
• Hamed Hosseini is fantastic! This is my second subject with Hosseini, and despite both classes being challenging in content, and intimidating in their subject areas, I felt constantly cared for and positive about the classes. This is entirely a credit to Hosseini's hard work and consideration for his students. I'm aware that Hosseini has many, many students, and yet he still takes to the time to inquire about individual people and how they are tracking. His marking is hard but fair, and reflects the expectation he holds of his students in relation to his own effort that he puts into the subject. It is a pleasure being in Hosseini's classes. I hope that he is recognised for the good work that he does."

This course concentrates on the ways in which social change happens at the global level and explores how different societies are influenced and challenged by such changes. It provides students with key insights into the economic, political, and social implications of globalization for social justice and development. The course considers the impacts of globalization at the local, national, and international scale. Topics and methods are drawn from the disciplines of sociology, economics, politics, and geography. It helps students to analyze the consequences of major globalization processes (such as the trans-nationalization of policies, ideas, ideologies, and population movements) for human development and the role of powerful agents like international organizations and states underlying these processes. Students will also explore the root causes of new global risks and crises (such as global inequality, global poverty, global financial crises, conflicts, and the violation of human rights, democratic deficit, and environmental degradation) and work towards the proposition of alternatives and solutions based on a new notion of global social justice.

Student feedback in 2016:

• "The interaction within this course was very understanding, accepting and harmonious of each students' views, thoughts and ideas. The lecturer accommodated to all opinions within the course subjects, as well as encouraged their further thinking."
• "Hamed was knowledgeable about his material and encouraged further outside readings to extend what he was talking about through classes. He welcomed interaction of the students and himself through social media and provided support through traditional university avenues. Hamed encouraged discussion throughout the seminar which helped to reinforce the material for that week."
• "well structured course and materials provided were consistently relevant."
• "everything linked in together well! worth every minute in this class."
• "Another course that could be recommended to all students, for the purpose to gain a better understanding of their surroundings for a better understanding on a greater scale."
• "This course has dramatically influenced my thinking in a radical and positive way. It has demonstrated that the content of the course is not more widely considered, but essential considering the current political and ecological climate. It is essential as a core subject of BSOC SCI."
• "The essay topic enabled me to research and better understand the effects of globalisation of capitalism and look at alternatives, I really enjoyed the challenge and think it is my best essay yet. Even though it has not yet been submitted, I'm proud of my efforts. Hamed offered discussion time on the essay topics, which was very useful."
  "Hamed Hosseini's teaching is very informative and especially welcoming. His demeanour in presenting each topic within the subject of Globalisation is clear, as well as his understanding and open-mindedness toward each and every student. Advice and assistance is always readily provided and Hamed's constructive criticism is very well received and accepted. The one issue which was raised was the requirement for a PASS session involved within this course, as it would greatly benefit all who participate, for further advancement and achievement in this course. Over all, an excellent course that adds to what any student could bring into their studies for an effective learning outcome. Well Done!"
• "The assessments were structured so that each one supported progression to the other, and were explicitly mapped to the lectures. This was very helpful."
• "Obviously this course is highly relevant to contemporary world as it challenges capitalism and associated globalization. Great effort to bring the course to criticize capitalism and help students build up a comprehensive picture of capitalism. This may have effects on their future career, maybe this course is even a crucial stepping stone for students to be great people to make changes in the future,"
• "The course material points to a deep and systemic problem that could be quite overwhelming. Hamed's positive and realistic focus on alternatives inspires us as Social Scientists to pragmatically engage our knowledge and our resources to effect change.Very inspiring."
• "I really liked the level of passion and commitment to the course demonstrated by Dr. Hosseini. I enjoyed following his arguments which called into question many commonplace (mis)understandings about global capital. I particularly enjoyed discovering that alternatives to global capitalism do actually exist. I would have preferred that the class be divided into smaller tutorial sessions in order to allow time and space for discussion and development of the concepts explored in lectures."
• "The Course Convenor/Lecturer was exceptional in his diligence and efforts to maintain student interest in the topics. The amount of material he provided in order for our assignments to be undertaken was amazing. As a student it made me feel that I was the important component of the course and that I did not want to let the lecturer down by not doing my very best since he has worked so hard to impart knowledge."