Introduction

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Introduction

Humans can never truly be viewed in

the singular sense; just as the creation of an individual involves two parents,

one’s sense of individuality involves the shaping hands of an entire network of

others. My interest in Global Development Studies is an extension of my

interest in self-discovery and understanding how the circumstances of the world

will influence my life’s course. History

has always been a personal passion and I find that in looking backwards we are

able to see with greater clarity the possibilities that lay in the future.

Further, my

experience of travelling to South Africa to participate in student ecological

studies deepened my interest in studying the unique political and cultural

dynamics of the country. After returning from the trip I was able to further

consider the effects that British colonization, racial tensions and a

dominantly masculine society would have on both personal identity and national

identity, in an academic setting. Through the independent research project

previously stated, I was able to contemplate the interesting parallels that

linked an individual’s self-perception and the ideologies of their inhabited

nation, through considering South African society. Due to my interest in South

Africa’s social and political dynamics I would like to make the country a focal

point in my course journal so that I can further relate course material to my

personal interests.

Thusly, I

believe that Global Development Studies should satisfy my interest in human

history and help to improve my ability to consider critically the social,

cultural, political and environmental disparities and inequalities in the

ever-changing world around us.

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