How to cure your lockdown blues, IR style!

By Chloe Kim, 2021–2022 IRSOC Blogger

A new year, a new lockdown. For most of us, this means more time alone, more time inside, and more time in general that we did not ask for. It may not be ideal, but our thwarted plans for the first month of the semester are a sunk cost. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, how can we make the best out of this situation?

I think that even with extra free time, there are many ways to be productive. A great way to be productive during this lockdown is to passively incorporate our studies into leisure. Here are some ideas for an international relations themed lockdown:

Learn a new language

Have you ever started learning another language but have never gotten past the intermediate slump? This phenomenon is very common, as many of us were taught second or third languages in grade school but stopped learning in university. For anyone that has always wanted to improve their language skills but always has put it off, these first few weeks of school when university workloads are the lightest would be a wonderful time to improve. Being multilingual is an important skill for IR students, and students in general. It can also be fun if you watch TV shows and movies in the language you want to learn! Check out Memrise and Easy Languages for alternatives to Duolingo.

Go on a walk outside while listening to a podcast

I think that this is the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone: by walking, you’re getting some light exercise; by going outside, you’re getting fresh air; and by listening to a podcast, you’re being entertained while passively learning. Some IR-related podcasts include:

The Daily:
A news podcast by The New York Times, that recounts the biggest stories in the United States and the world

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History:
A history podcast that tells untold histories with captivating narration by Dan Carlin

Ça s’explique
A Radio-Canada podcast that explains subjects that help us improve our understanding of current events (in French!)

The Economist
A podcast that covers current affairs, business and finance, science and technology, and global issues

Watch a film

There are many incredible films available on streaming services. Here are some that I would recommend to those wanting more perspectives on current and historical global issues:

Don’t Look Up (2021)
A new film on Netflix that presents a fatally destructive comet as an allegory for climate change.
Angry Inuk (2016)
A critical documentary that looks at the prosecution of, and hatred towards, Inuit seal hunters for practicing traditional rituals. This film is available on Amazon Prime.
Persepolis (2007)
An animated film about author Mariane Satrapi’s life amid growing political tensions in Iran in the 70s and 80s. This film is available on Amazon Prime.