Course Description

This course explores how globalization affects developed and developing countries and societies around the world. It enables students to understand how their own lives and personal choices are shaped by global interconnectedness. The first part of the course has two components. First, it overviews globalization: what it is, how it started, and its positive and negative effects. Contemporary theories of globalization are introduced. Then it examines today’s global governance system (through international organizations) and how international, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) drive globalization, and respond to world challenges, such as economic slowdown and environmental degradation.

In this part of the course, students will compare and analyze how diverse individuals’ lives are impacted by globalization. Major factors include migration; market forces; global climate change; technology; education; and movement of cultures, values, religions, and ideologies… for better and for worse. Central to the course will be the question of how globalization has changed the lives of students, teachers, communities, governments, and international organizations around the world. The cases invite students to reevaluate the major theoretical orientations to globalization discussed in the course, reflect on major debates about globalization, and hypothesize its future impacts.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Compare and evaluate major theoretical orientations towards globalization.
2. Reflect on how diverse individuals’ lives and choices are impacted by global interconnectedness.
3. Hypothesize about the future impact of globalization and how to respond to it.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

First semester (Wed)