Courses in Globalization Studies

AGLO 103 Perspectives on Globalization (3)

The course introduces different perspectives from the social sciences, humanities and the natural sciences used in the study of globalization. It encourages discussion and critical thinking while covering questions such as: What is globalization? When did it begin? What are its impacts on society? What are its impacts on the earth, its resources, and the other life forms with which we share it? How can we study it? The course seeks to enhance a student’s ability to (1) recognize and interpret different viewpoints from which globalization processes are currently being studied and debated, (2) identify the many pathways through which globalization is transforming the daily life and conditions of existence of people and communities everywhere, and (3) identify the diverse processes by which globalization is transforming the geo- and bio-spheres in ways that look to threaten the well-being of earth’s human and non-human inhabitants. The multidisciplinary perspectives on globalizing processes presented, cover among other topics, the economic configuration of global production and distribution networks, the changing nature of the state and political power, the dynamic of global cultural flows, along with the emergence of global natural resource constraints and environmental problems. At the same time, it reviews the impact and responses to globalization in workplaces, households and communities from different regions of the world.

AGLO/AGOG/AUSP 225/225Z World Cities: Geographies of Globalization (3)

This course takes a critical look at globalization and its impacts on cities around the world. Globalization includes an array of economic, cultural, and political forces that are effectively shrinking our world. The first part of the course focuses on the ways transnational movements or 'flows' of trade, finance, people and culture operate in and through a network of linked 'global' cities, the top tier of which function as the 'command and control' centers at the 'core' of the global economy. The second part of the course shifts attention to the global 'periphery' and to some of the lower tier cities of the world's urban hierarchy: in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The concern here will be to examine the local consequences of globalization in two overlapping realms. The first will involve looking for and at evidence of the less salutary effects of globalization forces in these cities: for example, higher levels of social and spatial inequality, deteriorating environmental and health conditions, diminished per-capita share of local resources and infrastructures, and cultural homogenization. The other realm will be an investigation of local activities that occur in response and as resistance to the pervasive forces of globalization. The goal here will be to document and evaluate the effectiveness of some of the local movements and organizations that have struggled for social justice in the face of what they perceive to be oppressive (global) economic and cultural forces. After taking AGOG/AGLO/AUSP 225 students will be able to compare cities on the global 'periphery' with each other, as well as with those in the global 'core' to learn about and understand how some aspects of economic and cultural globalization play out and are adapted to 'on the ground' and to think critically about how people might effectively organize their thoughts and exercise their rights to the city in the era of globalization. AGOG/AGLO/AUSP 225Z are the writing intensive versions of AGOG/AGLO/AUSP 225; only one version may be taken for credit.

AGLO/AGOG 227 World Regions and Global Markets (3)

(Formerly AGOG/AGLO 327). Analyzes human development from the perspective of the world's major regions. Outlines the main political, economic, biogeographic, historical, geographical, food and linguistic-based divisions found among human societies. Summarizes the distinctiveness of the world's major regions and outlines the ways in which regions operate in today's global economy. Only one of AGOG/AGLO 327 and AGOG/AGLO 227 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): AGOG 102, AEAC/AGOG 160 or AGOG 225 or by permission of the instructor.

AGLO 305 Topics in Globalization Studies (3)

Analysis of a major global theme or issue, studying processes and impacts of globalization. May be repeated for up to six credits when topic varies. Prerequisite(s): AGLO 103 or AGLO/AGOG/AUSP 225, or permission of Globalization Studies Director.

AGLO/AUSP 320Y International Urban Planning (3)

Provides a general introduction to urban planning as it is practiced in various countries around the world, covering both developed and developing countries. Reviews the major challenges to urban planning posed by rapid urbanization, economic growth, and growing socio-economic inequalities. Presents planning case studies of specific cities and the major challenges that they face. Reviews the planning issues and potential solutions associated with downtown growth and revitalization, suburbanization, and the formation of major urban agglomerations. All students are expected to give an oral presentation to the class on a journal article case study that they work on independently. Prerequisite(s): AUSP 201 or AGLO/AGOG/AUSP 225 or permission of instructor.

AGLO/AGOG/AUSP 325Y Global Urbanism and Culture (3)

This course explores contemporary debates on globalization, global urbanism and culture. It covers a series of themes central to cities, planning and public policy. These include among others: the role of culture in fostering multicultural cities, the relationships between urban sustainability and environmental planning, the geography of culture, the creative class, cultural industries, the arts and culture sector, local economies and place identity, cultural policies and urban regeneration programs, local and regional resilience networks, public space, local heritage, sense of belonging, community development, and global futures. The second half of the semester includes a group project with a presentation to the class. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): AGLO/AGOG/AUSP 225.

AGLO/AANT/ALCS 359 Globalization in the Americas

What is globalization? An in-vogue buzzword? Political posturing? An academic relic? In this course, we will conduct a thorough analysis of how globalization - a truly complex process of ideas, technology, the movement of people, beliefs, language, traditions, food, and other cultural nuances - resonates around the globe. We will introduce globalization theory and focus our understanding of the subject in exploring how this process affects not elites but everyday people working to achieve a better life in the Americas. The aim of this course is to help students understand global economic policy and politics by investigating how does globalization affect the way people work, where they work, their relationships to their family and other loved ones, and how are we interconnected, and are we really?

AGLO/AGOG 370/AEAC 360 China in the Global Arena (3)

(Formerly AEAC/AGLO/AGOG 260.) An introduction to China's modern political economy and society. Focuses on the role and influence of China in contemporary global affairs. Emphasizes the connection between Chinese history and contemporary social trends to explain China's relationship to the global economy as an increasingly important player in terms of global rule making. Focuses on China's leadership, soft power, society, culture, industrialization, and participation in global trade, finance, and politics. This multidisciplinary course helps students understand the dynamics of China's rapid economic growth over the last four decades, and how Chinese and Western scholars interpret the country's growing importance in the global political-economic system. Only one of AEAC/AGLO/AGOG 260, AEAC 360, AGLO/AGOG 370 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): AEAC 150 or AEAC/AGOG 160 or AEAC 170 or permission of instructor.

AGLO/AANT 376 Global Ethnography (3)

This course is about globalization and its impact on local communities worldwide. The term globalization will be understood not as a large-scale abstract and deterritorialized process, but one that has impact, consequences, and influence on local communities on a daily basis. The course is titled "Global Ethnography," which means that the class will be reading first-hand accounts of scholars who have documented the effects of globalizations on local communities. Through these accounts students will be learning about the different ways globalization is affecting local communities at social, economic, and cultural levels. The class will also be hearing the voices of local people and understanding globalization from people's perspectives. The readings in this course will enable a better understanding of globalization as it is embedded, manifested, and negotiated by localities as well as its real-life personal, social, and communal repercussions in people's lives. The course will examine different globalizing "agents" in various contexts such as tourism, street vending, language, landscape, consumerism, capitalism, remittance housing, among others. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): at least one course of AANT 108, AANT 119, AGOG 102, AGOG/AUSP 125, AGLO 103, or ASOC 115, or permission of instructor.

AGLO 402 Globalization Studies Internship (3)

An internship enabling students to experience professional work or community service, focusing on international relations, on the work of international organizations, on environmental, social or economic problems in a foreign country, or on the needs of multicultural and/or immigrant populations in the United States. The placement and report must be approved by the Globalization Studies Director. Internships are open only to qualified juniors and seniors who have an overall grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Prerequisite(s): At least two courses from AGLO 103, AGLO/AGOG/AUSP 225, and AGLO 303, or permission of Globalization Studies Director. S/U graded.

AGLO 403Z Research Projects in Globalization Studies (3)

An overview and critique of information sources and research methods applied to Globalization Studies. Each student will also select a research topic and prepare an 8-12 page essay in consultation with the Instructor. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, and permission of the Globalization Studies Director.

AGLO 410 International Development Internship (1-6)

An internship enabling students to experience professional work on international development. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): AGLO 103 and permission of instructor. S/U graded.

AGLO 411 Independent Study in International Development (1-4)

Independent reading or research on selected topics in international development under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite(s): AGLO 103 and permission of instructor.

AGLO 420/AGOG 490 Human Dimensions of Global Change (3)

This course provides an overview of human responses to global challenges posed by changing climatic conditions, border enforcement, development, global urbanization, and violence. Students will explore theoretical debates and empirical analysis generated by geographers who are interested in such indicative themes as: migration and crisis, including sovereignty, borders, enforcement, and refugees; resources and power, including uneven development, neoliberalism, scarcity, and pollution; and militarization and human security, including hazards, military responses, humanitarian aid, and nongovernmental organizations. Throughout the course, students will focus on geographic approaches to risk, resilience, and human agency. Prerequisite(s): AGOG/AGLO/AUSP 102, or permission of instructor.

AGLO/AGOG 447 Development and Underdevelopment (3)

An analytical survey of "Third World" development theories and the development strategies they inspire. Topics covered include traditional concepts of natural and human resources identification and use, geographic diffusion, modernization, and economic growth, as well as challenges to the prevailing ideas and practices such as dependency, sustainable development, and community empowerment. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor.