Courses in Globalization Studies - University at Albany-SUNY

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# Courses in Globalization Studies

A GLO 103 (formerly A CAS 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.

A GLO 225/225Z (= A GOG 225/225Z & A USP 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 A GOG/A GLO/A USP 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. A GOG/A GLO/A USP 225Z are the writing intensive versions of A GOG/A GLO/A USP 225; only one version may be taken for credit.

A GLO 260 (= A EAC 260 & A GOG 260) China in the Global Arena (3)
An introduction to the development of China’s economy and society since the death of Chairman Mao Tse-tung in 1976. Focuses on urbanization, industrialization, export-oriented development, and participation in global trade, finance, and politics. Taught in Shanghai, this multidisciplinary course helps students understand the dynamics of China’s rapid economic growth over the last three decades, and how Chinese scholars interpret the nation’s growing importance in the global system. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): taken after, or simultaneously with A EAC 100.

A GLO 266/266Y (= A GOG 266/266Y & A USP 266/266Y) India: Development Debates (3)
Analyzes the 20th and early 21st century development of India as a nation state, discussing the broad range of ideas and policy proposals relating to wealth, poverty, socio-economic development, urbanization, and nation-building. Reviews British colonial policies and attitudes, the ideas of important advocates of Indian Independence, the impact of partition, national self-reliance policies and national planning in the first three decades after Independence, and the more recent economic liberalizations and opening to the global market and transnational investment. Only one version may be taken for credit.

T GLO 266/266Y (= T GOG 266/266Y) India: Development Debates (3)
T GLO 266/266Y is the Honors College version of A GLO 266/266Y; only one version may be taken for credit.

A GLO 303 (formerly A GLO 203) Theoretical Perspectives on Globalization (3)
This course takes up the ambitious task of theorizing globalization, one of the defining conceptual rubrics of our current historical moment. Under investigation, then, is not only globalization-its origins, dynamics, characteristics, and consequences-but also theory. What role can intellectual and critical inquiry play in the world today? What is the relationship between generalization and particularity, that is to say between conceptual models that engage in broad forms of periodization, systemic analysis, or abstraction, versus those analytical models that focus on the particular, the local, the historically or geographically specific? What is the relationship between theory and critique? What are the intellectual traditions that inform contemporary thought? And how might a reflective investigation of theory help us to better understand and respond to the globalizing processes and structures that condition the world in which we live? Engaging these questions, the course will review a variety of influential theoretical perspectives that analyze the origins, dynamics, and consequences of globalizing forces. Focusing on key areas of contention and commonality, the course aims to provide students with a complex understanding of the assumptions, contribution, and limitations of current theoretical perspectives on globalization.

A GLO 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): A GLO 103 or A GLO/GOG 225, or permission of Globalization Studies Director.

A GLO 308 (= A EAC 308 & A GOG 308) Debating Contemporary China (1)
Enables students who have recently studied in China to discuss and debate major contemporary issues: the factors underlying China’s rapid economic growth; the impact of China’s economic growth on society, environment, and the global system; the future of China’s political system; the future of China’s population policies; the dynamics of Chinese cities; the situation of Tibet and of ethnic and religious minorities; the future of Taiwan; relations with other Asian neighbors. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): At least 3 credits of Study Abroad coursework in China sometime in the previous year.

A GLO 325 (= A GOG 325 & A USP 325) 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. Only one version of A GLO 325 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A GOG 225/A GLO 225/A USP 225.

A GLO 360 African Perspectives on Globalization (3)
Analysis of the impact of globalization on Africa, and of ideas developed by African observers of globalization processes. Prerequisite(s): A GLO 103 or A GLO/GOG 225, or permission of Globalization Studies Director.

A GLO 361 Asian & Middle Eastern Perspectives on Globalization (3)
Analysis of the impact of globalization on Asia and the Middle East, and of ideas developed by Asian and Middle Eastern observers of globalization processes. Prerequisite(s): A GLO 103 or A GLO/GOG 225, or permission of Globalization Studies Director.

A GLO 362 Euro-American Perspectives on Globalization (3)
Analysis of the impact of globalization on Europe and North America, and of ideas developed by European and North American observers of globalization processes. Prerequisite(s): A GLO 103 or A GLO/GOG 225, or permission of Globalization Studies Director.

A GLO 363 Latin American and Caribbean Perspectives on Globalization (3)
Analysis of the impact of globalization on Latin America and the Caribbean, and of ideas developed by Latin American and Caribbean observers of globalization processes. Prerequisite(s): A GLO 103 or A GLO/GOG 225, or permission of Globalization Studies Director.

A GLO 366 (= A GOG 366) India: Field Study of Development Issues (3)
A faculty-led field course requiring a minimum of three weeks full-time study in India. Broadens and deepens the agenda of A GOG/A GLO 266 “India: Development Debates,” examining urban and rural development issues in and around three major Indian cities. Each city will be home to the course for one week. Students will study major issues (e.g., the management of urban traffic flows, the organization of small-scale retailing, the redevelopment of poor neighborhoods, and the work of micro-business and social welfare NGO’s) through a combination of direct observation, institutional visits, and conversations with local experts. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor and the Office of International Education.

A GLO 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 A GLO 103, A GLO/GOG 225, and A GLO 303, or permission of Globalization Studies Director. S/U graded.

A GLO 403Z Research Project in Globalization Studies (3)
A research project on an aspect of globalization, presented as a 25-40 page essay, prepared in consultation with a faculty advisor(s). Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, and permission of the Globalization Studies Director.

A GLO 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): A GLO 103 and permission of instructor. S/U graded.

A GLO 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): A GLO 103 and permission of instructor.

A GLO 447 (= A GOG 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.

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