ìThe old is dying, the new is being born, and in the interregnum there are many morbid symptoms.î [Gramsci, 1971]
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
COURSE: SOC. 340-001 INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Diamantino Machado
TITLE: Globalization OFFICE: C&C, Rm. 318
FALL TERM 06-07 OFFICE HOURS: MWF 11:15-12:15
Email: machadod@drexel.edu PHONE: 215-895-2402
TO THE STUDENT: A syllabus is an implicit agreement between a professor and students about the nature of the course, the expectations for student/teacher responsibility, the calendar of events and the methods and criteria for evaluation. Thus, you should keep and use this syllabus for routine reference during the course. If during the course you need help, please come to see me as soon as you think you need assistance; do not wait until you obtain unsatisfactory grades or until the week before the final examination.
THE COURSE: This course investigates the causal factors for the emergence of what has become known as Globalization, Global Economy, and Global Village. The course covers the tumultuous changes in the global economy, the effects of such changes on sovereign States [national political systems], on ecology, and on local cultures. The role of the United States in the new globalized world will also be scrutinized. Lastly, ëGlocalizationí ñ local reactions to the new world order ñ will also be considered.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The course is designed to offer the students the opportunity to learn about:
1. The Conceptualizations of Globalization; 2. Changes in Political Power; 3. Effects of Globalization on National Cultures; 4. The Realities of Global Economy; 5. Globalization and Gender, Inequality and Environmental issues; 5. Globalization: Utopian or Dystopian Future? 6. Re-localization
NOTE: This is a rather difficult course, for several reasons. It is an upper-level course, the topic is exceedingly broad, the level of analysis/explanation is at world systems level, and the abstract/conceptual theoretical models discussed are esoteric and complex. Non-liberal arts students will find the course material vexing! The course requires much weekly preparation outside the class. Students should not make the mistake of getting behind in the required readings.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: 1. Globalization, A Critical Introduction, by Jan A. Scholte, [JAS] in the readings. 2. The Case Against Global Economy, edited by J. Mander & E. Goldsmith [MG]; 3. Kicking Away the Ladder, by Ha-Joon Chang, [HJC]
EXAMINATIONS: The evaluation of your scholarship in this course will be based on the results of: 1. a mid-term in-class exam; 2. a college term paper of no less than eight and no more than ten pages long, with notes and appropriate bibliography on the topic: Neo-Liberalism and Globalization; 3. a final in-class examination. NOTE: The term paper can be co-authored with a classmate, and it is due to me on the last day of classes.
GRADING: Mid-Term Exam, 30 points; Term Paper, 40 points; Final Exam, 30 points
NOTES: 1. I do not use what is commonly referred to as a ëcurveí grading system. In the courses that I teach, students obtain the grades that they worked for! 2. Make up exams will be given only in the case of documented justifiable reason. 3. Students are encouraged to discuss any grievance, related to the course, in my office, or by e-mail or telephone.
EXAM DATES: The mid term exam will be given on Wednesday, 10/25, and the final during the week of final exams
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES: Class sessions will consist of a combination of lectures and discussions. Studentsí comments, observations and questions are welcomed and indeed encouraged. And if a student is too shy to speak in class he or she can always give me written comments/questions at the beginning of the class. Relevant videotapes will be shown in class.
WEEK LECTURE TOPIC READINGS
1. 9/25 Introduction, This syllabus,
What is happening? What is ìGlobalî and ìGlobalizationî JAS chs. 1, 2
2. 10/2 Globalization in History, What Causes Globalization JAS chs.. 3, 4
3. 10/9 NO CLASS ON MOMDAY ñUNIV. HOLIDAY
..Impacts of Globalization MG 3, 9, 13, 14
4 10/16 Globalization & Production, Globalization & Governance JAS ch..5, 6
How Did the Rich Countries Really Become Rich? HJC ch. 1
5 10/23 ***MID-TERM EXAM, W 10/25
Globalization & Community, Globalization & Knowledge JAS ch. 7, 8
6 10/30 Panaceas that Failed MG 15, 19, 21, 23
10 11/27 Re-Localization MG 33, 34, 43
11 12/4 Lessons for the Present HJC ch .4
TERM PAPER DUE
FINAL EXAMINATION
NOTE: THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER ANY ASPECT OF THIS SYLLABUS, IN WHICH CASE STUDENTS SHALL BE INFORMED IN ADVANCE.