1. Introduce students to global political, economic and cultural issues.

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1 Syllabus Global and Intercultural Connections-AFRS Course Number: LBST 2102 Section Number Class Location: Storrs 290 Meeting Times: Professor: Veronica Hilliard Term: Fall XListed: No Office Hours: Address: M&W: 12:30pm-1:30pm And by Appointment Phone Number: Office Room Number: 002 M&W: 8am-9:15am Garinger, Room 134 COURSE DESCRIPTION Students and others alike are often intrigued by the notion of globalization. This topic has seen a great deal of discussion and remains one of the mostly controversial debates of the past decade centering on supporters and critics. It remains a very intricate or complex phenomenon with far-reaching implications and encompassing phenomena that span all the social science disciplines. For some societies, this rapid pace of change can be unsettling thus creating significant problems and challenges. The course on Global and Intercultural Connections will examine and analyze the concept and effect of globalization in diverse issue areas in an effort to derive the potential positive or negative impacts globalization has on various parts of the world. Using appropriate theoretical tools, the issue areas will encompass trade, outsourcing of American jobs overseas, Islam and other religions, terrorism (including the 9/11 incidence), nationalism, conflict and security, poverty, women and development, weapons proliferation, health and the environment. The course will also examine various cultures and how they function and interact with others in a diverse world. In other words, it will enable the student to understand the differences, commonalities and interdependence among the various cultures, societies or nations in the globe. COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. Introduce students to global political, economic and cultural issues. 2. Enable students to understand the challenges and impact of globalization in the 21 st Century. 3. Impact in the student the notion of global and intercultural connections in general. 4. Enable the student to understand the differences, commonalities and interdependence among the various societies or nations in the globe.

2 5. Examine the domestic and external factors hindering development in the age of globalization and to suggest policy measures necessary for tackling global challenges. 6. Assist students toward further development of academic skills in the areas of writing and research. METHODOLOGY Classes will consist of discussions, audio visuals, and occasional guest speakers. In order to allow meaningful discussion and class participation, and in addition to the textbooks, students will read current event articles from newspapers, magazines, journals, including assigned articles, and come prepared to bring them up. The class will then discuss the issues and together we will analyze them. REQUIREMENTS Students are required to read assigned topics in preparation for class discussion. A term paper and/or group project would be required to assist students develop writing and research skills. Note, only assigned group projects are acceptable and individual projects are unacceptable. Students are required to attend class regularly and observe the Student Honor Code. Falsification, cheating, fabrication, multiple submission, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, and complicity in academic dishonesty are prohibited. REQUIRED TEXT Michael T. Snarr and D. Neil Snarr (eds.), Introducing Global Issues, Fifth Edition (Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2012). Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (London: Heinemann International, 1958). Other Required Readings: To Be Placed on Reserve John M. Mbaku & Suresh C. Saxena, Africa At The Crossroads: Between Regionalism and Globalization (Connecticut: Praeger Publishers, 2004). Mary Habeck, Knowing the Enemy: Jihadist Ideology and the War on Terror (New Haven: Yale University Press. 2006). Veronica Nmoma, "The Civil Crisis in Liberia: An American Response," The Journal of Conflict Studies, Vol. XVII, Spring 1997, Page 2 of 6

3 GRADING SCALES 90% - 100% A 80% - 89% B 70% - 79% C 60% - 69% D Below 60% F GRADING Test 1 20 Test 2 20 Test 3 20 Test 4 20 Attendance 10 Participation 10 If you miss a test without a written doctor s note, you may not make it up. Students are expected to come to class regularly, fully prepared and to actively engage in class discussions on current event issues, assigned readings and materials. Extra credit work cannot be offered to one or a few students. No talking to other students during class or sleeping during audiovisual viewings; students will be penalized resulting in a reduction of participation grade points. Use of Cell phones prohibited on test days. Unofficial students should not come to class any time, any day. Up to 3 absences per summer session allowed for extraordinary circumstances. 4 absences or more will result in a loss of 10 points. WEEKS TOPICS 1. A General Overview of the Concept of Globalization 1. Introducing globalization and Global Issues Michael Snarr & D. Neil Snarr, Introducing global Issues, Chapter 1 [NOTE: An overview of a relevant developing continent and a video will precede the discussion on the concept of globalization] (Aug 24, 26, 31 & Sept 2 & 9). Page 3 of 6

4 LABOR DAY Sept 7 2. The Complex Relationship between globalization and culture 1. Examining ways globalization has changed cultural experience and cultural orientations. Recognizing cultural differences in the classrooms and creating a climate where diversity is valued. John Tomlinson, Globalization and Culture, Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart. Video cassette on multiculturalism ( Sept 14 & 16). 3. The Research Process OR Group Project 1 Research and Interpretation 2. Documentation Methods and Techniques 3. Presentation Recommended Reading: Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertation. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. Read the 6 th or latest Edition. (Sept 21) 4. TEST 1 DUE Sept Africa and globalization 1. Africa s Encounter with Globalization 2. To Globalize or not to Globalize 3. The Prohibitive Cost of Globalization Emmanuel Nnadozie, Africa at the Crossroads of Globalization, in John Mbaku eds., Africa At The Crossroads: Between Regionalism and Globalization, pp Francis Nyamnjoh, Globalization and Popular Disenchantment in Africa, in John Mbaku eds., Africa At The Crossroads: Between Regionalism and Globalization, pp (Sept. 28 & 30). 6. Examination of World Cultures through Religion 1 A Closer look at the Islamic Religion 2 The rise and growth of Islam 3 The Prophet Muhammad 4 Customs and practices 5 Islamic fundamentalism Mary Habeck, Knowing the enemy: Jihadist Ideology and the War on Terror. Other Readings and audio visual materials to be provided. (Oct. 5, 7, & 14 ). Page 4 of 6

5 STUDENT RECESS OCT. 12 & Terrorism, Global Security and Insecurity 1. Terrorism a major concern today 2. The road to 9/11 3. Dealing with global terrorism Jack Patterson eds., global Security and Insecurity: Responses to Terrorism and other Threats in Michael Snarr & D. Neil Snarr, Introducing global Issues, Chapter 5. Mary Habeck, Knowing the enemy: Jihadist Ideology and the War on Terror. (Oct. 19). 8. TEST 2 OCT 21 9 Conflict and Security Veronica Nmoma, The Civil War and the Refugee Crisis in Liberia, The Journal of Conflict Studies, Spring 1997, pp Jeffrey Lantis, Weapons Proliferation and Conflict, in Michael Snarr & D. Neil Snarr, Introducing global Issues, Chapter 2. (Oct. 26, 28, & Nov. 2 ) 10. Globalization, Trade and Development Bruce Moon, Free Trade vs. Protectionism: Values and Controversies in Michael Snaar eds., Introducing Global Issues, Chapter 6. Chris Scholl, International Capital flows and Institutions, in Michael Snaar eds., Introducing Global Issues, Chapter 7. Richard E. Mshomba, Globalization and Development, in Nnadozie ed., Economic Development, Chapter 20. (Nov. 4, 9 &11). 11. Outsourcing American Jobs Overseas Women and Development Elise Boulding & Heather Parker, in Michael Snaar eds., Introducing Global Issues, Chapter 10. Articles to be assigned. (Nov 11) 12. Test 3 Nov. 16 Page 5 of 6

6 13. Poverty and Globalization Readings: Don Reeves, Poverty in a Global Economy in Michael Snaar eds., Introducing Global Issues, Chapter 8. John Mbaku, Fighting Poverty and Deprivation in Africa: in Mbaku eds., Africa At The Crossroads: Between Regionalism and Globalization, pp (Nov. 18) 14. Extra Credit Assignment Globalization & Atmospheric Commons (Nov. 23) THANKSGIVING Nov Globalization and the Environment Pam Chasek & Marian Miller, Sustainable Development in Michael Snaar eds., Introducing Global Issues, Chapter 13. Mark Seis, Protection of the Atmospheric Commons in Snaar eds., Introducing Global Issues, Chapter 14. (Nov. 30) 16. Health and Globalization Marjorie Nelson, Health, in Michael Snaar eds., Introducing Global Issues, Chapter 12. Mario Azevedo, Health and Economic Development in Nnadozie ed., African Econ. Development, Chapt. 9 (Dec 2) Review Dec TEST 4 Dec 9 Other Issues: To be announced NOTE: PROFESSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO SYLLABUS including dates Page 6 of 6