IPS120 GLOBALIZATION AND GLOBAL ISSUES Spring 2018 Graduate School of International Studies Korea University

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1 IPS120 GLOBALIZATION AND GLOBAL ISSUES Spring 2018 Graduate School of International Studies Korea University Instructor: Professor Andrew Eungi Kim Office: International Studies Hall, #532 Office Hours: Thursday 2:00-4:00 (and by appointments) Phone: I. COURSE DESCRIPTION Globalization is a concept that is much discussed but poorly understood. It is at once praised as the answer to all the world s problems while being blamed for everything from pollution to poverty. Adding to puzzlement are the stereotypes of globalization, including its characterization as American imperialism and as an economic panacea. To better understand this buzzword of the day, this course will begin by exploring the multidimensional definitions and meanings of globalization. The course also examines globalization s many variations as well as sub-globalizations that bind regions together. The power and the unexpected consequences of this great force will then be scrutinized in the context of history. In addition, the course looks at the various interconnections, from economics and trade to poverty, war and civil strife, and examines how structural elements, both political and economic, have polarized the world into a minority of haves versus a growing majority of havenots. We will also explore other ongoing problems of globalization, such as climate change, threats to both cultural and biological diversity, financial instability, corruption, migration, malnutrition and hunger, trade barriers, water access, modernizing forces encroaching on rural and traditional cultures, union-busting via back-door utilization of low-wage labor, and interventionism by foreign superpowers in the political, economic and social affairs of foreign lands. From these exercises, it is hoped that the students understand the distinction between globalization (the process of the intensification and expansion of global interconnections), globality (the condition brought about by the process of globalization) and globalism (the ideology that underwrites and legitimizes the current form of globalization). Also, the students should comprehend how the concept of 1

2 globalization basically boils down to the wholesale commodification of all of the resources on the planet; how some of the global issues have their direct counterpart in some very local issues; how everything is connected colonialism, sweatshops, child labor, food production and distribution, consumerism and culture, and neoliberal capitalism; how the Western consumer model has seeped into every corner of the globe while gaps in wealth, food security and social provision continue to grow; how the promise of globalization is seductive, powerful, and ultimately hollow; how an emerging global culture does indeed exist; how globalization, which can be said to be American in origin and content, is far from a centrally directed force like classic imperialism; and how there exists currents that carry a culture of globalization, including a worldwide class of young professionals and non-governmental organizations. II. COURSE OBJECTIVES The principal objective of this course is to prepare students with the knowledge and analytical tools needed to develop balanced views on globalization and its impact. Toward this end, students are expected to: understand the nature of globalization in a historical context; understand the multidimensional nature of globalization, particularly its economic, political, cultural and ideological aspects; recognize economic, political, and social forces that are interconnected in the process of globalization; comprehend the consequences of globalization; develop the ability to think critically about globalization; understand the impact of globalization at the individual and societal levels; recognize how globalization causes many problems, particularly those pertaining to inequality and power; understand various theories about globalization; and explore possible solutions to the problems caused by globalization and delve into ways to improve quality of life. 2

3 III. REQUIRED READINGS George Ritzer Globalization: The Essentials. Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. Richard Payne. Global Issues: Politics, Economics and Culture (2nd Edition). New York: Longman. Patricia J. Campbell, Aran MacKinnon and Christy R. Stevens An Introduction to Global Studies. Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. Recommended Readings Frank J. Lechner Globalization: The Making of World Society. New York: Wiley Blackwell. Jan Art Scholte Globalization: A Critical Introduction. New York: Palgrave MacMillan. Chamsy El-Ojeili and Patrick Hayden Critical Theories of Globalization. New York: Palgrave MacMillan. George Ritzer The McDonaldization of Society, 5 th ed. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Pine Forge Press. Michael M. Weinstein, ed Globalization: What s New? New York: Columbia University Press. IV. REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT This course is built around two principles: that a little work done each week makes for a better and ultimately more satisfying learning experience than the typical class format with midterm and final exams; and that building verbal and analytical (writing) skills as well as developing a habit of critical thinking is as important as accumulating knowledge. 1. Class Attendance and Participation (30% of the final grade): Class participation is a critical component of this course and it has two major dimensions: class attendance and active participation. Students are invited to share their thoughts on the assigned readings and raise questions for class discussions. The responsibility for having lively discussions rests on you, so it is everyone s responsibility to come to class prepared and be willing to engage in discussion. Your participation will be evaluated in terms of both the frequency and quality of your presentation of ideas. Please remember to show respect to other students opinions and be thoughtful of others opportunities to participate. 3

4 2. Presentation on Reading Materials (20% of the final grade) Students are required to give a presentation on a reading material. The presenter should submit a full presentation material in ppt via to the instructor the day before the presentation (this is to prevent students from procrastinating and from leaving the presentation preparation until the last minute). Students should not only summarize the reading, but should also explore other publications, gather recent data, and discuss issues relevant to the topic. Presenters should also raise a minimum of three discussion questions. 3. Journals (50% of the final grade) Students are required to write a total of 4 journals (an intellectual diary or thought piece ) from the assigned readings, i.e., each journal comprises of thought piece on 2 chapters in a given week. The aim of the intellectual diary is to help you think about the assigned reading before coming to class, thereby provide students with a possible starting point for class participation. Although the journal does not have to be lengthy (2 single-spaced pages should be sufficient, but there is no real limit to how long you want to write), it should illustrate your contemplation about and reactions to the specific issues and arguments of the assigned readings. Do not just write about the general issues, but try to write about your own intellectual reaction to the specific issues, ideas, and arguments of the reading. In other words, the journal should, in your own words, show: 1. how you reflected on the ideas or findings contained in the assigned reading; 2. why you agree or disagree with particular ideas or arguments of the reading; 3. how and why you found certain issues and findings interesting, compelling or problematic; and 4. how you were inspired by certain theories, findings and arguments. Here are useful questions to consider when writing a journal: What is the central issue or question that is being addressed by the author(s)? Write very briefly on this. What are the implications of the author s main points or findings? Are the arguments or findings convincing? How do the readings relate to your own experience and to your thoughts on current affairs? What new questions or issues are being raised by the reading? 4

5 Is there any argument that changed the way you think? Basically, the journal should manifest how you intellectually struggled with and delved into the ideas, issues and findings of the readings. Write about each of the Required Readings (each chapter) and go beyond simply writing about what you think or feel. Be analytical! For simplicity, think of it as a movie review: Write about the basic arguments of the reading (very briefly), its strengths and weaknesses, its uniqueness and problems, etc. Note: You should not summarize, although a few sentences describing the essence of the readings is desirable. Personal or editorial comments are also welcome. V. CLASS SCHEDULE AND REQUIRED READINGS Week 1 Introduction Week 2 Globalization: Components and Meanings None Week 3 Inequality for All (Documentary on Inequality) & Discussion Week 4 Economic Globalization & Neoliberalism 1. Structuring the Global Economy (Ritzer, Ch. 3) 2. Global Economic Flows (Ch. 4) Week 5 Political Globalization 1. Global Political Structures and Processes (Ritzer, Ch. 5) 2. Promoting Democracy (Payne, Ch. 4) Week 6 War and Peace 1. War and Violent Conflict (Campbell, Ch. 10) 2. Weapons of Proliferation (Payne, Ch. 6) 5

6 Week 7 Globalization, Technology and Culture 1. High-tech Global Flows and Structures (Ritzer, Ch. 6) 2. Global Culture and Culture Flows (Ritzer, Ch. 7) Week 8 No Class (Midterm Week) Week 9 Globalization of Migration (& Korea) 1. Global Flows of Migrants (Ritzer, Ch. 8) 2. Population & Migration (Payne, Ch. 11) Week 10 Globalization & Environment 1. Global Environmental Flows (Ritzer, Ch. 9) Week 11 Globalization & Environment Documentaries on Global Warming Week 12 No Class (Public Holiday) Week 13 Globalization and Inequality 1. Inequality (Ritzer, Ch. 11) 2. Global Inequality (Payne, Ch. 9) 3. The Gendered World (Campbell et al., Ch. 8) Week 14 Global Problems & Solutions I 1. Infectious Disease and Globalization (Campbell et al., Ch. 7) 2. Global Terrorism (Payne, Ch. 5) 3. Peace (Campbell et al., Ch. 11) 6

7 Week 15 Global Problems & Solutions II 1. Human Rights (Payne, Ch. 3) 2. Global Crime (Payne, Ch. 12) 3. Population and Consumption (Campbell et al., Ch. 6) Week 16 No Class (Final Exam Week) 7