SOCIOLOGY OF GLOBALIZATION

概要

We often talk about globalization, but what exactly is it? Its economic dimensions are often the most salient in the news and in our immediate lives as we come into contact with and are noticeably affected by commodities and capital. However, globalization is much more complex, and has multiple interweaving dimensions. In this course, we will explore not only the economic, but also the political and cultural dimensions of globalization. Importantly, we will think about how globalization manifests itself along the global, organizational, national, and individual levels, while critically assessing its positive and negative impacts – who “wins” and why? While drawing on a range of foundational theories pertaining to globalization, we will substantively cover topics such as international trade and capital flows, international organizations, cultural homogenization and hybridization, social movements, etc. This is an SPSF-cross-listed course. All class instruction will be in English, and students whose dominant language is not English are expected to challenge themselves and only use English in the classroom (even when talking to each other during online in-class group discussions). I am available to answer questions in English or Japanese via email or Zoom (including right after our weekly Zoom classes), so please do not wait until you are behind and/or lost to ask questions and seek help. Attendance is extremely important and required. Students are expected to read all assigned readings for each class beforehand and actively participate in the online activities and discussions. Although our classes are all online, they will follow the same class time schedule as the physical classes, so please arrive at our online "classroom" on time.

目標

To provide the necessary theoretical and substantive knowledge to enable students to think critically about globalization’s effects on society at large, and to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for global current events that often affect all of our lives.

授業外の学習

Out-of-class activities typically consist of reading the required readings (about one English article or chapter per class; estimated weekly time commitment: 100 min) and writing a reaction paper or finding/reflecting on news articles or examples about specific relevant themes (estimated weekly time commitment: 90 min). These tasks are required as students will be expected to draw on this information when we engage in online small group and class discussions. Class participation points will be based on how actively students engage in these tasks.

所要時間: At least 190 minutes per lecture.