COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Globalization is the phenomenon of interconnectedness of economic, political and cultural activities across different parts of the globe. Does it bring people together or drive them apart? Is it a homogenizing or fragmenting force? What, or who, drives it?  Is “globalization” just another word for “Westernization”? What new forms of power has it created? What new forms of resistance? This course introduces you to these and other questions, arguments and debates, surveying several aspects of globalization through the lens of justice and injustice. We will look at these issues from economic, political and cultural angles, giving particular attention to the movements of people (as refugees and laborers among others) around the globe. There are three key elements of being a globally competent citizen. First, knowledge of the world around us and the interdependence of local, state, and global factors must be a priority for our students. students to be able to “know” and “think critically” about these global forces and factors, but we also want them to apply them in their respective studies.