Sociology of Globalization
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
Globalization is a widely used 'buzzword' but also widely misunderstood. In this course, we will bust the common myths that surround globalization and explore the contemporary globalization of social life. We will come to understand globalization as a set of processes. Our study will first consider the economic, cultural and political processes independently but we will also reflect on how they operate in conjunction with one another. We will apply this understanding to survey several sub-themes of globalization including global inequality, global migration, climate change, and infectious disease. The course also has a broader intellectual goal to help students think about complex social issues in a thoughtful manner that critically reads, interprets and reflects upon sociological perspectives of globalization. To do so, the assessments place a large emphasis on communicating using logic and argumentation.
Expected learning outcomes
KNOW: the different sociological approaches to understanding globalization
COMPREHEND: the various social, political and economic aspects of globalization and their influence on global and local society
APPLY: sociological perspectives to specific examples and case studies of globalization
ANALYZE: the role of power, inequality and conflict in global relations
SYNTHESIZE: information about globalization from diverse sources and approaches to communicate relevant ideas and arguments
EVALUATE: the role of globalization and anti-globalization in social life from a knowledge-based perspective
COMPREHEND: the various social, political and economic aspects of globalization and their influence on global and local society
APPLY: sociological perspectives to specific examples and case studies of globalization
ANALYZE: the role of power, inequality and conflict in global relations
SYNTHESIZE: information about globalization from diverse sources and approaches to communicate relevant ideas and arguments
EVALUATE: the role of globalization and anti-globalization in social life from a knowledge-based perspective
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
The course is taught online in a synchronous manner (live) on Microsoft Teams.
Course syllabus
Unit 1 Sociological Perspectives on Globalization
1.1 The Concept of Globalization
1.2 Globalization & the Sociological Imagination
1.3 Debating Globalization
Unit 2 Globalization over Time
2.1 Pre-modern and Modern Globalization
2.2 Late 20th Century Globalization
2.3 Global Cities in the 21st century
Unit 3 The Global Economy
3.1 Finance, Trade, and Global Markets
3.2 Communication, Information, and Technology
3.3 Globalization and Work
Unit 4 Cultural Globalization
4.1 Global Culture
4.2 Hybridization & 'Glocalization'
4.3 Families in a Global Context
Unit 5 Political Globalization
5.1 The Nation State in a Global World
5.2 Cosmopolitan Democracy
5.3 Globalization and the Welfare State
Unit 6 Globalization and Global 'Problems'
6.1 Global Migration: Causes
6.2 Global Migration: Effects
6.3 Global Inequality
6.4 Global Environment
Unit 7 Global Counter-movements
7.1 Anti-globalization and Global Justice Movements
1.1 The Concept of Globalization
1.2 Globalization & the Sociological Imagination
1.3 Debating Globalization
Unit 2 Globalization over Time
2.1 Pre-modern and Modern Globalization
2.2 Late 20th Century Globalization
2.3 Global Cities in the 21st century
Unit 3 The Global Economy
3.1 Finance, Trade, and Global Markets
3.2 Communication, Information, and Technology
3.3 Globalization and Work
Unit 4 Cultural Globalization
4.1 Global Culture
4.2 Hybridization & 'Glocalization'
4.3 Families in a Global Context
Unit 5 Political Globalization
5.1 The Nation State in a Global World
5.2 Cosmopolitan Democracy
5.3 Globalization and the Welfare State
Unit 6 Globalization and Global 'Problems'
6.1 Global Migration: Causes
6.2 Global Migration: Effects
6.3 Global Inequality
6.4 Global Environment
Unit 7 Global Counter-movements
7.1 Anti-globalization and Global Justice Movements
Prerequisites for admission
The course expects you to be comfortable with computing and know the basics of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Teams. Previous knowledge of sociological theory is helpful but not strictly necessarily.
Teaching methods
The course is taught online in a synchronous manner (live) on Microsoft Teams using a mixed format of lecture and group discussion. You will be expected to attend the lectures and participate through classroom discussion. Attendance is not formally assessed but I work under the assumption that you attend class regularly (in person or online) to hear course updates.
Teaching Resources
1. Course Lecture Slides (PDFs downloadable from Ariel)
2. Books to Purchase:
· The Sociology of Globalization (2nd edition) by Luke Martell. (2017) Polity Books Press.
· Firing Back: Against the Tyranny of the Market Volume 2 by Pierre Bourdieu (2003). The New Press.
· Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives by Anthony Giddens (2003) Routledge Press.
3. Articles
· Mills CW (1959) "The Promise", an excerpt from The Sociological Imagination, PDF available here: http://people.uncw.edu/levyd/soc105/Mills,%20the%20Promise.PDF
· Massey D et al (1993) "Theories of International Migration: A review and Appraisal" Population and Development Review 1993. PDF available here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/2938462.pdf
· Sassen, Sakia (2005)"The Global City: Introducing a Concept" PDF available here: http://www.saskiasassen.com/pdfs/publications/the-global-city-brown.pdf
2. Books to Purchase:
· The Sociology of Globalization (2nd edition) by Luke Martell. (2017) Polity Books Press.
· Firing Back: Against the Tyranny of the Market Volume 2 by Pierre Bourdieu (2003). The New Press.
· Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives by Anthony Giddens (2003) Routledge Press.
3. Articles
· Mills CW (1959) "The Promise", an excerpt from The Sociological Imagination, PDF available here: http://people.uncw.edu/levyd/soc105/Mills,%20the%20Promise.PDF
· Massey D et al (1993) "Theories of International Migration: A review and Appraisal" Population and Development Review 1993. PDF available here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/2938462.pdf
· Sassen, Sakia (2005)"The Global City: Introducing a Concept" PDF available here: http://www.saskiasassen.com/pdfs/publications/the-global-city-brown.pdf
Assessment methods and Criteria
I. Two Homework assignments: 20% (10% each)
II. Mid-term Exam: 40%
III. Final Exam: 40%
II. Mid-term Exam: 40%
III. Final Exam: 40%
SPS/08 - SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Jeannet Anne Marie Therese
Professor(s)