PL9197: Introduction to Globalisation

School Politics and International Relations
Department Code LAWPL
Module Code PL9197
External Subject Code 100490
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Claire Malcolm
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

Globalisation is a complex and contentious concept, which is variously interpreted as: a form of ‘timespace compression’ which is ‘shrinking’ our world; a series of opportunities for growth and modernisation; or the institutionalisation and internationalisation of inequalities and injustice. Its advocates argue that it has increased the depth and scope of the application of human rights and lifted millions of people out of poverty. Its detractors point to its connection with the recent global financial crisis and the willingness and ability of powerful elites to manipulate its mechanisms and consequences. The ever expanding literature on Globalisation is inter and multidisciplinary and this is precisely because this elusive debate transcends academic fields; including politics, economics, history and sociology. Throughout this course students will be encouraged to engage with a series of questions that continue to divide scholars and commentators: Is globalisation ‘real’? If so, is it ‘new’? Is it a force for good and, if not, could it ever be? Who is globalisation for? What are its consequences? Is its progress inexorable? What does the future hold for our ‘globalised’ world?

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Understand and critique a great many appraisals of the origins and meaning of globalisation;
  • Be positioned to analyse the phenomenon from an historical, legal, economic, political, sociological and gendered perspective;
  • Be able to think critically about the implications of globalisation across a range of arenas (including the economy, the environment, and human rights);
  • Appreciate that this issue is, by definition, a ‘global’ one and therefore have developed a critical reading of it which moves beyond a Eurocentric approach;

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered by means of two 50 minute lectures per week, and a (small-group) seminar session to take place once a fortnight.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Skills gained or consolidated through this module will include: note-taking, essay writing, time-management, making an effective contribution to group discussion/group work, the ability to engage in inter-disciplinary analysis and the ability to think critically.

How the module will be assessed

Type of assessment

%Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

Coursework Essay

50

 

 

 

Examination

50

 

1.5 hrs

January

The potential for reassessment in this module

Students can be reassessed via an examination and essay in the summer re-sit period.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Essay (Autumn Semester) N/A
Exam - Autumn Semester 50 Introduction To Globalisation 1.5

Syllabus content

-       Defining globalisation

-       The ‘age’ of globalisation

-       The consequences of globalisation

-       The economic dimensions of globalisation

-       The political dimensions of globalisation

-       The cultural dimensions of globalisation

-       Global Civil Society and Transnational Movements

Essential Reading and Resource List

D. Rodrik (2011) The Globalisation Paradox: Why Global Markets, States and Democracy can’t coexist

A. Jones (ed) (2010) Globalisation: Key Thinkers

J. A. Scholte (2005) Globalisation: A Critical Introduction

Background Reading and Resource List

J. Baylis, S. Smith and P. Owens (eds.), The Globalization of World Politics, Oxford University Press, 3rd edition. 2005.

D. Held, David and A. McGrew (eds.) (2003) The Global Transformations Reader:  An Introduction to the Globalization Debate. 2nd ed. (Cambridge: Polity Press).

R.J. Holton, R.J., Globalization and the Nation-State, Macmillan, 1998. 

A.G. McGrew and P. Lewis (eds.), (1992) Global Politics: Globalization and the Nation  State

G. Sørensen (2008) “Globalization and the nation-state”, in D. Caramani, (ed.), Comparative Politics. (Oxford University Press) pp. 602-624.

M. Steger, (2003) Globalization: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press)

J. Stiglitz, (2002) Globalization and its Discontents, Penguin

M. Waters (2001), Globalization Key ideas, 2nd edition, Routledge

NB: A full reading list, including links for web resources and recommended Journal Articles is available via Learning Central


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