GES1050

The global challenge

Associate Professor Kevin O'Connor, Associate Professor Katherine Gibson and Dr Peter Marden

6 points - 3 hours per week (two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial) - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives The objectives of this subject are that upon completion, students should be able to describe the new global geography of economic activity, culture and politics and give explanatory accounts of the evolution of these patterns. They should also be able to utilise a range of geographic research skills.

Synopsis The aim of this subject is to identify, describe and interpret the changing global geography of the world we live in, and to relate everyday life experiences to this wider world. The subject will analyse the economic, social and political forces that contribute to contemporary global change and that shape new international divisions of labour and patterns of migration and industrial reorganisation; the emergence of global institutions of governance; political movements concerned with human rights, multiculturalism, social and environmental justice; and the formation of a new world order. The subject will explore various and often contrasting ways in which change in the world is interpreted and explained and will illustrate the way the influences of globalisation are felt unevenly by people, communities, regions and nations. Throughout the subject reference to the impact of global change upon Melbourne will be made. The subject provides a foundation for second and third year subjects that explore change in cities, regions and the environment in greater depth.

Assessment Project report: (2000 words): 40% - Examination: (2 hours): 40% - Practical/tutorial work: 20%

Recommended texts

Dickin P Global shift: Industrial change in a turbulent world Harper and Row, 1991
Featherstone M Global culture Sage, 1990
Waters M Globalization Routledge, 1995

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