INT2040 - Globalization and its discontents

Leader: Dr Shahram Akbarzadeh

Offered

Malaysia First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

An analysis of the debates surrounding globalization. Which groups defend or attack the phenomenon and why? What meanings do they attach to the term? Evidence will be examined as to who stands to win or lose from the processes of globalization. Case studies will be made of responses to globalization at different levels, from local to international.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this unit will have:

1. Deepened their understanding of the reasons why people differ in their evaluation of globalization.
2. Analysed and evaluated evidence as to the groups which benefit or suffer from the impacts of globalization.
3. Understood key concepts in the globalization debate.
4. Acquired knowledge about the different stakeholders affected by globalization; about the power-structures in which they are enmeshed; and about the strategies they employ to promote, retard or amend the processes of globalization.
5. Located and critically analysed web-based and mass media material relating to current protagonists in the globalization debate.
6. Improved their oral skills by participating in class debate on globalization.
7. Improved their written skills by producing a journal or a well-reasoned and well-documented essay on an aspect of the globalization debate.
8. developed their own views in the form of an argument about globalization.

Students successfully completing INT3040 will be expected to demonstrate, in addition:

9. Enhanced skills in the formulation and development of an independent research project focused on focused on the globalization debate and a critical analysis of relevant documentary sources.

Assessment

2 hour examination (1000 words): 30%
Essay (2500 words): 40%
UN conference and group action report (1500 words): 30%. Third year students will be required to write a fully documented essay while second years will be required to keep a journal tracking and analysing a current media topic relating to the globalization debate.

Contact hours

1 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial per week.

Prerequisites

First year INT sequence or permission

Prohibitions

INT3040