Course Description
This course introduces the process of globalization and its consequences on the lives of people at the local, national, and international levels. It provides students with a critical sociological understanding of the economic, social, cultural, technological, and political aspects of globalization. It demonstrates how politics, power structures, cultural expectations, and agency influence the manner in which we define and explain globalization.
Learning Activities
The course will employ a number of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some or all of the following:
- small and large group discussions
- audio-visual materials
- seminar presentations
- lectures (including guest lectures)
Means of Assessment
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation policy. The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.
Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.
A sample grade breakdown for this course might be as follows:
- Attendance and participation: 10%
- Written assignments: 30%
- Midterm exam: 25%
- Final exam: 35%
Students may conduct research with human participants as part of their coursework in this class. Instructors for the course are responsible for ensuring that student research projects comply with College policies on ethical conduct for research involving humans.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Explain the key debates, concepts, and ethics of globalization
- Describe the economic, social, cultural, technological, and political aspects of globalization
- Illustrate the contending viewpoints on the course and consequences of globalization
- Discuss a range of mechanisms and approaches utilized to combat the negative consequences of globalization
- Locate, evaluate, and use relevant literature as well as cite and acknowledge knowledge sources
- Explain the critical roles that powerful states, multilateral institutions, and transnational institutions play in the globalization process
- Demonstrate generic skills such as teamwork and cooperation, leadership, organization, and presentation
Textbook Materials
Below is a sample text that could be used in this course:
Ritzer, G. and Dean, P. Globalization: A Basic Text. Latest Edition.