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Academic Year 2003/2004

Theories of Capitalism and Globalization
SOC 310 SP

Globalization has become a common term used widely by government officials, business, the media, and scholars in the social sciences and area cultural studies. However, there is no common meaning associated with this term, or agreement on its origins and consequences for the societies and peoples of the world. The aim of this course is to examine different theories of globalization and its relationship to modern capitalism. Is globalization to be seen as a late 20th century phenomenon, or is it synonymous with the rise and expansion of the capitalist world-system since the 16th century? What consequences does globalization have for the nation-state and national cultures? Does globalization decrease or increase inequalities between rich and poor countries, and rich and poor peoples?

MAJOR READINGS

The course will include selected readings from Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Immanuel Wallerstein, Etienne Balibar, Peter Evans, Ernest Gellner, David Harvey, Kanichi Ohmae, Manuel Castells, Stuart Hall, Arjun Appadurai, Edward Said, William Greider, and Saskia Sassen, among others.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three take-home essays of six to eight pages each, or one take-home essay and a research paper of 12-15 pages.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SOC    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: SOC 151 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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