Introduction to Globalization

In this course, we will explore the influences on globalization and its development, the issues and concerns around globalization, and the potential benefits and implications of globalization. We will look at this topic from a variety of different global perspectives, and you will have the opportunity to share your own thoughts on this process.

Reading

First, read the online synopsis, “What is Globalization?” Throughout the synopsis, click on each of the highlighted blue words to read into further depth about these key terms and topics:
http://www.globalization101.org/what-is-globalization/

Please watch the Tom Friedman interview, Globalization after September 11th, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXI0VsX4NKI

Here is a summary of this week’s reading:

What is globalization?
Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among people of all different backgrounds. It is driven by international trade, investment and aided by information technology. Follow the links and read about these forces:

• International Trade: http://www.globalization101.org/category/issues-in-depth/trade/
• International Trade: http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade/overview#3

• Investment: http://www.globalization101.org/category/issues-in-depth/investment/

• Effect of Globalization on International Investments: http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/022615/what-effect-has-globalization-had-international-investments.asp
• Information Technology: http://www.globalization101.org/category/issues-in-depth/technology/

NOTE: if the Globalization101.org website is not working, you can access an archived version of the site here:
https://web.archive.org/web/20160830223212/http:/www.globalization101.org/

Globalization is deeply controversial.

Three primary theories for how globalization was developed are provided. They are:

1. World-System Theory
2. World Polity Theory
3. World Culture Theory

Debates over the meaning and merits of globalization:

1. Kharas, H, & McArthur, J. (2016, October 5). Can globalization be rescued from itself? Brookings. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/research/can-globalization-be-rescued-from-itself/
2. Collins, M. (2015, May 6). The pros and cons of globalization. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikecollins/2015/05/06/the-pros-and-cons-of-globalization/#7abebc55ccce
3. Cultural globalization. (n.d.). InternationalRelations.org. Retrieved from http://internationalrelations.org/cultural-globalization/

Videos

• Rolin Corporation. (2015, Mar 6). What is globalization? [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPD477FuqtY

• Explainity Channel. (2013, Jul 11). Globalization Easily Explained. [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ0nFD19eT8

• Brown, S. Globalization Theories. Khan Academy. Retrieved from: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/society-and-culture/demographics/v/globalization-theories
• Introduction to Sociology. (2016, April 4). Globalization and culture [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/2ydX2FY0dvY

All videos have closed captioning or transcripts available.

Assignments:

PART 1:

• Various theories on globalization exist. Choose two from the readings and describe each—one you agree with and one you disagree with—briefly describe each theory, and explain your reasons for agreement and disagreement.

Please write an essay of complete and well composed paragraphs (250 word minimum for the entire essay) Be sure to use in text citation and provide references for your sources. Wikipedia is not a source.

PART 2:

For this assignment, you will choose two case studies from the four available in the following resource:

United Nations Association. (2014). The Global Citizen Student Reader: Globalization. Retrieved from: www.unausa.org.

The cases are as follows:

1) Mexican Government Advises Migrants (page 9)

2) Liberian Plantation Workers Allege Poor Conditions (page 10)

3) Charities Hijacked by Terrorism? (page 11)

4) Call Center Jobs, Once Offshored to India, Now Offshored from India (page 12)

After you choose two, and carefully read through each one, the following questions must be answered for each case study:

• How, in each case, did globalization change some people’s lives? How did the changes lead to a conflict?
• What was the proposed solution(s) to each conflict? How satisfactory was the solution to each party?
• Can you imagine a way to avoid or resolve similar conflicts in the future, even if rapid globalization continues?

You will need to do additional research to fully answer these questions and support the points in your paper. Please make sure your assignment is double-spaced using Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1” margins. Be sure to cite any references in APA Format.

Each case paper will be assessed on the following:

• All three questions are answered for two case studies
• Strong examples, valid points, and ideas on the topic
• At least two additional resources cited in APA format
• 2-3 pages in length
• Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation

PART 3:

Consider the following questions for reflection:

Globalization in Your Neighborhood

Over the years, in what ways has your region become more globalized? How can you see the results of this today? If you cannot see the results of this today, why?

The journal entry should be about a page in length. If applicable, be sure to cite any resources you use to support your learning journal.

Wikipedia is not a source.