POLS 254-01: Globalization
Course Description:
Globalization is a process through which trans-boundary flows of goods, capital, labor, and ideas come to be increasingly interdependent on a planetary scale. The phenomenon of globalization impacts core political institutions as well as multiple facets of cultural re-production, social practices, and conceptions of personal identity. Although processes of globalization may be enhanced by technological innovations, globalization is ultimately underwritten by the legal and coercive authority of nation-states. Globalization is a fragile phenomenon; it is neither inevitable nor unstoppable.
This course investigates the ethical character and social mechanics of the global order which has emerged in the post-Bretton Woods era. Near the end of the course, there will be two case studies examining aspects of globalization in the Persian Gulf and India.
Course Format:
The course is centered on a critical discussion of seven books. Students are expected to come prepared to discuss the readings. Grades will be based on a take-home mid-term essay (35%), and a final in-class exam (45%). Active and thoughtful class participation will comprise the remaining portion (20%) of the grade. Students may opt to create a 10 minute web-based video project which elaborates the themes of the course in lieu of the final exam (please see the professor at the beginning of the term if you are interested in this option).
Texts:
The following texts are required for the course. A copy of each book will also be ordered and placed on reserve in the library. In order to facilitate discussion, please bring a copy of the text (or a photocopy of the relevant chapters) to each class session.
Required:
- Kwame Anthony Appiah (2007) Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers, W.W. Norton Press.
- Aihwa Ong (2006) Neoliberalism as Exception, Duke University Press.
- Saskia Sassen (2001) Global Cities: New York, London, Tokyo, Princeton University Press.
- Mike Davis (2006) Planet of Slums, Verso.
- Martin Wolf (2004) Why Globalization Works, Yale.
- Dani Rodrik (2007) One Economics, Many Recipes: Globalization, Institutions, and Economic Growth, Princeton.
- Jackie Assayag and Chris Fuller, eds. (2005) Globalizing India: Perspectives from Below, Anthem Press.
- John Fox, ed. (2006) Globalization and the Gulf, Routledge.
Links to articles will be provided one the course website.
Office Hours:
My official office hours are on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. However, students should feel free to drop by my office anytime between 9-5 Tuesday - Friday. My public calendar is available on-line: http://people.hws.edu/vyadav/calendar.html. If I am away from my office, feel free to call me on my mobile phone to set up a convenient time and place on campus to meet. You are welcome to call me on the cell phone anytime between 9am to 9pm. I also check my e-mail frequently, so feel free to drop a note if you prefer.
Disability Statement:
A Note about the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL): Hobart and William Smith Colleges encourages students to seek the academic collaboration and resources that will enable them to demonstrate their best work. Students who would like to enhance their study skills, writing skills, or have other academic inquiries should contact the CTL. You may visit the CTL web site to learn more about the services and programs that are available.
http://www.hws.edu/academics/ctl/index.aspx
If you are a student with a disability for which you need or may need accommodations, you should self-identify and register for disability related services with the Coordinator of Disability Services at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). You will then be required to provide for review documentation of your disability to that office. Disability related accommodations and services generally will not be provided until the registration and documentation process is complete. The guidelines for documenting disabilities can be found at the following website: http://www.hws.edu/disabilities