Globalization: the good, the bad and the in-between

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

None

This subject examines the paradoxes of contemporary globalization. Through lectures, discussions and student presentations, we will study the cultural, linguistic, social and political impact of globalization across broad international borders. We will consider answers to key questions such as: What are the contending definitions of globalization? What are the principal agents of change? How have those agents of change been transformed in our contemporary world? What’s new, what’s hybrid, and what’s traditional? What does it mean to be a world citizen? How can world citizens preserve cultural specificity? What is the political impact of global epidemics? Why is everyone arguing about trade agreements? How has globalization changed gender roles?

We will pay attention to the subtle interplay of history, geography, language and cultural norms that gave rise to specific ways of life. The materials for the course include fiction, nonfiction, audio pieces, maps and visual materials.

This subject is a “communication intensive” class. That means that, in our work together, you will receive instruction in formal speaking and academic writing, and you will have the opportunity to strengthen these skills in response to extensive feedback on the varied assignments. Each student will write two essays—at least four pages each—in the course of the term. For the first essay, students will submit first versions that will be given provisional grades by the instructors; then students will see the writing advisor to improve a final version that will be graded by the instructors. For the second essay students will meet directly with the writing advisor to discuss the draft and then produce a second version to be graded by the instructors. In addition, students will submit three two-page response papers that will be graded. There will be two announced reading quizzes in the course of the term. You will learn and practice the art of giving oral presentations in speaking tasks scheduled throughout the semester and in final group project presentations. The final group project includes written submissions, including a formal proposal, that will be graded.

You are expected to do the following:

The point value of each assignment (for a total of 100 points) follows:

You can expect us to be interested in you, your contributions and your interactions in the class. We will provide timely feedback on your written and oral work. By the end of the semester, you can expect increased ease, fluency and appropriateness in written and oral expression; general insights into the complex interactions of geography, history, built environment, language and cultural norms; and confidence to engage in informed debates on globalization in a wider arena.

The following books should be purchased:

Otsuka, Julie. The Buddha in the Attic. Anchor Books, 2012. ISBN: 9780307744425. [Preview with Google Books]

Indiana, Rita. Papi: A Novel. Translated by Achy Obejas. University of Chicago Press, 2016. ISBN: 9780226244891. Preview with [Google Books]

Don't show me this again

This is one of over 2,200 courses on OCW. Find materials for this course in the pages linked along the left.

MIT OpenCourseWare is a free & open publication of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum.

No enrollment or registration. Freely browse and use OCW materials at your own pace. There's no signup, and no start or end dates.

Knowledge is your reward. Use OCW to guide your own life-long learning, or to teach others. We don't offer credit or certification for using OCW.

Made for sharing. Download files for later. Send to friends and colleagues. Modify, remix, and reuse (just remember to cite OCW as the source.)

Learn more at Get Started with MIT OpenCourseWare