POLI 3991: Globalization and Its Discontents: The Politics of Economic Change
Students examine three economic institutions that are central to understanding the processes referred to as "globalization": the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization. Students develop a framework of the key concepts in discussions of globalization before exploring the political origins and current social consequences of these organizations. Students examine related issues of global governance, corporate accountability, and global justice as they consider how these economic institutions and their associated decision-making processes and policies will potentially impact future generations and the planet.
Learning outcomes
- Articulate foundational knowledge about globalization including defining key terms and situating contemporary globalization according to its historical trajectories.
- Assess ideologies in favour and against globalization according to principles of social responsibility, civic engagement, and/or sustainable and ethical practice.
- Find, assess, and apply qualitative and quantitative information relevant to issues of globalization.
- Discuss contemporary issues related to ethics, sustainability, and justice in terms of economic globalization and its relationship to local and global politics.
- Describe and critique the ethical principles and decision-making processes of three political-economic institutions that are central to the process of globalization: the International
- Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Engage in informed case study analysis, discussion, and debates concerning global governance and global justice.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Theoretical and Historical Frameworks for Discussing Globalization
- Unit 2: Ideologies of Globalization, and Financial Globalization
- Unit 3: Accountability and Democracy under Globalization
- Unit 4: Resistance and Alternatives: Is World Justice Possible?
Required text and materials
Students will receive the following textbooks:
- Ellwood, W. (2015). Globalization: Buying and Selling the World (4th ed). Between the Lines.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1-77113-245-9
- Rodrik, D. (2011). The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and The Future of The World Economy. Norton.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-393-34128-7
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
In order to successfully complete this course, students must obtain at least 50% on the mandatory final exam and 50% overall.
| Assignment 1: Journal Entires (4) | 20% |
| Assignment 2: Sustainable Development Goal | 25% |
| Assignment 3: Follow the Thing | 25% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
