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CCOG for PS 221 archive revision 201704

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Effective Term:
Fall 2017 through Summer 2021
Course Number:
PS 221
Course Title:
Globalization and International Relations
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Provides an introductory survey of economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of globalization and evaluates their impacts on international relations. Examines patterns of conflict and cooperation among countries including the influence of international institutions, NGOs, and global corporations. Introduces selected issues such as war and peace, global security, environment, elites and concentration of power, wealth and income distribution, cultural and ethnic identities and explores possible peaceful solutions to these global problems. PS 221, EC 221 and SOC 221 are equivalent and only one may be taken for credit. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Fulfills core course requirement at PCC for Peace and Conflict Studies Program (PACS)Focus Awards. Students should consult with a PCC Academic Advisor and/or otherinstitutions regarding transfer and application of credits to other institutions.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion students should be able to:1. Recognize characteristics of global systems, including the specific structure and functions ofvarious international institutions as well as the roles played by nation?states,multinational corporations, and a wide variety of non?governmental organizations andsocial institutions.2. Examine arguments for and against economic and cultural globalization, noting how thesearguments reflect a range of culturally based assumptions and preferences with regardsto different approaches to international political economy (IPE) and security.3. Explore the evolving context of international relationships, including the impact of diversecultural ideas, behaviors, and issues upon these relationships, taking care to showsensitivity and empathy toward those holding viewpoints different from your own.4. Analyze the impacts of international policies upon local realities, developing the ability toconceptually organize information while practicing ethical and social requirements ofresponsible global citizenship.5. Recognize and understand the role and influence of global media and technologicalchanges upon the quality of information available to us, while evaluating environmentaland other consequences associated with a diversity of points of view in dealing withglobal issues.

Course Activities and Design

This course will be consistently cross?listed for credit in the three disciplines of politicalscience, economics, and sociology – to be taught by interested instructors meeting theminimum requirements for teaching in any of these disciplines at PCC .Course activities and design may make use of combinations of methods and toolsincluding lectures, classroom discussions, texts and supplementary readings, films, guestspeakers, and other classroom aids at the discretion of the instructor.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Different techniques may be used for assessment which will be determined by theindividual instructor. They may include:*Exams consisting of essays, multiple choice, or other methods that integrate and requireapplication of concepts, themes, and issues covered in this course.*Written assignments such as papers, reports, reviews, journals, or other exercises thatdemonstrate a critical capacity to evaluate information relating to this course*Individual or group projects where students identify resources that provide information andutilize these resources to evaluate policies reflecting conflicting beliefs, goals, and strategies.*Oral presentations, debates, roleplaying, or other exercises intended to provide a morecomprehensive understanding of issues and how they may be addressed.*Research projects using standard research techniques, acceptable formats, and specified ratingcriteria

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

1. Explaining Globalization*Definitions and global trends.*The modern world systems of capitalism and socialism.*Socio?economic and politics of the global system.*Nation?States in the era of globalization.2. Globalization and the World Economy*International trade and strategic foreign policies.*Trade agreements and trading blocks.*WTO, NAFTA, IMF, WB, APEC.*China, India, EU, Russia, U.S., Brazil, Turkey.*Globalization and financial systems.*Economic performance and income distribution.*Corporations, social accountability, speculative investment, booms and busts.*Technological changes: costs and benefits.3. Globalization, Nation?State, and Global Governance*The changing role of nation?state.*The new world order.*Political elites and concentration of power.*Foreign policies, economic and political rivalries, and strategic interests.*Military alliances and rogue states.*United Nations.*Democracies, dictatorships and NGOs.*Nation building.*Social change and movements*Civil society.4. Globalization, Information, and Culture*Going global: sushi, Big Mac, and popular culture.*Internet, global media, and information flows.*Clash of civilizations, cultural and ethnic identities.5. Global Threats and Challenges*Environment, sustainability, and energy supplies.*Food and population.*Terrorism and wars.*Nuclear proliferation.*Diseases and cyber crimes.*Poverty and income distribution.Competencies and Skills1. Identify the changing forces of globalization2. Explain the changing role of nation?state3. Express knowledge about factors that lead to regional and global conflicts4. Identify and understand major global environmental threats5. Analyze the socio?economic and political structures of the global system.6. Demonstrate knowledge of the interdependencies of foreign policies, economicrivalries, and strategic interests.7. Analyze the roles of global corporations, international organizations, and NGOs.