Globalisation & Social Justice
Title: Globalization and Social Justice
Course Overview:
This critical and interdisciplinary course examines the multifaceted phenomenon of globalization through the lens of equity and justice. Moving beyond abstract theory, it investigates how global economic systems, political structures, cultural flows, and technological transformations create, perpetuate, and challenge profound inequalities. Students will engage with core debates on global capitalism, governance, human rights, migration, and social movements to critically assess the possibilities for a more just and sustainable global future.
Core Themes & Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Analyze the key economic, political, cultural, and technological dimensions of globalization through competing theoretical frameworks.
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Critically evaluate the role of major global institutions (e.g., IMF, WTO, UN) and governance structures in shaping patterns of inequality and justice.
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Assess the impact of globalization on specific issues, including labor, gender relations, migration, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
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Connect theoretical debates to contemporary case studies and real-world social movements advocating for global justice.
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Develop and articulate informed, critical perspectives on pathways toward more equitable and sustainable forms of global integration.
Course Structure:
The course is organized into eight thematic lectures that build a comprehensive framework:
| Week | Lecture Title | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding Globalization: Concepts, Dimensions, and Debates | Introduces the concept, historical evolution, and key debates surrounding globalization’s economic, political, cultural, and technological dimensions. |
| 2 | Theories of Globalization and Global Inequality | Examines liberal, critical, and postcolonial theoretical frameworks to understand the roots and structures of global inequality and dependency. |
| 3 | The Political Economy of Globalization | Discusses global capitalism, neoliberalism, and the international division of labor, with case studies of the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. |
| 4 | Globalization, Human Rights, and Social Justice | Links global processes to frameworks of human rights, equity, and fairness, focusing on justice in trade, labor, and environmental governance. |
| 5 | Global Governance and Institutions for Justice | Analyzes how international organizations (UN, ILO, ICC) and global governance frameworks can either promote or hinder transnational justice. |
| 6 | Gender, Migration, and Global Inequality | Explores the gendered impacts of globalization, including global care chains, migration patterns, and systemic exploitation. |
| 7 | Globalization, Technology, and Social Movements | Examines the dual role of technology and media in advancing corporate globalization and empowering transnational social justice activism. |
| 8 | Rethinking Globalization: Toward a Just Global Future | Synthesizes course debates to explore visions for sustainable globalization, climate justice, and responsible global citizenship. |