Theories and Histories of Globalisation and Development

Full course description

Globalisation and development have been interdependent processes at least since the colonial era. These linkages became even more prominent during the so-called "Age of Development" that followed the Second World War. The trends of 21st century globalisation in some ways depart from and in other ways reinforce these historical processes. Two trends are particularly significant. First, the most pressing issues of our times, such as inequality, climate change and migration, are continually becoming more global in nature. On the other hand, in contrast to the previous century, the world is becoming increasingly multi-polar with the rising power of several nations from the 'Global South', namely China. To prepare students to engage with this changing scenario, this course introduces the history, leading theories, and formative debates on globalisation and development, and the ways in which the two are related. The course addresses theories of colonialism, modernization, dependency, neoliberalism, alternatives to development, and human development. It addresses ongoing debates on globalisation, and the rise of Asia and emerging societies. The course uses original texts and critiques to help students develop their own interdisciplinary understanding of globalisation and development, which will be represented in the form of debates among students on various contemporary aspects of 21st century globalisation and development.