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.
Course objectives
After completion of this course, students are able to:
- Summarise the main historical narratives and key tenets of major academic theories on globalisation and development.
- Apply mainstream and critical theories pertaining to globalisation and development to analyse contemporary issues affecting relationships between global North and South at macro-, meso- and micro levels.
- Critically judge and assess policies and other issues central to the development of countries in the global North and South and relate these to the context of on-going globalisation.
- Formulate well-supported explanations and judgements on topics of globalisation and development and communicate these effectively to peers through debates.
- Conduct a literature search on a subject and synthesise findings in oral and written forms in a coherent and informed manner.
- Work in multi-cultural teams towards a common goal.
Prerequisites
Enrollment in MA GDS