Syllabus: Global Social Change
Sociology 2, Winter 2015 (Course #69050)
Time/Place: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-3:20pm, SSH 100
Class Web Page: https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/schofer/teaching/2015soc2/
Course Readings (password provided in class): http://webfiles.uci.edu/schofer/classes/2015soc2/readings
Alternate link to readings (requires webfiles sign-up): http://webfiles.uci.edu/schofer/classes/2015soc2/readings
Handouts & Notes: http://webfiles.uci.edu/schofer/classes/2015soc2/coursefiles
Instructor and TA information
Evan Schofer schofer@uci .edu Office hours: Thursdays 12:00-1:00 in SSPB 4271 Natasha Miric nmiric@uci.edu Wednesday & Thursday discussion sections Office Hours: Monday 1:00-2:00 in SST 682 Erin Evans emevans@uci.edu Tuesday & Friday discussion sections Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00am-12:00 noon in SST 617Introduction
This course explores international political, economic, cultural, and social changes that are currently transforming our world on a global scale. Countries are increasingly interconnected by flows of information, trade, money, immigrants, technology, and culture. Trans-national corporations and political organizations (e.g., the United Nations) have grown in size and influence, as have the organized social movements that lobby or oppose them. The goal of the course is clarify what globalization is and how it is affecting societies around the world. We will discuss theories and research from sociology and related fields to help us make sense of important global changes. Some issues we’ll examine: How does international trade affect jobs and the economy? What causes international financial crises, and can they be avoided? How do international social movements and protesters affect government policies on issues such as the environment and climate change? Does globalization increase or reduce the potential for international conflict and terrorism?
Readings & media
Reading assignments are listed below. Readings marked by an asterisk (*) are OPTIONAL for those who are interested in greater understanding of the course material. Readings should ideally be completed by the first class meeting on the week indicated. Lectures and sections will make more sense if you’ve done the readings!
Required Online Readings:
Online readings can be accessed via the UCI webfiles system. You must “register” for webfiles access by clicking on the following link: http://webfiles.uci.edu A UCINET id is required.
Most readings are in .pdf format. A few readings are in “doc” format (Microsoft Word) or can be accessed via links on the syllabus.
WARNING: We all know that computers can crash and networks can fail. And, the webfiles system is occasionally slow or unavailable. Therefore, you must be responsible and plan ahead. I suggest you download all the readings at the start of the quarter and keep a spare copy on a USB drive. That way you’ll have a copy even if the webfiles system is down or your computer dies on the night before the midterm or final.
Supplemental Readings/Handouts. I may assign additional required readings – such as topical newspaper articles – by providing either a web link or a hard copy during class.
Required Video Material:
The course will be utilizing video material from various documentaries, including the PBS series “Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy.” The full video is available online, so you can review video material as you prepare for the exams: Commanding Heights, Episodes 1 & 3
Assignments and evaluation
Midterm exam. There will be one closed-book midterm exam that will cover course material from lectures and readings. (45% of final grade)
Midterm exam time: Tuesday February 10, in class (2:00-3:20)
Final exam. There will be a closed-book final exam that will cover course material from lectures and readings. The final exam will encompass material from the entire course but with more emphasis on material discussed after the midterm. (45% of final grade)
Final exam time: Thursday, March 19, 1:30-3:30pm
NOTE: Due to prior incidents of academic dishonesty, I do not typically offer alternative midterms or finals for those who cannot attend regularly-scheduled exams. If you cannot attend the scheduled midterm and final I suggest you enroll in a different course.
Discussion section assignments and participation. This course has a required weekly discussion section. Discussion sections offer the opportunity to discuss readings, ask questions, participate in group activities, and generally deepen your knowledge of course material. Attendance of discussion sections is required and will contribute to your final grade. Section instructors may distribute required assignments (which may include homework assignments, in-class writing activities, in-class or online quizzes, etc.) that will contribute to your final grade. (10% of final grade).
Final grades. Your final grade will be computed based on the percentage weightings indicated. In the event of a borderline grade, I may use my discretion in adjusting grades based on course participation and effort. Incompletes will not be given, except in unusual circumstance.
Assignment Policies:
Section Attendance/Assignments/Quizzes. Unless otherwise indicated by your section instructor, missed in-class activities, quizzes, or assignments cannot be done later. If you anticipate missing section, ask your TA if it is possible to attend a section at some other time during the week. Complete a “Section Grade/Attendance Transfer Form” to ensure that your attendance and grades (if any) are properly recorded when you attend a different discussion section.
Missed Exams. Typically, students who miss exams receive a zero. DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS ON THE DATE OF THE MIDTERM OR FINAL EXAM. You are welcome to inquire about alternative exam arrangements, but we probably won’t be able to accommodate you, given the size of the class and the number of requests we typically receive. The best thing is to avoid a problem by planning ahead making sure you don’t miss an exam.
Grade Corrections/Changes. If you believe that you received an incorrect grade on an exam or assignment, complete the “Grade Change Request Form” and give it to your TA. The form is available on the course website.
Cheating, Plagiarism, etc. Academic violations such as cheating and plagiarism will be dealt with very severely, based on the specifics of the case. I may use software to detect text plagiarized from the web or other sources. If requested, students in this course must provide computer copies of their written work for examination by plagiarism detection software. Keep electronic copies (and backups) of all course work.
University Policies
Students in this course must abide by all relevant university policies, ranging from issues of general behavior to academic issues such as plagiarism. It is your responsibility to be aware of university policies.
My Policies
Respect. All participants in this course (including myself) should strive to treat others – and their ideas – with respect. The course material and class discussion will cover sensitive topics ranging from immigration and welfare to racial and ethnic identity. Disagreements may arise. Try to be aware of and show respect for other people’s feelings on such issues. Conversely, if you find yourself offended by something, please try to raise the issue in a constructive manner – either in class, afterward, or even anonymously – so the situation can be addressed. Often, conflicts are rooted in simple misunderstandings, but sometimes they reflect more serious issues that can only be resolved if things are brought to my attention.
Commitment to Learning. There is no point in taking a course if you are not committed to learning. That means doing the readings, showing up, concentrating, and participating in class discussion and group activities. I strive to make the class interesting, but make no mistake: this is not entertainment. We will struggle through ideas and readings that are difficult and may seem boring if you do not yet understand them. It is your responsibility to be committed.
Professionalism. I expect you to conduct yourself professionally. If you show up and do your work, you will most likely do well. If you don’t show up and fail to do the work, expect a bad grade. Take responsibility for your actions. (I really dislike it when students come to me and say “I haven’t been coming to class and missed the exam. But, I really need this course to graduate/keep my financial aid/get into law school/make my parents happy. Can’t you give me a better grade?” If success in this class is really so important to you, just plan ahead and do the work.)
Schedule & reading assignments
NOTE: I occasionally make minor updates to the reading assignments, for instance to address current events. Any changes will be small and you will be warned fare in advance, so this is not likely to inconvenience anyone.
* indicates optional reading, NOT required.
UCI days of instruction: Jan 5-March 13; Holidays: Jan 19, Feb 16
Week 1: Background: States, Markets, and Globalization (Jan 6, 8)
- Required reading: 34 pages
An introduction to economic globalization
Ellwood, Wayne. 2006. The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization. Chapter 1, “Globalization Then and Now.” Pp. 12-25 (14 pages)
Friedman, Thomas L. 2005. “The Untouchables.” Chapter 6 in The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. (12 pages)
What is the economy?
J. Bradford DeLong. 2010. “What Do Econ 1 Students Need to Remember Most?” [excerpt] Blog post: http://delong.typepad.com/sdj/2010/12/what-do-econ-1-students-need-to-remember-most-from-the-course.html Also available on Webfiles. (2 pages)
The limits of markets: privatization
Quiggin, John. 2010. Zombie Economics: How Dead Ideas Still Walk Among Us. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Chapter 7 “Privatization” [Excerpt]. P. 186-188; 195-197 ONLY. The rest is optional. (6 pages)
*Hiltzik, Michael. 2009. “Why Privatizing the University of California Won’t Work.” The Los Angeles Times. December 10, 2009. (2 pages)
Week 2: States and Markets and Globalization (Jan 13, 15)
- Required reading: 47 pages
The transformation of capitalism and rise of globalization:
Reich, Robert T. 2007. Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. (29 pages total)
- Chapter 1, “The Not Quite Golden Age,” section 9 (pp. 46-49) (3 pages)
- Chapter 2, “The Road to Supercapitalism.” sections 3-6, 9 (pp. 60-75, 86-87) (18 pages)
- Chapter 3, “Of Two Minds,” sections 1 (pp. 89-95) and 8 (pp. 122-3) (8 pages)
- Other sections and chapters are OPTIONAL – but interesting. Take a look!
Paul Knox, John Agnew, and Linda McCarthy. 2003. “The Globalization of Production Systems.” Chapter 6 in The Geography of the World Economy (4th Ed). Pp. 193-5 (top); 198-204(top); 208-9 ONLY. (12 pages)
Chirico, Joann. 2014. “The Neo-Liberal Wave” [Excerpt]. Pp. 91-98(top) from Chapter 4 “Making the Global Economy” in Globalization: Prospects and Problems. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (8 pages)
The Economist. 2014. “Forget the 1%.” The Economist, November 8, 2014. (2 pages)
Week 3: Economic Globalization (Jan 20, 22)
January 19: Holiday. No section meetings on Monday
- Required reading: 58 pages
Multinational corporations, outsourcing, and insourcing:
Stiglitz, Joseph E. 2006. “The Multinational Corporation.” Chapter 7 in Making Globalization Work. New York: W. W. Norton and Co. P. 187-195 only. (9 pages)
Pogue, David. 2012. “The Dilemma of Cheap Electronics.” The New York Times, February 9, 2012. (2 pages)
Duhigg, Charles and Keith Bradsher. 2012. “How the US Lost iPhone Work.” The New York Times, January 21, 2012. (10 pages)
Fishman, Charles. 2012. “The Insourcing Boom.” The Atlantic Monthly. December, 2012. (10 pages)
*Chirico, Joann. 2014. “Globalization as Outsourcing and Offshoring [Excerpt]. Pp. 100(bottom)-107 from Chapter 4 “Making the Global Economy” in Globalization: Prospects and Problems. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (8 pages) XX
Globalization as a cause of economic instability
Krugman, Paul. 2009. The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008.
- Chapter 4, “Asia’s Crash.” Pp. 77-97. (21 pages)
- Chapter 6, “Masters of the Universe.” Pp. 120-123 & 134-138. (9 pages)
Irwin, Neil. 2014. “Vladimir Putin vs. the Currency Markets: What to Know About the Ruble’s Collapse.” New York Times, December 15, 2014. (2 pages)
Week 4: Economic Globalization (Jan 27, 29)
- Required reading: 68 pages
The challenges of governing globalization:
Ellwood, Wayne. 2006. The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization. Chapter 2, “The Bretton Woods Trio.” Pp. 26-42 (16 pages)
International trade
Krugman, Paul R. 2007. “The Trouble With Trade.” The New York Times, Dec 28, 2007. (2 pages) Also at: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/28/opinion/28krugman.html
Rodrik, Dani. 2011. The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy. New York, NY: W. W. Norton and Co.
- Chapter 3, “Why Doesn’t Everyone Get the Case for Free Trade?” Pp. 47-60. (14 pages)
- Chapter 7, “Poor Countries in a Rich World.” Pp. 135-158. (23 pages)
Stiglitz, Joseph E. 2006. “Making Trade Fair.” Chapter 3 in Making Globalization Work. New York: W. W. Norton and Co. Pp. 61-74 only. (14 pages)
Week 5: Globalization, Economic Crises, and Governance (Feb 3, 5)
- Required reading: 52 pages
Challenges of governing a globalized world
Stiglitz, Joseph E. 2006. “Another World Is Possible.” Chapter 1 in Making Globalization Work. New York: W. W. Norton and Co. Pp. 7-10(top) only. (3 pages)
Rodrik, Dani. 2011. The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy. New York, NY: W. W. Norton and Co.
- Chapter 9: “The Political Trilemma of the World Economy.” Pp. 189-97 & 200 (mid)-205(top) (14 pages)
- *Chapter 11, “Designing Capitalism 3.0” Pp. 233-239(top). (6 pages)
Tavernise, Sabrina. 2013. “Tobacco Firms’ Strategy Limits Poorer Nation’s Smoking Laws.” The New York Times, December 13, 2013. (3 pages)
Yardley, Jim. 2013. “Clothing Brands Sidestep Blame for Safety Lapses.” The New York Times, December 30, 2013. (5 pages)
The 2008 global financial crisis:
Krugman, Paul. 2009. The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008.
- Chapter 8, “Banking in the Shadows.” Pp. 153-164. (12 pages)
- Chaper 9, “The Sum of All Fears.” Pp. 165-180. (15 pages)
Week 6: Environment and Social Movements (Feb 10, 12)
February 10: Midterm Exam
* In-class closed book exam. Covers readings, class, & section from week 1 – 5
Monday sections meet. No discussion section Tuesday-Friday.
- Required reading: 18 pages
Environmental Problems and Social Movements
Chirico, Joann. 2014. “Threats to the Natural Environment [Excerpt]. Pp. 436(bottom)-443 from Chapter 14 “Transborder Threats to Human Well-Being” in Globalization: Prospects and Problems. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (8 pages) XX
McAdam, Doug, John D. McCarthy, and Mayer N. Zald, eds. 1996. Comparative Perspectives on Social Movements: Political Opportunities, Mobilizing Structures, and Cultural Framings. Cambridge, UK; New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Pp. 2-7 only (section “The Emerging Synthesis”). (5 pages)
Meyer, David S. 2003. “How Social Movements Matter.” Contexts, 4, 2:35-39. (5 pages)
Week 7: Social Movements / Theories of Globalization (Feb 17, 19)
- Required reading: 53 pages
February 16: Holiday. No Section meetings on Monday.
Global inequality
Cammack, Paul. 2014. “Why are some people better off than others?” [Excerpt: Pp. 405-415 only] in Edkins and Zehfuss (eds) Global Politics: A new introduction. (10 pages)
* Furceri, Davide and Prakash Loungani. 2013. “Who Let the Gini Out?” Finance and Development, Dec 2013, pp. 25-27. (3 pages)
Theoretical perspectives
Serneau, Scott. 2006. “Class: A World of Rich and Poor.” Pp. 7-32 (Chapter 1) in Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace, and Sustainability. Boston, MA: Pearson. (36 pages)
Chirico, Joann. 2014. Sections on “World System Theory”, “Global System Theory”, and “World Society Theory.” Excerpt pp. 39-44 from Chapter 2 “Studying Globalization” in Globalization: Prospects and Problems. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (5 pages)
Schofer, Evan, Ann Hironaka, David Frank, and Wesley Longhofer. 2011. “Sociological Institutionalism and World Society.” ONLY pp. 58 bottom-60, sections entitled “World Culture and World Society” and “The Content of World Culture.” In Nash, K, A. Scott, and E. Amenata (eds). The New Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. (2 pages)
Week 8: Theories of Globalization (Feb 24, 26)
- Required reading: 54 pages
Brawley, Mark R. 2003. “Theoretical Lenses for Viewing Globalization” Pp. 35-56 (Chapter 2) in The Politics of Globalization. Toronto, Ontario: Broadview. (22 pages)
Nye, Joseph S. 2004. “The Changing Nature of Power.” Chapter 1 in Soft Power. New York: Public Affairs. (32 pages)
Week 9: Globalization: Identity, Culture, Conflict (March 3, 5)
- Required reading: 66 pages
Global culture and hybridity:
Martell, Luke. 2010. “The Globalization of Culture: Homogeneous or Hybrid?” Pp. 89-104 (Chapter 4) in Sociology of Globalization. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press. (16 pages)
*Boli, John and Frank Lechner. 2002. “Globalization and World Culture.” In the International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, edited by Neil J. Smelser and Paul M. Baltes. Oxford: Elsevier. (5 pages)
Identity: primordial or socially constructed?
Huntington, Samuel. 1993. “The Clash of Civilizations?” Foreign Affairs, 1993, Vol. 72, No. 3 (Summer), pp. 3-22. (19 pages).
Bowen, John R. 1996. “The Myth of Global Ethnic Conflict.” Journal of Democracy, 7, 4:3-14. (12 pages).
International terrorism
Kurzman, Charles. 2002. Bin Laden and Other Thoroughly Modern Muslims. Contexts. Nov 2002, Vol. 1, No. 4: 13–20. (7 pages)
Telvick, Marlena. 2007. “Al Qaeda Today: The New Face of Global Jihad.” Also at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/front/etc/today.html (4 pages)
Week 10: War, Terrorism, and Global Politics (March 10, 12)
- Required reading: 46 pages
US foreign policy
Daalder, Ivo H. and James M. Lindsay. “The Bush Revolution.” Pp. 152-165 in Kreiger, Joel (ed). 2006. Globalization and State Power: A Reader. New York, NY: Pearson Education. (14 pages)
Russia and Ukraine
Stephens, Philip. 2014. “Russia’s Invasion Marks Vladimir Putin’s Failure.” Financial Times March 2, 2014. (2 pages)
Sniadanko, Natalka. 2014. “The Myth of a Divided Ukraine.” The New York Times, March 3, 2014. (3 pages)
The US wars in Afghanistan & Iraq:
Schaeffer, Robert K. 2009. “Revolution and War in Afghanistan.” Pp. 259-280 (chapter 11) in Understanding Globalization (4th ed). (21 pages)
Rubin, Alissa et al. 2010. “Afghanistan in Review: High Hopes and Big Obstacles.” The New York Times, December 31, 2010. Video, available online at:
Londono et al. 2013. “Afghanistan gains will be lost quickly after drawdown, U.S. intelligence estimate warns.” Washington Post, December 28, 2013. (3 pages)
Belasco, Amy. 2014. “The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations since 9/11.” Congressional Research Service.
Week 11: Finals Week
Final Exam Time: Thursday, March 19, 1:30-3:30pm