This course provides an introduction to the evolving field of international studies and issues of globalization. Our approach to this vast subject will be interdisciplinary and thematic, with particular attention to cultural, economic, political, and social patterns that appear in conflicts and institutions throughout the world. We will examine a number of specific issues that have taken somewhat different forms in various geographical regions and cultures: colonialism and its legacies; nationalism and the formation of a world of nation-states; conceptions and consequences of "development"; the construction of a global economy; the globalization of popular culture and consumerism; sources of ethnic and religious conflicts; migrations, diasporas and multiculturalism; debates over the environment; population growth and global public health issues; and new social movements and global institutions. 

Our goal is to understand the historical forces that have created present-day relationships between and among different groups of people and regions of the world. We will draw on both the scholarly literature of the social sciences, fictional (including filmic) accounts of personal experiences within the modern global system, and policy documents and reports of governmental and non-governmental agencies of various kinds from various countries. The course will evolve on two levels: (1) an account of changing social relations within increasingly global economic and political systems, and (2) analytical and critical reflections on the terms and categories that are used to describe these relations. 

During most weeks there will be two lectures and a discussion section. All students must be enrolled in one of the discussion sections, and regular attendance at these discussions is a requirement of the course. Other course requirements include two exams during the term, a final exam, and a research project (a full description of this will be posted later in the semester on the course web-page). Grades for the course will be based on the following percentages for each of these requirements:

Grading Policy 

In all essays for this course, you are expected to work with and through the required readings and to integrate these with the themes and content of the lectures and recitation sections. Essays and project papers will be limited in length to enable you to focus on the quality and content of your writing. Examination #1 will be a take-home essay based on questions provided one week prior to the due date. Each essay answer must not exceed four pages of narrative, one page of figures or tables (if needed), and one page of references. Examination #2 will be essay-based and in-class. Final reports must not exceed ten pages of narrative (excluding figures, tables, and references).

It will be useful if you can complete readings prior to class. It is absolutely essential that you do the reading prior to your recitation section in order for discussions to be productive. To help you focus on the readings, we are requiring that you maintain a writing journal throughout the semester. Each week write one to two pages on something you found interesting in the reading. This need not be a fully developed argument, but it should be thoughtful and related directly to the content of the readings for that week. Every week in recitation section your TA will call on several of you to read some or all of your writing as a stimulus to class discussion. If called upon to read your journal entry you must be ready to do so.

There are no substitutions for these requirements.

There are no substitutions for these requirements. Failure to attend and/or participate in discussion sections will result in the loss of up to 20 points. All deadlines are firm. Requests for project extensions based on personal injury or hardship must be made in writing (email) to your TA and must receive written (email) permission. All late assignments not receiving written permission will incur penalties. All students are encouraged to read the University Honor Code.

Breakdown of grades:

Grading Policies:

a) Any student who will miss class because of prior commitments (such as sport, conferences, planned trips) should see us during the first week of classes.

b) There will no extra credit.

c) Late assignments will be accepted, but they will be marked down a full letter grade for every day they are late.

e) We will endeavor to provide make-up exams for those students who have legitimate excuses, but only following a request in person before or after class at least a week in advance.

The following books are required for the courses and are available at UNC Student Stores: 

1. Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (any edition)
2. Wayne Ellwood. The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization. New York: Verso, 2001. 
3. Alan Thomas. Third World Atlas. Taylor and Francis, 1994.