Sociology 2:  International Sociology

 

Winter 2010, Course #69050

 

Time/Place:

Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-1:50pm, SSH 100

Class Web Page:

http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~schofer/2010soc2/soc2.htm

Online Readings:

http://webfiles.uci.edu/schofer/classes/2010soc2/readings

 

 

Instructor:

Evan Schofer

Office:

SSPB 4271

Office Hours

Tuesday 2:00-3:00pm and by appointment

Office Phone:

(949) 824-1397

Email:

 

TAs:

Andrew Duncan

Jared Olesen

Email:

duncana@uci.edu

olesenj@uci.edu

Office:

SST603

SST 619

Office Hours:

Thursday 11:00am-12:00

MWF 9:00am-10:00

Sections:

M   5:00- 5:50p SSL 159

M   9:00- 9:50 SST 120

 

Th   2:00- 2:50p SSL 159

M   10:00-10:50 SSL 159

 

Th   4:00- 4:50p SSTR 101

Tu   11:00-11:50  SSL 117

 

 

Introduction

 

This course explores international political, economic, cultural, and social changes that are currently transforming our world on a global scale, as well as theoretical ideas and research from sociology and related fields to help us make sense of them. Countries are increasingly interconnected by flows of information, trade, money, immigrants, technology, and culture. Trans-national corporations and political organizations (e.g., the UN) 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. For instance, how does global trade affect jobs and the economy? And, how do those effects differ depending upon whether you live in the U.S., India, or South Africa? How does the spread of political ideologies affect politics in the countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America? How do international social movements and protesters affect government policies in different societies? In sum: this course provides an overview of globalization and its consequences, drawing on new theoretical ideas from sociology and related fields.

 

 

Readings & Media

 

Reading assignments are listed below.  All readings are required unless otherwise indicated.  Readings should 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 Text:

 

Ellwood, Wayne.  2006.  The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization.  New Internationalist.

 

Required Online Readings:

 

Online readings can be found by following the links, below.  Some links go directly to the articles, while others connect you to the UCI webfiles system.  A UCINET id is required for webfiles access.  Information about webfiles can be found here:  http://webfiles.uci.edu

 

Readings are available via the following link:

http://webfiles.uci.edu/schofer/classes/2010soc2/readings

 

Most readings are in .pdf format.  A pdf reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader is required, and can be downloaded for free.  http://get.adobe.com/reader/

 

WARNING:  We all know that computers can crash and networks can fail.  Therefore, you must be responsible and plan ahead.  DO NOT leave all reading for the night before the exam.  Complete reading assignments ahead of time or print them out in advance.  Excuses such as “my computer crashed” or “the network was down” will not garner sympathy on the day of the midterm or final, given that you that you had ample opportunity to access (and print or download) the course readings at any time during the quarter.

 

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 material video from various documentaries, including the PBS series “Commanding Heights:  The Battle for the World Economy.”  I will provide links to videos (if available) on the course website so you can review them as you prepare for the exams.

 

 

Assignments and Evaluation

 

Midterm Exam.  There will be one closed-book midterm exam that will cover course material from lectures and readings.  (40% of final grade)

 

Midterm Exam:  February 9, in class

 

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 it will emphasize material discussed after the midterm.  (40% of final grade)

 

Final Exam Time:  Friday, March 19, 10:30-12:30pm

 

 

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 will distribute required assignments (which may include homework assignments, in-class writing activities, in-class quizzes, etc.) that will contribute to your final grade.  (20% 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:

 

Late Assignments.  Assignments received late will be marked down incrementally for each day past the deadline.  Extensions for certain kinds of assignments may be granted for legitimate reasons if requested in advance (but this generally does not apply to in-class activities such as quizzes).  Note:  It is better to turn in work late than not at all.  A late assignment, despite the penalties, is generally preferable to a zero.  So, remember the rule:  “Better late than never.”

 

In-Class Activities.  Unless otherwise indicated by your section instructor, missed in-class (and in-section) activities or assignments cannot be done later.  These may include in-class writing activities, quizzes, etc.  If you miss section on the day of an in-class assignment or quiz, you will receive a zero.

 

Missed Exams.  If you miss an exam you will get a zero.  Missed exams cannot be taken later, except in unusual circumstances.  I have occasionally made special arrangements, in advance, for students with particular needs.  But, this not always possible.  Don’t count on it.  DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS ON THE DATE OF THE MIDTERM OR FINAL EXAM.

 

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 to class for 6 weeks 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 those goals are really so important to you, do the work!) 

 

 

Course Information

 

Course handouts, assignments, and other information will be posted to the course web page (listed above).  Any changes in the syllabus, assignments, or course requirements will be posted there.  Check the web site periodically to keep fully informed.

 

 

Schedule & Reading Assignments

 

NOTE:  * = optional reading, NOT required.

 

Week 1:  Background:  States and Markets  (Jan 5, 7)

 

NOTE:  Discussion sections will not meet during week 1.

 

Krugman, Paul.  “Partying Like Its 1929.”  The New York Times, March 21, 2008.  Available via webfiles and also on the web:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/opinion/21krugman.html    (2 pages)

 

Rodrik, Dani.  2010.  Capitalism 3.0, pp. 288-9 in Harf and Lombardi.  Taking Sides.  New York, NY:  McGraw-Hill.  (2 pages)

 

Dillon, Sam.  2005.  “At Public Universities, Warnings of Privatization.”  The New York Times, October 16, 2005.  (3 pages)

 

Friedman, Thomas L.  “Revolution is U.S.”  Chapter 16 (p. 307-329) in The Lexus and the Olive Tree.  Farrar, Straus, and Grioux (1999).  Pages 307-309 (top) only.  The rest is OPTIONAL.  (3 pages)

 

* Hiltzik, Michael.  2009.  “Why Privatizing the University of California Won’t Work.”  The Los Angeles Times.  December 10, 2009.

 

* Leonhardt, David.  “Can’t Grasp the Credit Crisis?  Join the Club.”  The New York Times, March 18, 2008.  Available via webfiles and online at:  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/business/19leonhardt.html

 

* Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.  2004.  “About the Fed.”  Available via webfiles and online at: http://www.frbsf.org/publications/federalreserve/monetary/goals.html

 

 

Week 2:  States and Markets and Globalization (Jan 12, 14)

 

Friedman, Thomas L.  2005.  “While I Was Sleeping.”  Chapter 1 in The World Is Flat:  A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century.  New York:  Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.  Pages 40-42top ONLY.  The rest is OPTIONAL.  (3 pages)

 

Reich, Robert T.  2007.  Supercapitalism:  The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life.  New York, NY:  Alfred A. Knopf.

  • 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 ONLY)  (8 pages)
  • Other sections and chapters are OPTIONAL – but interesting.  Take a look!

 

Ellwood, Wayne.  2006.  The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization, Chapters 1, 2 (30 pages).

 

Friedman, Thomas L.   “The Golden Straightjacket.”  Chapter 5 (p. 83-93) in The Lexus and the Olive Tree.  Farrar, Straus, and Grioux (1999).  Focus on pp. 86(middle)-88(top), 90-end.  Skim the rest.  (6 pages)

 

* Paul Knox, John Agnew, and Linda McCarthy.  2003.  “The Globalization of Production Systems.”  Chapter 6 (pp. 181-212) in The Geography of the World Economy (4th Ed). (32 pages) Optional Reading.

 

* Paul Knox, John Agnew, and Linda McCarthy.  2003.  “States and the World Economy.”  Section 3.2 (pp. 83-98) in The Geography of the World Economy (4th Ed). (16 pages)  Optional Reading.

 

 

Week 3:  Economic Globalization:  Overview  (Jan 19, 21)

 

Ellwood, Wayne.  2006.  The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization, Chapters 4, 5 (64 pages).

 

Stiglitz, Joseph E.  2006.  “Another World Is Possible.”  Chapter 1 in Making Globalization Work.  New York:  W. W. Norton and Co.  Pp. 7-24 ONLY.  (18 pages)

 

Stiglitz, Joseph E.  2006.  “The Multinational Corporation.”  Chapter 7 in Making Globalization Work.  New York:  W. W. Norton and Co. (23 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)

 

* Guthrie, Doug.  2006.  “China’s Integration into the Global Economy.”  Chapter 8 in China and Globalization:  The Social, Economic, and Political Transformation of Chinese Society.  New York:  Routledge.

 

 

Week 4:  Economic Globalization:  Trade (Jan 26, 28)

 

Krugman, Paul R.  1993.  “What Do Undergrads Need to Know About Trade?”  The American Economic Review, Vol. 83, No. 2, Papers and Proceedings of the Hundred and Fifth Annual Meeting of the American Economic Association. (May, 1993), pp. 23-26 (4 pages).

 

Stiglitz, Joseph E.  2006.  “Making Trade Fair.”  Chapter 3 in Making Globalization Work.  New York:  W. W. Norton and Co. (41 pages)

 

World Trade Organization.  “The World Trade Organization… In Brief.”  (5 pages)

 

Krugman, Paul R.  2009.  “Chinese New Year.”  The New York Times, December 31, 2009.  Also at:  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/01/opinion/01krugman.html?hp

 

Schaeffer, Robert K.  2003.  “Free Trade Agreements.”  Chapter 9 (pages 217-250) in Understanding Globalization.  Rowman and Littlefield, Inc. (2003).  Pages 241-5 (“Winners & Losers) Only.  The rest is OPTIONAL.  (5 pages)

 

* Krugman, Paul R.  2007.  “The Trouble With Trade.”  The New York Times, Dec 28, 2007.

Also at:  http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/28/opinion/28krugman.html

 

 

Week 5:  Globalization, Politics, and Governance (Feb 2, 4)

 

Ellwood, Wayne.  2006.  The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization, Chapter 7.  (11 pages)

 

Krugman, Paul.  2008.  “Don’t Cry for Me, America.”  The New York Times, Jan 18, 2008.  Available from webfiles and online at:  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/opinion/18krugman.html

 

Grieco, Joseph M. and G. John Ikenberry.  2003.  “Economic Globalization and Political Backlash.”  Chapter 7 in State Power and World Markets:  The International Political Economy, W. W. Norton and Company (2003). (35 pages).

 

Brawley, Mark R.  2003.  “Globalization and Domestic Politics”  Pp. 107-130 (Chapter 5) in The Politics of Globalization.  Toronto, Ontario:  Broadview.  (22 pages). 

 

* Schaeffer, Robert K.    “Debt Crisis and Globalization.”  Chapter 5 (pp. 95-118) in Understanding Globalization.  Rowman and Littlefield, Inc. (2003). (22 pages).

 

 

Week 6:  Globalization, Politics, and Governance  (Feb 9, 11)

 

February 9:  Midterm Exam

* In-class closed book exam, covers readings, class, & section from Weeks 1 – 5

 

NO DISCUSSION SECTION THIS WEEK!!!

 

Wapner, Paul.  “Greenpeace and Political Globalisation.[excerpt]”  The Globalization Reader #52. (7 pages).

 

Ellwood, Wayne.  2006.  The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization, Chapter 6.  (11 pages)

 

*Held, David and Anthony McGrew.  2002.  “(Mis)Managing the World.”  Chapter 6 (pp. 58-76) in Globalization/Anti-Globalization.  Cambridge, UK:  Polity Press. (19 pages).

 

* Steger, Manfred B.  2005.  “Antiglobalist Challengers from the Political Left and Right.”  Pp. 91-126 in Globalism:  Market Ideology Meets Terrorism.  Lanham, MD:  Rowman and Littlefield. (36 pages).

 

 

Week 7:  Theories  (Feb 16, 18)

 

Brawley, Mark R.  2003.  “Theoretical Lenses for Viewing Globalization”  Pp. 35-56 (Chapter 2) in The Politics of Globalization.  Toronto, Ontario:  Broadview.  (22 pages)

 

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)

 

Drori, Gili.  2007.  “Institutionalism and Globalization Studies.”  Pp. 449-72 (chapter 18) in Greenwood et al. (eds) Handbook of Organizational Institutionalism.  Sage.  (23 pages)

 

*Meyer, John W., John Boli, George Thomas, and Francisco Ramirez.  1997.  “World Society and the Nation-State.”  Excerpt. (8 pages)

 

*Frank, Andre G.  1969.  “The Development of Underdevelopment.”  Pp. 3-20 in Frank, Andre G.  1969.  Latin America:  Underdevelopment or Revolution.  New York, NY:  Modern Reader. (18 pages).

 

*Chirot, Daniel and Thomas D. Hall.  1982.  “World-System Theory.”  Annual Review of Sociology, 8:81-106. (26 pages).

 

 

Week 8:  Theories  (Feb 23, 25)

 

Waltz, Kenneth N.  1999.  “Globalization and Governance.”  PS: Political Science and Politics, Vol. 32, No. 4, pp. 693-700. (8 pages)

 

Keohane, Robert O. and Joseph S. Nye.  2001.  “Realism and Complex Interdependence.”  Pp. 20-32 in Power and Interdependence (Third Edition).  New York, NY:  Longman. (13 pages)

 

Sikkink, Kathryn.  1998.  “Transnational Politics, International Relations Theory, and Human Rights.”  PS: Political Science and Politics, Vol. 31, No. 3. (Sep., 1998), pp. 516-523. (8 pages)

 

Nye, Joseph S.  2004.  “The Changing Nature of Power.”  Chapter 1 in Soft Power.  New York:  Public Affairs. (32 pages)

 

* Keck, Margaret E. and Kathryn Sikkink.  1998.  “Transnational Advocacy Networks in International Relations.”  Pp. 1-38 in Keck, Margaret E. and Kathryn Sikkink.  1998.  Activists Beyond Borders.  Ithaca, NY:  Cornell University Press. (38 pages)

 

 

Week 9:  Globalization:  Identity, Culture, Conflict (March 2, 4)

 

Hannerz, Ulf.  “Scenarios for Peripheral Cultures.”  The Globalization Reader #45. (7 pages).

 

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).

 

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 (approx 4 pages)

 

*Hironaka, Ann.  2005.  “Ethnic Conflict in Weak States.”  Chapter 4 in Neverending Wars.  Cambridge, MA:  Harvard University Press, 2005. (32 pages).

 

*Friedman, Thomas L.  “Revolution is U.S.”  Chapter 16 (p. 307-329) in The Lexus and the Olive Tree.  Farrar, Straus, and Grioux (1999). (23 pages) 

 

 

Week 10:  Terrorism and Global Politics (March 9, 11)

 

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).

 

Schaeffer, Robert K.  2009.  “Revolution and War in Afghanistan.”  Pp. 259-280 (chapter 11) in Understanding Globalization (4th ed).  (21 pages)

 

Shane, Scott.  2009.  “The War in Pashtunistan.”  The New York Times, December 5, 2007.  (4 pages)

 

Beinart, Peter.  2009.  “Obama Shrinks the War on Terrorism.”  Time Magazine, December 7, 2009 (5 pages).

 

* Zakaria, Fareed.  2009.  “The Case Against a Surge.”  Newsweek, October 10, 2009.  (2 pages)

 

* Cronin, Audrey K.  “Behind the Curve:  Globalization and International Terrorism.”  Pp. 243-256 in Kreiger, Joel (ed).  2006.  Globalization and State Power:  A Reader.  New York, NY:  Pearson Education. (14 pages).

 

 

Week 11:  Finals Week

 

Final Exam Time:  Friday, March 19, 10:30-12:30pm