Revised 8/2009

SSC 115 - Introduction to Global Affairs (3 CR.)

Course Description

Surveys wide range of global topics: previous periods of globalization, international organizations and law, transnational corporations and global economy, immigration and refugees, world environmental concerns, world culture, war and peace, paradoxical presence of nationalism and fundamentalism in global world, and antiglobalization movement. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Offers a multidisciplinary approach to many international issues. Students will better appreciate the perspectives of different regions of the world in a wide variety of capacities, including – but not limited to – economics, politics, sociology, religion, business, international relations, conflict, and the arts. In many ways, the strengths of globalization are properly discussed without a corresponding consideration of the negative or neutral impacts of globalization on nations, states, war and peace, people, culture, international development, and the arts. Introduction to Global Affairs will present the fuller picture to students.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Ability to use English language correctly and effectively as reflected in satisfactory scores on appropriate English proficiency examination for freshman students.

Course Objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will be better able to perform all of the following:

  • Understand the expansive meaning of globalization.
  • Recognize the extensive impact of globalization on the world and its people.
  • Understand the non-Western, non-developed concerns with globalization that are less appreciated by developed Western states.
  • Understand the movement of people around the world in a variety of capacities, which include free movement, as well as forced movement.
  • Comprehend the economic forces at work behind globalization, and how those forces have positive and negative impacts on people of the world.
  • Explain the impact globalization can have on developing states and their people.
  • Describe many of the groups that are involved in global issues, including the environment, public health, business, gender, conflict and peace, and more. And to explain how those groups exert influence on the world system.
  • Understand the impact that global forces are having on the cultures and arts of the people of the world.
  • Demonstrate written and oral communication skills used in the discipline.
  • Think analytically in the discipline.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Globalization.
  • Strengths and weaknesses of globalization.
  • Cultural resistance and acquiescence to global forces.
  • International business and global political economics.
  • Migration, refugees, and the movement of people.
  • Poverty and development around the world.
  • State and nation viability in a globalized world.
  • International organizations.
  • The arts, entertainment, and media.
  • Religion and the influences of Islam, Christianity, and international spirituality.
  • International gender issues.
  • Environment.