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Combining sociological theory and concepts with arguments and examples drawn from around the globe, this course conveys the scope and value of sociology for understanding the complex and fast-changing world in which we live.
Globalisation. No doubt you have encountered this concept in your daily travels through the internet, television, newspapers and magazines. But what is globalisation, really? Where did this concept come from? What role does it play in the clothes you wear, the music you listen to, the food you eat, the places you visit? As a student in this course you will be involved in analysing some of the major events and trends of our time as they are mediated through the set of processes referred to as globalisation. You will have the opportunity to explore the social experiences of people in differing countries and contexts; the divisions and inequalities that have resulted from these globalising processes; and to the dynamics and challenges these processes pose for a global society. We’ll look at the clash of civilisations, terrorism, Islam and the veil, colonialism, and people’s identities. We’ll also consider the global economy, looking at Chinese exports, multinational corporations, global poverty and the Global Justice Movement. A wide range of global issues and activities will come under our radar; these include music, culture, international crime, health politics, environmental issues and migration.The course is issue-based, so as well as looking at globalisation as a set of sociological processes, you will have the chance to think about the relationship between globalisation and a variety of contemporary social issues, including:- Global culture- Surveillance and security after 9/11- Cyber Cities- Tourism: authentic or fake?- Global inequalities- Gender and development- Global ecological issues- Social movements- Gender and Islam- Nationhood, identity and belonging
As a result of doing this course we hope that you will gain a greater appreciation of sociology as a discipline; that you will develop a good understanding of the scope and potential of the sociological endeavour; and that you will begin to lay a foundation of research, reading, reflection and writing skills that will stand you in good stead for involvement in further courses whether within the School of Sociology and Anthropology or not.Developing:A sociological imaginationAn understanding how “the global” impacts on our everyday livesAn understanding of how “power” worksAn understanding of social change processes Skills in essay writing and report writingPresentation skills and discussion skillsTeam-working skillsCritical thinking skills
Anne Scott and Roslyn Kerr
Jamie Craig , Simon Chima and Roslyn Kerr
1. Tutorial project (25%): Write a report, tracing the global connections associated with something of interest: e.g. supermarket produce, your favourite band’s music, your mobile phone! 2. Essay of 2000 words (25%): Focus on one of the course themes, and develop it by looking at material from various lectures and readings. 3. Exam (50%): Three essay-style questions based on course topics, to be answered in three hours.
Cohen, Robin , Kennedy, Paul T; Global sociology ; 2nd ed; Palgrave Macmillan, 2007.
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Domestic fee $640.00
International fee $2,670.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .