Globalization and Its Discontent
General Instructions
- Note that the exam has two parts. In “Part I” there are two essay prompts. You are to choose and answer one of the essay prompts. In “Part II” there is only one essay prompt that you must answer.
- For Part I you will write a long essay ( 700 words) worth maximum of 25 points and for Part II you will write a shorter essay (300 words) worth maximum of 15 points. The exam is worth maximum of 40 points.
- Your essays must reflect close and critical reading of the appropriate chapters from Manford Steger’s Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. You may use additional sources in our essay, only to complement and not to substitute your engagement with the texts discussed in class. If you use any additional sources, you must properly cite them.
- Your essays will be graded based on clarity and cohesiveness of your answer and on your engagement with the texts specified above. So, make sure to demonstrate that you have read the materials necessary to answer the questions.
- Please type your answer and submit a printed copy to me in class on the due date. [unique_solution]
- Part I
Write a long essay ( 700 words) by discussing one of the two essay questions bellow. Please make sure to address all the component questions in your essay. The essay will be worth maximum of 25 points.
1) Discuss Cultural Dimensions of globalization by answering and reflecting upon the following questions:
- What is culture? Is there a global culture? What are some of the defining characteristics of the Global Culture?
- Does globalization of culture mean westernization of the global culture? Why or why not? Discuss by critically reflecting upon the homogeneity and differences within global culture.
- Discuss the relationship between the media industry and the globalization of culture. Make sure to include in your discussion the distinction between the role of “dominant” and “contra” or “subaltern” media flows.
- Is globalization of culture contributing to increasing linguistic homogeneity and extinction of smaller languages? Why and how? Discuss.
- What are some of the tensions and conflicts that are being produced as a result of globalization?
- What are some of the positive aspects of the cultural globalization? Discuss with reference to the idea of cosmopolitan culture.
2) Discuss Ecological Dimensions of globalization by answering and reflecting upon the following questions:
- Globality is most concretely and undeniably experienced in its ecological dimensions. Explain and discuss.
- Does economic globalization contribute towards global environmental degradation? Why and how?
- What have been some of the effects of global environmental degradation? Discuss with specific reference to political and military conflicts fueled by ecological strains.
- What have been some of the ways that individuals, activist groups, and non- governmental organizations have responded to the growing environmental degradation?
- Should there be a global governing structure or international legal structure for dealing with global environmental degradation? Why or why not? Discuss with reference to specific policy and/or legal initiatives (i.e. Paris Climate Accord).
Part II
Write a short essay (300 words) by discussing the question bellow. Please make sure to address all the component questions in your essay. The essay will be worth maximum of 15 points.
- “Market Globalism” and “Justice Globalism” offers not only radically different visions of how the globalized world SHOULD WORK but also fundamentally different understandings how the globalized economy and politics DOES WORK under existing conditions. Which one of these ideologies, if any, do you find persuasive? Why or why not? Discuss by summarizing and critically reflecting upon the main claims of the two ideologies.