Globalisation and Social Change (COS307)

This course looks at the meaning of globalisation and its impact on the study of the social world. Issues covered include the growth of the internet and its impact on local and regional development; poverty and inequality; transnational labor migration; growth of global cities and the impact on nation-states. Theories of globalisation from key global academics in sociology will be explored.

• Introduction and historical beginnings
• Spheres of influence: Social, political and geographical
• Economic Globalisation
• The myth of capital good intentions
• Political globalisation
• Navigating the ethics of globalisation
• Cultural globalisation
• Cultural homicide
• Globalisation and Social Problems
• Infectious concerns: Modern factors in the spread of disease
• Globalisation and Terrorism
• Aspects of Terrorism
• Group Presentations & Revision with SEP

• Explain the meaning of globalisation.
• Compare the major sociological theories of globalisation.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the nature of problems resulting from globalisation
• Appraise major issues in globalisation.
• Discuss international social development and evaluate the strengths and limitations of the efforts of non-government organizations in addressing social and economic issues in the developing world.
• Analyse the positive and negative effects of globalisation on economic, social and cultural institutions in Singapore and around the world.