• have an understanding of how globalisation affects society and vice versa, with a focus on cultural, economic and political dynamics.
• be able to make use of and understand a variety of theoretical arguments and concepts about and approaches to the sociology of globalisation, in its cultural, economic and political dimensions
• understand the different forms of evidence that can be utilised in the analysis of cultural, economic and political phenomena linked to globalisation
• be able to work in groups and on your own
• be able to access a range of different sources of material
• be able to summarise and present information to a specific deadline

The course aims to unpack the distinctive insights that sociology can bring to the study of globalisation – focusing on cultural, economic and political dimensions.
To achieve this, the course is organised into two parts. The first provides an introduction to key debates and theories, and critically evaluates the causes and consequences of a globalising world. Building on this, the second part assesses the cultural, economic and political dimensions of a globalising world, applying these to case studies.

In this way, throughout the course, we will explore the processes of globalisation as well as its impact on people around the world. In particular, we will examine
how globalisation offers many opportunities for greater integration and participation in society across the world – e.g. through new media, migration, open borders, cultural hybridity, etc. But we will also reflect on its ‘dark sides’, looking at growing global concerns about issues such as climate change, socioeconomic inequalities, financial crises, democratic backsliding, and wars. We will draw on a range of ‘real world’ cases and scenarios to give the study of the sociology of globalisation (and its main theories/ concepts) concrete meaning.
 

Knowledge and understanding skills: by the end of the course, students should have acquired the ability to frame the complexity of the issues addressed and also recognize it in similar social and political situations.

Applied knowledge and understanding skills: students should be able to identify, apply and adapt, to real situations of political science research and reflection, the concepts, theories and methods of empirical investigation illustrated during the course.

Autonomy of judgment: students should develop the ability to connect the concepts and theories presented during the course, confronting complex issues independently, with their own critical judgment and reflection.

Communication skills: Students should acquire clear and effective communication skills through a good command of the vocabulary, main concepts and theories proposed in the literature studied.

Learning skills: Students should have developed good learning skills, enabling them to independently extend and deepen the knowledge acquired during the course, facing subsequent paths of theoretical reflection and research.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

The course will be delivered using an interactive approach, with a mix of taught elements and seminar style discussions that will require the active engagement
of students.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory, but students are strongly encourage to particpate to classes to gain an in-depth learning experience.

Course books

Dedicated readings will be provided on a weekly basis. It is expected that students will read the materials provided before attending each class, as these will be used as a basis for interactive discussions, debates and exercises.
Indicative book recommendations include:

• Iyall Smith, K.E. (2013) Sociology of Globalization. Cultures, Economies, and Politics. NY/Oxon: Routledge (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 23)
• Martell, L. (2017) The Sociology of Globalisation, 2nd edn. Cambridge: Polity Press
• Steger, M.B. (2013) Globalization: A Very Short Introduction, 6th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Lechner, F.J. and Boli, J. (eds) (2020) The Globalization Reader, 6th Edition. London: Wiley

Assessment

Poster Presentation

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

The course will be delivered using an interactive approach, with a mix of taught elements and seminar style discussions that will require the active engagement
of students.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory, but students are strongly encourage to particpate to classes to gain an in-depth learning experience.

Course books

• Iyall Smith, K.E. (2013) Sociology of Globalization. Cultures, Economies, and Politics. NY/Oxon: Routledge (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 23)
• Martell, L. (2017) The Sociology of Globalisation, 2nd edn. Cambridge: Polity Press
• Steger, M.B. (2013) Globalization: A Very Short Introduction, 6th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Lechner, F.J. and Boli, J. (eds) (2020) The Globalization Reader, 6th Edition. London: Wiley

Assessment

Poster Presentation

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.