Global Structures and Problems

3 units

This course examines social problems around the world and their relationship to globalization - that is, the increasing connectedness of social and economic life across borders. Students will investigate a range of these problems - such as environmental degradation, labor exploitation, human rights abuses, ethnic conflict, poverty, and inequality - and these issues' links to both personal experiences and larger social structures. The course is premised on the idea that to understand current global social problems, one must understand the evolution of markets, states, civil society and social movements, gender hierarchies, ethnic categories, and global governance over the past century. While the course has no specific prerequisites, some familiarity with sociological analysis is strongly recommended. Graduate students should enroll in the 500-level offering.