The Politics of Globalization, POLS 161
An introduction to the major academic and policy debates over globalization and global governance. Key themes will include: sovereignty, free/fair trade; immigration; anti-globalization and violence; democratic governance and international economic institutions; and the global justice movement. Lottery Preference: 35 space for Freshmen and Sophomores; 5 spaces for Juniors and Seniors.
Syllabus: Fall 2015 Fall 2017 Spring 2019
Global Civil Society and Transnational Activism, POLS 261
An introduction to the theories and debates behind the concept of a global civil society, and the role of transnational civil society actors in shaping global governance. Case studies of specific transnational networks, movements, and coalitions will be examined.
Syllabus: Fall 2015 Spring 2016 Spring 2019
Grassroots Economies: Creating Livelihoods in an Age of Urban Inequality, POLS262
Examines how grassroots economic initiatives rooted in mutual aid often fill the gaps generated by urban inequality. Particular attention will be paid to racial and class fault lines within contemporary urban geographies. Case studies range from guerrilla gardens to artist collectives, with a focus on Philadelphia. The course also includes outreach and visual studies components.
Syllabus: Fall 2020
Capitalism and the History of Political Economic Thought, POLS 265
Theoretical approach to the role of politics and markets in modern capitalism. Draws from the history of political economic thought (including Adam Smith, Marx, Karl Polanyi, Schumpeter and Hayek) and from contemporary political economists to address the meanings of “capitalism” and the effects of global markets on domestic politics.
Syllabus: Fall 2014 Fall 2016 Fall 2019
Sovereignty, POLS 266
An examination of the concept sovereignty as it figures within international politics and democratic theory. Explores the theoretical and historical origins of the concept as well as contemporary adaptations, challenges and critiques. Topics include the state system and international intervention, democratic authority and globalization, indigenous and food sovereignty, and proposals for post-sovereign forms of polity.
Syllabus: Spring 2014
Governing the Global Economy in Times of Crisis, POLS 288
An examination of how the global economy is governed and how governance bodies have responded to and/or been complicit in crises and their aftermaths. Critical attention will be paid to power asymmetries in the international system and their consequences. Particular focus will be paid to the history and politics of global financial crises.
Syllabus: Spring 2016 Spring 2018 Spring 2020
Global Justice, POLS 362
An examination of issues of justice that cross national borders, including world poverty and global distributive justice, corporate accountability, humanitarian intervention, and global environmental justice. Readings chosen from recent works in political philosophy and globalization studies.
Syllabus: Spring 2013
Post-Capitalist Politics and Solidarity Economies, POLS 365
An intensive research seminar critically examining the politics, theory and social networks behind solidarity economy movements that seek to create solidarity-based alternatives to capitalism. Includes study of cooperatives, community gardens, eco-villages, and alternative currencies among other initiatives.
Syllabus: Spring 2016 Spring 2018