MD547/647: Globalization and the Poor (4 units)

Dr. Bryant Myers, Professor of International Development

Spring 2007 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course explores globalization as a deeply rooted historical change process that has significant impact for good and ill on the poor. The course will deal briefly with the history of globalization, its supporters and its skeptics. The course will address multilateral organizations, such as the World Bank and the WTO, in terms of the impact of their policies on the poor. Special attention will be given to globalization and the non-formal economy where most of the poor live. More than half the course will focus on macro development issues and strategies for poverty eradication including topics like the Millennium Development Goals and making markets work for the poor,

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• A multifaceted appreciation for the complexity of the globalization debate as it affects the poor
• An understanding of the impact of globalization and global institutions on the poor
• An critical understanding of macro theories of poverty and development
• Ability to think critically about poverty solutions at the global level

COURSE FORMAT: This 10 week course will meet once each week for three-hour sessions, using a presentation and discussion format with occasional use of small groups.

REQUIRED READING: (1300 pages) If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Gliddens, Anthony. Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives. New York, NY: Routledge, 2003.
Among the Nations reader on Globalization.
Yates, Josh et al, “Globalization and the Gospel: Rethinking Mission in the Contemporary World,” Lausanne Occasional Paper, No. 30.
Sachs, Jeffrey D., The End of Poverty: The Economic Possibilities of our Time. New York, NY: Penguin Press, 2005.
Sachs, Jeffrey. Investing for Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals., NY: UNDP 2005.
Easterly, William. White Man’s Burden. New York, NY: Penguin, 2006.
Reed, Charles (Ed.). Development Matters: Christian Perspectives on Globalization. London: Church House, 2001.
Readings in a Course Reader.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Harrison. Lawrence and Huntington, Samuel (Eds.), Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress. New York, NY: Basic Books, 2000).
Naim, Mosés. Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers, and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy. New York: Doubleday, 2005.
Farmer, Paul. Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights and the New War on the Poor, Berkley, CA: University of California Press, 2003.
Dunning, John H. (Ed.), Making Globalization Good, Oxford University Press, 2003. 
Mofid, Kamran. Globalisation: For the Common Good. London: Shepheard-Walwyn, 2002.
Sacks. Jonathan. The Dignity of Difference. How to Avoid the Clash in Civilizations. New York, NY: Continuum, 2002.
Held, David; McGrew, Anthony; Goldblatt, David and Perraton, Jonathan. Global Transformations: Politics, Economics and Culture. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1999.
Wolf, Martin. Why Globalization Works, New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2004.
Gray, John. False Dawn. New York. N.Y.: The New Press, 1998.
Friedman, Thomas. The World is Flat. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. In teams of 3-6, students will do a class presentation and lead a discussion (total one-hour), which describes and critiques a major international organization in terms of its explicit and implicit understanding of 1) who “owns” the institution, 2) its stance on globalization and 2) its macro development or poverty eradication strategies. Based largely on the materials on its website and related websites. Assigned from among the World Bank, World Trade Organization, IMF, World Economic Forum, and World Social Forum.
2. An annotated bibliography of the first four books of the required reading due at class on April 24. Annotated bibliography for final four books due on May 29. Annotated bibliography contains full bibliographic information, a short paragraph identifying the theme or focus of the reading and a short paragraph listing major new learnings for you. These become your reading records.
3. A two page personal reflection (500 words) due at beginning of class on May 8. Personal reflection covers 1) short list of new discoveries you made during the first half of the course, 2) a short list of issues that are puzzling or concerning you about the course material thus far and 3) a brief commentary on your progress on the course learning objectives.
4. A 12 to 15-page (3,000-3,750 word) research paper due June 5 on a topic related to the course. Topic agreed to by the professor no later than May 1.

Th.M. Students will complete an additional assignment: 5-page (1250 word) paper providing a theological reflection on some aspect of globalization and the poor. Topic to be agreed to by professor no later than May 1.

PREREQUISITES: None

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective for SIS. Meets GLBL requirement for MAT.

FINAL EXAM: None

Last Date Edited: December 18, 2006