Globalization and Cultural Change

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Prof. Harriet Vance (Professor of History)
• Email: hvance@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Lovell Hall 222
• Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 9:30–11:00 a.m. (In person, Lovell Hall 222)
  • Tuesday: 10:00–11:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Interdisciplinary examination of global interconnectedness, economic integration, transnational migration, cultural hybridization, and the social impacts of globalization across modern societies. GLBL 201 provides an interdisciplinary examination of the structural forces and human experiences that define modern globalization. We investigate how the accelerating circulation of capital, commodities, people, technologies, and ideas reshapes national sovereignty, local traditions, and cultural identities. Drawing on history, political economy, sociology, and cultural anthropology, the course explores global trade networks, international governance institutions, labor migration, diaspora communities, and media flows. Students analyze the tensions between cultural homogenization and hybridization, interrogating how global interconnectedness generates both unprecedented collaboration and deep inequalities across societies.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of GLBL 201, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Theories of Globalization: Compare economic, political, and cultural theories of globalization, differentiating hyperglobalist, skeptical, and transformationalist paradigms.
2. Evaluate Transnational Economic Integration: Trace global commodity chains, trade liberalization, international financial institutions (IMF, World Bank, WTO), and labor division.
3. Examine Migration and Diasporic Communities: Analyze the drivers and cultural impacts of contemporary international migration, refugee flows, border regimes, and transnational identities.
4. Assess Cultural Hybridization and Homogenization: Interrogate debates surrounding cultural imperialism, Americanization, glocalization, and indigenous cultural preservation.
5. Formulate Evidence-Based Global Policy Critiques: Conduct interdisciplinary case-study research on global challenges, synthesizing diverse geopolitical viewpoints in structured analytical essays.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Manfred B. Steger. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. 5th ed., Oxford University Press, 2020. Approx. $12 print or digital purchase.
2. Frank J. Lechner and John Boli, eds. The Globalization Reader. 6th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2020. Approx. $45 print purchase; digital options available.
3. Alkimi Global Studies Reader: Foundational Policy Documents, Treaties, and Case Studies. Free digital access provided via Canvas.
4. Total estimated cost: $35 to $57.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), GLBL 201 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to assist in researching background facts on international organizations, exploring alternative perspectives on trade agreements, and proofreading written drafts.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to write your weekly reading critiques, draft your case study essays, formulate primary arguments, or complete examinations.
• Disclosure: All essays and written assignments must include an AI disclosure statement identifying whether any AI tools were used for exploratory research or copyediting, accompanied by a brief summary of the prompts.

Grading Components and Weights

• Global Case Study Essay 1: Commodity Chains and Labor: 15% (Due Thursday, October 1 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Midterm Examination: 20% (In class, Thursday, October 22)
• Global Case Study Essay 2: Migration and Cultural Hybridity: 20% (Due Thursday, November 12 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Reading Critiques & Discussion Prompts: 15% (Canvas reading responses and analytical questions posted on Tuesdays by 10:00 a.m. before seminar discussion)
• Seminar Engagement & Policy Simulations: 10% (Active, informed participation in weekly seminar dialogues, breakout case studies, and multilateral policy simulations)
• Comprehensive Final Examination: 20% (Monday, December 14, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: None is offered.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Regular and engaged attendance is vital for meaningful seminar discussion, collaborative policy simulations, and peer case critiques. Students are permitted two unexcused absences during the semester. Each subsequent unexcused absence will reduce your overall course grade by one-third of a letter grade. Missing more than five class sessions will result in a failing grade for the course. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Written case study essays lose one-third of a letter grade (e.g., from A- to B+) for each 24-hour period they are submitted past the deadline. Essays submitted more than three days late will not be accepted without prior formal accommodation. Weekly reading critiques must be submitted on Canvas by Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to facilitate discussion and cannot be submitted late.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Monday, December 14, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).