BSAD-39400 Globalization and its Political, Economic, and Cultural Implications

It is generally recognized that "globalization" has been changing our lives- the world is smaller and we are all interconnected in a "global village." Despite the wide acceptance of "globalization," the meaning and use of the term varies considerably. For example, it is used by the media, government officials, educators, and business managers to justify political and economic action: for changing a budget, developing a new government policy; creating a new business strategy or organizational structure; developing a new course, or is used by media as the basis for a news story. "Globalization" is pervasive and is used as a pretext for government, business, or institutional action and affects how governments, businesses, and individuals operate and interact around the world. Globalization is the source of opportunity for some and is blamed by others for the world’s problems, for poorly executed business strategies, and for bad government policies.

This seminar is designed for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of globalization and its effects. We will identify and discuss different theoretical perspectives for globalization, its causes, benefits and problems. We will try to answer questions such as: What is globalization? What has caused globalization? Why is it important to understand the differences and effects of "economic globalization," "political globalization," "cultural globalization?" What are the effects and implications of the globalization of markets, globalization of culture, globalization of politics? We will also examine "globalization" from a practical perspective. For example, how could the forces of globalization likely create more opportunities and problems for companies, governments, and individuals in the future? What challenges and opportunities will globalization bring for American businesses interested in entering or expanding business around the world? What role does government, media, and business play in our understanding of globalization?

Credits

1