Learning objectives
The course aims to achieve the following objectives in relation with specific educational indicators:
a. Knowledge and understanding: The course aims to provide the main theoretical/interpretative frameworks of globalization and its effects on economies and societies;
b. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Students will develop skills in the analysis of the main factors determining structural changes in European and extra-EU economies, labour markets and societies.
c. Autonomy of judgment. Students will develop a critical sense in judging the functioning and consequences of globalization.
e. Ability to learn. The proposed study method includes lectures, group work, individual analysis, class discussions.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The course discusses globalization as a political, social and economic phenomenon, starting from the analysis proposed by current sociological thinking. In particular, we will discuss the following issues in connection with changes that globalization has brought about: the economic infrastructure and the labor markets of European and other countries (with a focus on the Gig economy); capitalism, with an in-depth analysis of what has been recently defined as "surveillance capitalism"; as well as those movements and actions of contestation of globalization that have arisen in recent decades. In addition, the course addresses the issue of international migration, analyzing how globalization has changed migration processes on a global scale, and how the flows of economic and humanitarian migrants are managed and perceived in Europe and in high-income countries.
Full programme
The topics covered in the course focus on:
Basic concepts of the sociology of globalization;
Globalization and the labor market (focus on Gig economy);
The surveillance capitalism;
Globalization and international migration;
Collective action and protest against globalization.
Bibliography
a) Selected readings prepared by the teacher
b) Martin Luke, 2018 (2nd ed), The Sociology of Globalization, Cambridge: Polity press.
c) Colin Crouch, 2019, The Globalization Backlash, Cambridge: Polity press
d) Shoshana Zuboff, 2019, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, London: Profile Books.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Class discussions
Group work
Assessment methods and criteria
Group work: Students will present and discuss an analysis of a specific aspect of globalization, and will have to present and discuss their case with peer students. The presentation will need to be accompanied by a 3000-word long essay, worth maximum 5 points on the final mark. Passing the presentation/essay writing gives access to the oral examination.
Oral exam. On the issues addressed in class.
Other information
