Time Schedule:
Martha Groom
BIS 303
Bothell Campus
The phenomenon of globalization has attracted the attention of many academic disciplines which often attribute novelty to trends that have in fact been around for centuries. Provides a historical perspective on current debates about globalization. Approaches may vary with instructor.
Class description
This offering of BIS 303 will focus primarily on the extent to which environmental and ecological factors have shaped the impacts of globalization over human history.
The first portion of the course will focus on understanding the process of globalization from an environmental-historical perspective, and will include ecological, economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental impacts of these changes. The second portion will focus more on changes in globalization today, and what these may mean for our future.
Topics we will cover include understanding how changes in our methods of food production and distribution, disease transmission, and human migration and trade have affected historical outcomes across the globe. Looking toward the future, we'll examine how globalization is affecting our use of natural resources and social/political dynamics.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This course will mix short lectures, discussion, occasional video, and short in-class assignments to work through major concepts, and to build skills of inquiry. Some class sessions will be on-line to allow for longer, asynchronous discussion of readings and issues raised in prior classes.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites. Students should come with a willingness to question and discuss complex issues with others.
Class assignments and grading
Short reflective essays on assigned texts, on-line discussion, and a wikipedia project.
Quality of reflection and discussion, accuracy, and clarity of writing.
