Time Schedule:
Matthew Sparke
SIS 490
Seattle Campus
Content varies from quarter to quarter.
Class description
Neoliberalism and Citizenship: This seminar examines the relationship between the contemporary transformation of citizenship and the impact of the set of policies (including privatization, deregulation, and free trade) commonly called “neoliberalism.” The readings come from geography, legal theory, political science and sociology. The course has a special international focus as part of the UW Global Classrooms project (funded by the Hewlett Foundation). For this reason, participants can look forward to a series of virtual meetings with students at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Working once a week in chat rooms with these students, the UW students will benefit from the special perspective New Zealanders have on the effects of neoliberalism. The chats (which will happen on a non-class day) will be structured through a set of thematic questions so that the implications for citizenship in these divergent contexts can be examined. The implications of neoliberal policy for citizenship will be investigated in four thematic areas: economic and industrial policy; healthcare policy; educational policy; and social welfare policy. The ultimate aim of the process of dialogue and shared investigation will be to develop comparative insights into both the similarities and differences between neoliberalism in New Zealand and neoliberalism in the US. In this way, the big questions about the worldwide future of citizenship in the context of neoliberal globalization can be addressed through a deeper understanding of uneven experiences in the world at large.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
