Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - IS 427 D100

Globalization, Poverty and Inequality (4)

Class Number: 7534

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Analyzes the origins and the economic consequences of globalization and the uneven process of economic development around the world in relation to poverty, by considering the measurement of poverty, its causes and dynamics, as well as public policy for poverty reduction.

COURSE DETAILS:

Do we need economic growth? What is economic globalization? What are the pros and cons of international trade agreements and internationalized finance? How can we assess inequality, and why should one care? This course analyzes the origins and consequences of economic globalization and the uneven process of economic development around the world. We will read arguments both in favor and critical of globalization, including an analysis of a key component of 17th through early 19th century globalization: the Atlantic slave trade. We also explore controversies over the measurement of world income inequality, and analyze questions related to national and international public policy for reducing poverty and inequality. By the end of the term you should have a solid understanding of the institutions—including, but not limited to, the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization—that support international economic exchanges in the early 21st C.


Topics for this term include:
* Defining and measuring economic globalization
* Assessing world inequality
* The rise of financial markets from the 16th C onwards
* The economics of the Atlantic slave trade
* The classical gold standard
* The politics of the Great Depression
* Decolonization
* The global trading system
* International financial crises (Mexican peso crisis, Asian financial crisis, global financial crisis of 2007-09)
* Politics of bank regulation
* China’s Belt and Road Initiative

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

An on-going aim of the course will be integration of theory, history, and contemporary international events/news. Please expect to read up to 100 pages of complex, challenging text weekly. Please always bring a copy of the readings to class.

Grading

  • 1st Essay (One 5-7 page essay on your choice of five or six questions) 25%
  • Quiz (In class, one hour) 25%
  • 2nd Essay (One 5-7 page essay on your choice of five or six questions) 25%
  • Class participation/attendance & short opinion piece 25%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Frieden, Jeffry A. 2006. Global Capitalism: Its Fall and Rise in the Twentieth Century. New York: W. W. Norton.

Kay, John. 2015. Other People’s Money: The Real Business of Finance. PublicAffairs Press.

Klein, Herbert S. 1999. The Atlantic Slave Trade. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Additional readings to be made available electronically.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS