Spring 2025 - IS 427 D100
Globalization, Poverty and Inequality (4)
Class Number: 3183
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Sumercan Bozkurt-Gungen
sbozkurt@sfu.ca
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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:
Despite ground-breaking advances in science and technology and the enormous material wealth created over the past couple of centuries, a considerable part of the world’s population continues to be deprived of decent standards of living and has limited access to essential services and resources such as health, education, clean water, food, and shelter. Why is this the case? Why do we have prosperity at one pole and immiseration at the other? What are the patterns and extent of global inequality? How has the increasing cross-border mobility (of goods, services, capital, and people) been affecting living conditions in different parts of the world? Why does the impact of globalization vary so drastically among communities, regions, and countries? What is the role of collective agency in the history of global poverty and inequality? What are the strengths and shortcomings of existing initiatives, policies, and programs designed to address global poverty and inequality? How can ordinary citizens, development practitioners, activists, or global professionals meaningfully contribute to the solution of global poverty and inequality?
These are some of the key questions that will guide our conversations and engagement with course materials in this seminar. Throughout the term, we will explore the origins, contemporary manifestations, and the future of global poverty and economic inequality. When doing so, we will pay closer attention to the agency of people living in poverty and experiencing inequality and the different roles other actors can play to contribute to the solution of the problem.
The course is divided into three parts. The first part will provide a historical and conceptual background by examining the links between globalization, poverty and inequality from a historical perspective. In the second part, we will analyze contemporary trends, key actors, policy challenges, and the effectiveness of global governance mechanisms and tools in addressing poverty and inequality. In the third part, we will focus on new avenues and future directions. We will discuss the pros and cons of various policy proposals put forward for combating global poverty and inequality, including universal basic income, global wealth tax, working-time regulation, green growth and de-growth.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- develop a critical understanding of the drivers, patterns, and implications of global poverty and inequality
- interpret patterns and trends in data and identify the limitations of the most widely used measures of poverty and inequality (such as poverty lines and the Gini coefficient)
- broaden your understanding of contemporary challenges, policy dilemmas and opportunities related to combating poverty and inequality
- participate in public deliberation about policy challenges and innovative ways of addressing poverty and inequality
- improve your collaborative and interpersonal skills through participating in a group project
- develop a “critical hope” lens that combines critical thinking with a perspective of change and agency
Grading
- Attendance & Participation 15%
- Short Reflective Essays (4 x 5%) 20%
- Midterm Exam 20%
- Op-Ed 15%
- Group Project 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There is no textbook for this course. All readings will be made available electronically through Canvas. Students need to come to class having done all the required readings beforehand.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.