Globalization and Society

Module 1: Democratization in the World (5 credit points, 7.5 ECTS)
The objective is to introduce concepts, theoretical arguments and a methodology for studying democratization in the world. The course begins with a discussion of definitions and theories that could explain when, why and how a process of democratization starts and problems that occur before democracy can develop and become consolidated.

The second module explores different global trends of democratization and democratic development in Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and in the post-communist world.

The third module consists of different democratization themes, such as institutions and political parties; civil society; human rights and international law; religion, culture and democracy; the role of the military forces, and external forces and democratization. The course concludes with a general discussion of how processes of democratization in the world could be analyzed.

Module 2: Perspectives on Globalization (5 credit points, 7.5 ECTS)
The main objective of the course is to provide students with an introduction to the origins and expansion of the Globalization project. We explore the nature of contemporary global changes by focusing on basic levels of analysis such as causes, agendas, consequences, and implications. The course provides students with some theoretical framework to be used in research projects, debates and study cases. Students will explore concepts such as identity and the nation state, the forces of mass migration and electronic media, popular consumption patterns and the world political economy, multiculturalism and ethnic tensions, and the arts and cultural industries. The course will also focus on critically questioning the main assumptions under which Globalization has traditionally been explained, in order to suggest ways to cope with it more creatively.

Module 3: Global Urbanization (5 credit points, 7.5 ECTS)
The course provides an introduction to trends and changes of urbanization in the urban structure from a global perspective. The problem is narrowed down to the role of cities in the global economy and how this affects the growth of cities. In particular, the focus is on cities of the highest global urban hierarchy, so called Mega-cities. Furthermore, the urban development of development countries is discussed.

Module 4: International Law (5 credit points, 7.5 ECTS)
The scope and purpose of this course is to introduce the central and basic elements of international law. The course provides an introduction to the system of norms, rules, institutions and procedures of international law. The methods of resolving international disputes, the bases of international jurisdiction and other substantive areas of international law are treated, including a basic exploration of the laws governing the use of force and international environmental law. Further, the course explores the nature and the relevance of international law in the contemporary International World order (in the post-colonial and globalization era) including the role of the so-called Third World in the development of international and human rights law.

Teaching methods
Modules consist of lectures, workshops, exercises and seminars. As a rule, class attendance is required.

Prerequisites
International students are required to have a minimum of two years of successfully completed full-time studies (120 ECTS) at the university level.

Assessment methods
Your active participation in class, in addition to your results in oral and written exams, will be assessed. Swedish Marks given are Pass, Pass with Distinction and Fail. ECTS marks given are A, B, C, D, E or F.