Course Outline

Understanding Globalization: Preparing for the 21st Century

1. Introduction: What is Globalization?
      Impressions
      Definitions
      Causes
      Global Profiles of Dow 30
      Unequal Economic Expansion
      Culture Wars
      Global Moral Values
      World Government
      Current Governing Organizations
      Quiz

2. Basic Definitions and Concepts of Economics
      Absolute Advantage
      Comparative Advantage
      Trade Balance - Is a Trade Deficit Bad?
      Economics: Short Quiz 1
      Interest Rates
      Exchange Rates
      National Debt and Foreign Borrowing
      International Capital Flows
      GDP, GNP and Income per Capita
      The Formula: How to Measure GDP
      Quiz

3. Fundamental Issues in the Economic Aspects of Globalization
      The Basic Facts: Global Disparities in Income
      Does Globalization mean that Countries Compete?
      Outsourcing: Do Sweatshops Hurt Developing Countries?
      Are tariffs justified?
      Structure and Policies of the IMF
      Structure and Policies of the WTO
      Stiglitz's Critique of the IMF: Does the IMF cause poverty?
      Do Free Trade Associations Work?
      The Example of NAFTA
      A Skeptical View
      What Causes Economic Development?
      Quiz

4. Political Aspects of Globalization
      Foundations of Freedom
      Increasing Freedom and Democracy
      The Case for World Government
      The Disappearance of Borders: Mexico/USA
      Quiz

5. Cultural Aspects of Globalizatoin
      McDonald's
      Religious Symbols: The Headscarf Ban
      Capitalism and Values
      The End of Nationalism
      Global Consciousness
      Universal Rights
      Quiz

   Final Exam