Sociology, Globalization Theory, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• describe and compare key concepts in literature on globalization processes,
• describe the multifaceted nature of globalization, as well as reason about the causes and effects of globalization, and
• critically examine, analyze, and evalute how various globalization processes affect everyday life and practices among people, organizations, and states.

Main content of the course

This course covers how globalization affects everyday life and practices among people, organizations, and states. The course gives an introduction to globalization theories, and offers the student a broad overview of the multiple perspectives in globalization literature. Students discuss both causes and effects of globalization. In seminars and assignments students elaborate on the many facets of globalization: economic, political, technological, cultural, organizational, ecological, and more.

Teaching methods

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination I, 3 credits (Code: A001)
Hall-exam

Examination II, 4.5 credits (Code: A002)
Paper.

Examination III (Code: A003)
Compulsory components in the form of active participation in seminars.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Examination deadline
If the deadline for the examination is exceeded, the examiner will decide how the examination should be conducted and, when applicable, set the timeframe for it.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade for the course may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments should be submitted to the lecturer within two weeks after the student is notified of the failing grade.

Absence from compulsory components of the course
Upon absence from compulsory components, the university's general rules for re-examination apply. If there are special reasons to deviate from the time frame, the examiner decides when the compulsory component should be carried out. However, the examiner can decide that a make-up assignment should be given.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination I
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination II
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination III
Grades used are Participated (DT).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To pass the whole course, at least the grade E is required for each examination. Grades A-E are converted to numbers 5-1. A weighted average mark is then generated based on the module credits of each part of the course. The full course grade is thus the result of a balanced average of the different parts of the course.

Grade A is given when the average mark is at least 4.5.
Grade B is given when the average mark is at least 3.5 but lower than 4.5.
Grade C is given when the average mark is at least 2.5 but lower than 3.5.
Grade D is given when the average mark is at least 1.5 but lower than 2.5.
Grade E is given when the average mark is lower than 1.5.

Examinations using Participated (DT) are not included in the final course grade. However, Participated (DT) are required for a passing grade to be awarded for the full course.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Bauman, Zygmunt (1998)
Globalization: The human consequence
Blackwell Publishers

Held, David & McGrew, Anthony (2007)
Globalization/Anti-globalization. Beyond the great divide
Cambridge: Polity Press

Lechner, Frank J & Boli, John (2014)
The Globalization Reader
Wiley, 5th edition

Additions and Comments

Articles: approx. 60 pages.