Global History

Course Description

Description
The history of the global world is a key element in understanding the international order, the international relations and the logic of the world as it currently is.
The course explores the historical perspective of a set of changes and transformations in the global world, not only economic and technological, but also political, cultural and in terms of identity.

Contents
1.- The historical perspective in the study of Globalization
Defining Globalization
Placing things in context: chronological overview of XIX and XX centuries
Industrialization and modernization
Theories of economic and spatial transformations.
1989 as a point of inflection

2.- Globalization debates
Does globalization exist? Debates of Globalization
Clash of civilizations, McDonalization, The end of history

3.- Structures and processes of globalization
Historical perspective: Cultural changes and shifts
Globalization and culture, religion, media and gender.
The post materialist divide.

4.- Globalization and Production:
Historical perspective: From capitalism to hyper capitalism
Industrialization, world capitalism, multinational enterprises
International division of labour

5.- Globalization and the nation-State
Historical perspective: Clashing civilizations: Identities and conflicts
Globalization and the nationality principle. Plural national identities
Nationalism and Ethnic and Religious Conflict.
Crusades and Jihads,
Revolutions and revivals

Methodology
The methodology has as main goal that the student reaches a significant knowledge and proficiency in the competences,
namely to use the theoretical knowledge learnt and to apply to specific situations in his/her life, especially in his/her
professional one.

The methodology will be based on:
1. Presentation of different topics described on the program
2. Practical exercises, discussions proposed by the professor
3. Individual assignments to apply and to deepen in the theoretical contents studied in class
4. Individual study
5. Tentative talks by a professional

Assessment
The assessment will be based on an exam, individual assignments and a small group essay and presentation.

The exam will be given 6 points of the total grade.
Individual assignments will be given 2,5 points of the total grade.
Group essay and presentation will be given 1,5 of the total grade.
The grade will be calculated by computing the weighted average of the exam, assignments and group essay.