ISCOR 300
GLOBAL SYSTEMS
Allen Greb
Office: AH-4122
Spring 2013
Classroom: COM-105
Phone: 619-594-3768
TuTh:
12:30-1:45pm
Email: iscor@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: Tues 2:00-5:00pm; Wed Noon-5:00pm; Thur 2:00-4:00pm; by appointment
ISCOR 300 is an introduction to the study of global systems, with emphasis on basic concepts and
critical ways of thinking about global affairs. This includes the study of the evolution and development of
global systems, the characteristics of contemporary global systems, and the formulation of criteria for
projecting the future of such systems.
The world today is in a state of transition from the Cold War to a new age in which traditional nationstates and other actors will have to confront issues, problems, and processes of a global nature. These
issues go beyond the ability of any single state, even the world’s lone superpower, to cope with them. As
described by one scholar, “Contagious diseases and financial contagion, civil conflicts and regional
security, carbon sinks and ozone layers, patent infringement and human rights infringement, biodiversity
and biological weaponry, refugee flights and capital flows—these topics share a common identity. They
are all global concerns that cannot be successfully addressed unilaterally, bilaterally, or even regionally.”
ISCOR 300 will explore this “stuff of international discourse” by examining (1) societal change across
human history (how we got where we are); (2) the principal features of various global systems today; and
(3) the relationships between and across these systems.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES:
 Ability to organize and analyze information and data relating to issues of global governance, the
global economy, human and social development, global culture, and the global environment
 Recognize that there are multiple perspectives on these issues; recognize the relationship of the
local to the global; what is interconnectedness and interdependence
 Ability to read and analyze texts and articles from different perspectives on global systems
 Ability to think and write clearly and critically
 Ability to collaborate and work effectively in groups to address problems and achieve common
solutions
TEXTS/READINGS:
M. Steger, Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. 2009
P. Khanna, How to Run the World: Charting a Course for the Next Renaissance. 2011
Additional readings put on BLACKBOARD
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Your course grade will be based on the following:
Exams (two)
Simulation/Role Playing Exercise
(To be discussed in detail later in semester)
30% each
40%
Class Participation will also be important, and may be factored into your final grade.
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Exams: Exams will deal with the material in the required reading, lectures, videos, and class
discussions. They will consist of short-answer identifications. The second exam will NOT be
comprehensive, but will include all material since the first exam.
First Exam:
Second Exam:
Thursday, March 12, 12:30 – 1:45 pm
Thursday, May 16, 10:30 - 12:30 pm
Simulation Exercise: The simulation exercise is designed to allow students to pro-actively engage in an
aspect of global governance and real world decision making. Role-playing will focus on the “Challenges
of Climate Change.” It will involve oral presentations, written papers, proposals, negotiations, and mock
debates. DETAILS TO BE PROVIDED LATER IN THE SEMESTER.
COURSE OUTLINE
I.
WORLD SYSTEMS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Introduction and Course Requirements
Definitions
Global Systems
II.
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
The Erosion of the State?
New Players: MNCs, IGOs, Civil Society and NGOs
International Politics/Regimes
Democracy as a Global System?
III.
THE CHANGING GLOBAL ECONOMY
Global Trade and Finance
Liberal Capitalism vs. State Capitalism?
Antiglobalization Movements
First Exam: March 12, 12:30 – 1:45 pm
IV.
HUMAN/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: POVERTY
Haves and Have Nots
The Development Debate
Approaches, Solutions, Reforms?
V.
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Global Environment: Sustainable Development
A Global Culture?
Global Justice/Human Rights
Second Exam: May 16, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
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