Overview
POEC 230: Globalization and World Politics introduces you to some of the theoretical tools and practical issues of globalization, encouraging you to try to situate yourself in the ever-changing context of global politics. From the many challenges to state sovereignty to the growing role of globally connected citizens, and from the expanding scope of global finance and markets to the intensification of cultural flows and interconnectedness, there is no question that processes of globalization characterize our present and our future. As engaged global citizens, each of us has opportunities every day to grapple with our perceptions and ideas about peoples, places, and precepts and to deepen our understanding of the increasingly interconnected world in which we all live.
Outline
POEC 230 consists of six units:
- Unit 1: Defining Globalization: Why Do Perspectives Matter?
- Unit 2: Traditional International Relations Theory and Its Critique: Liberalism, Realism, the English School, and Constructivism
- Unit 3: Exploring Critical Perspectives in International Relations: Marxism, Feminism, Poststructuralism, Postcolonialism, and Indigeneity
- Unit 4: Globalization and Governance: From Traditional to Critical Perspectives
- Unit 5: Global Political Economy: Introduction to Agents, Patterns, and Tools of Analysis
- Unit 6: Some Future Trends in Globalization and World Politics: Cultures/Civilizations, Climate Change, and Civil Society
Learning outcomes
After completing POEC 230, you should be able to
- demonstrate a basic understanding of globalization as a concept and as a process;
- identify the key institutions and policies that promote globalization;
- explain the historical relationship between globalization and world politics;
- recognize the importance of using a variety of analytical tools and theoretical perspectives to understand the processes of globalization;
- use an informed understanding of globalization to explain and interpret key issues in contemporary world politics; and
- situate yourself as a citizen within the complex dynamics of globalization and world politics through recognition of their impact on your choices and worldview.
Evaluation
To receive credit for POEC 230, you must successfully complete and submit two assignments and pass the final examination. A grade of D (50 percent) is the minimum passing grade on each of the assignments and on the final exam, and you must achieve a minimum course composite grade of 50 percent. Grades will be distributed as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Essay—Understanding Globalization | 30% |
| Assignment 2: Critical Review or Culture Jam | 30% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
All course materials are available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the POEC 230 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least C- (60 percent) on the examination.
Challenge for credit course registration form