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Overview

Globalisation is a complex and multifaceted process that has transformed economic, social, political, cultural and demographic relationships across the world. This module explores how contemporary societies are shaped by global interconnections, drawing on critical theories of social change and globalisation to examine competing explanations of modernity, late modernity, social transformation and global interdependence. Students will critically examine key dimensions of globalisation, including demographic change, migration, mobility and transnationalism, as well as the relationships between capitalism, neoliberalism, economic restructuring and uneven development. The module also considers power, inequality and the changing role of the state, exploring issues of sovereignty, governance, class, wealth, exploitation, borders, identity and belonging. The module further explores global culture and cultural change, including cultural flows, hybridity, homogenisation and the relationship between global and local identities. Students will also consider globalisation movements and resistance, including anti-globalisation, alter-globalisation and struggles for social and economic justice. The module develops students’ critical understanding of the diverse and often unequal consequences of globalisation and is assessed through an essay and a poster presentation.

This module gives the students a comprehensive sociological understanding of some of the key sociological issues and debates relating to globalization

The module will include, but will not be limited to, the following aspects of Globalization:

• theories of social change • demographical changes to the modern societies • debating and explaining globalisation • migration • capitalism and globalisation • politics, the state and globalisation • power and inequality in the global economy • globalisation movements • global culture

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - Threshold range = (C- to C+), students are expected to display a satisfactory level of achievement or depth of knowledge across most aspects of the module. Their efforts will result in successful, albeit occasionally inconsistent, attempts to develop skills pertinent to the understanding of globalization and social change at postgraduate level. Written assessments within this category should strive to address the question at hand, although there may be some narrative drift, with evidence of adequate reading and research. However, the argument may lack clarity and direction towards the lower end of this band. Written submissions should be reasonably presented with few errors in grammar, punctuation, and referencing, none of which should significantly obscure the intended meaning.

Good - Merit = (B- to B+) denotes students who exhibit a solid level of achievement and depth of knowledge across all criteria within the Pass (C- to C+) range. Additionally, they demonstrate critical and analytical engagement with diverse globalization and social change writings and interpretations. Their ideas are effectively communicated, supported by a diverse range of sources/reading, showcasing a clear understanding of the issues and existing interpretations through a well-structured, relevant, and focused argument. At the upper end of this band, students engage with and critically evaluate encountered ideas, synthesizing various interpretations to form their own considered conclusions. Written submissions are correctly formatted with appropriate references and bibliography.

Excellent – excellent = (A- and above) demonstrate strong achievement across all criteria, coupled with impressive depths of knowledge and/or subtle analysis. In written work, they bolster their arguments with a wealth of relevant detail/examples, showcasing acute awareness of relevant globalization and social change literature. They will show their ability to critically analyse theory and evidence from which they will develop their evidenced-based conclusion. They may adeptly address possible objections, refining their argument in light of counter-examples or offering an intriguing synthesis of contrasting positions. Overall, the standards of content, argument, and analysis expected are consistently superior to top upper-second work, with high standards of presentation.

Learning Outcomes

• Contextual comprehension and appraisal of the development of globalization from an historical context.

• Critically analyse key globalization and social change perspectives and studies

• Identify and evaluate a range of key sociological literature on globalization, social change, economy, social justice, the environment and social inequality and successfully apply them to the study of globalization and social change.

• To critically evaluate the key sociological theories of globalization and social change.