HI2001:04
Globalisation: Historical Perspectives
Townsville
26 lectures, 26 tutorials. Second semester.
Staff: Dr F Aguilar.
This subject explores the history of globalisation, the world’s contemporary situation characterised by processes and patterns of economic, cultural, political and ecological transformations and interconnections that transcend local and even regional analysis. It interrogates the central question: does globalisation mark a new epoch in world history? What is new about it? What is old about it? Among the key issues examined in this subject are: the formation of the world-system; the processes of trans-civilisational encounters and exchanges; the structuring of global production, exchange and consumption relations; and the twin processes of universalisation and localisation of social forms, cultural practices and worldviews. The challenges posed by globalisation to the nation-state are examined against the histories of the global interstate system and the idea of national sovereignty, as well as the contemporary context of transnationalism, diasporas and the politics of identities.
Learning Objectives:
- provide a framework and analytical tools for understanding contemporary world history and the multi-dimensional aspects of globality;
- appreciate the active roles of diverse historical actors, including ordinary individuals, in the processes of globalisation;
- be aware of the various approaches to and methods of global analysis;
- foster competence in research and the articulation of research findings appropriate to level 2 studies.
Assessment by tutorial attendance, participation and assignments (40%); major essay (30%); final examination (30%).
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