Global Studies Interdisciplinary Seminar:Going Deeper

through Global Inquiry, Service, and Research

IS 140

Fall 2016

“The world is like a Mask dancing. If you want to see it well,

you do not stand in one place.” ~ Chinua Achebe

……………….

“The earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof;

the world, and they that dwell therein.

For he hath founded it upon the seas,

and established it upon the floods.

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?

or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;

who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD,

and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

This is the generation of them that seek him,

that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.” ~ Psalm 24

…………………

“…serving God’s kingdom by cultivating thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world.” ~ Westmont College Mission Statement

Course & Contact Info:

Cynthia Toms, Ph.D.

; 805-565-6289

Office Hours: Tues 1-2pm; Thurs 10 -12pm or by appointment

Class Meetings: Tuesday evenings 6:00-9:15 PM

Course Description

Global Studies is the academic study of political, economic, ecological, and cultural relations and processes that affect communities around the world. Oriented around the study and forces that shape “globalization,” the field incorporates areas as diverse as market relations, the movement of commodities, global communications and consumption, refugees, migrants and other movements of people around the globe.Global Studies also incorporates transnational and local trends in its curriculum insofar as they illustrate broader questions of global change.

Although globalization is a relatively new term, it comprises a complex web of social processes that intensify and expand worldwide economic, cultural, political, and technological exchanges and connections. This course will place a special emphasis on how these social processes influence the Westernization of the world, namely the process whereby non-Western countries and societies adopt social, legal, dietetic, religious, technological, linguistic, political and economic ideals and norms of countries in the Western World (eg. Western Europe and the US).

Along with reading from a variety of disciplines, we will draw on expertise within the liberal arts enterprise, namely faculty and global expertsfrom across the collegewho will offer their expertise in global issues through a lecture and discussion on a particular theme.In this way, the global studies seminar will examine the theories, methodologies, and insights of various disciplines and exploring the connections and blurring the boundaries among them.

Finally, the course will include a significant examination of comparative methodologies and de-colonized knowledge acquisition through a semester-long research paper project. Students will be encouraged to participate in the annual spring research symposium or an undergraduate research conference.

C. Course Goals: What to Expect

The general format for the course will be focused one aspect of global studies each week. The Tuesday class will consist of an invited faculty guest lecture and discussion, then an opportunity for further discussion and integration of the issue into the full course overview, and the final one-third of class will be dedicated to research methodology, preparation and review. Course topics will be adjusted based on guest faculty expertise and focus.

  • Global Inquiry: An introduction and explorationofkey theories used to analyze the complex social, economic and political forces that shape our world, as well as the local-global nexus affecting those issues.This includes exposure to how global issues are related and how they might fit together as part of a larger role (interdisciplinary) through accessing the breadth and quality of the global expertise at Westmont College (including people and resources).

Part 1 (6:00-7:15pm):The first hour to 75 minutes of our course, we will be in dialogue with a faculty member of global expert as a method of introduction and multidisciplinary analysis of global forces. This will allow us to collectively draw upon the insights and theoretical frameworks of various academic fields such as history, political science, international race relations, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and economics.

  • Service: An exploration of howglobal forces shape the World Christian church and influence and modernmovements. We willexamine the expression of faith across cultures, as well as the myriad of challenges and emerging solutions to address concerns of the global village in the modern age (aka, the field of global studies) at a local level through the Westmont campus community and the greater Santa Barbara Community.

Part 2 (7:30- 8:30pm): The second hour of our time together will be used to reflect on how the discussion fits into the broader conversation of global studies, the global church, and our lived experience of trying to enact compassionate action through service and leadership roles.

  • Research:An introduction to community-based research and methods associated with comparative research methods.

Part 3 (8:30-9:15pm): The final hour of our time together will be used to collaboratively discuss our community-based or globally focused research projects in light of our readings, discussions, and experiential learning together.We will also continue to ask how the knowledge we are gaining equips us to be informed agents of redemption and justice in a rapidly changing world.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will identify key theories of globalization as well as the specific social, economic and political forces that shape a particular global issue of their choosing, including micro-scale individual actors in systems, as well as the multiplex forces shaping modern grand challenges.
  1. Students will select and examinea topic of global importance and associated ethical and social justice issues through substantive research, including the examination of primary sources and comparative methodology.
  1. Students will be able to articulate their major/discipline approaches, both methodologically and historically,a particular topic of global importance.
  1. Students will apply appropriate foundational theories to analyze social, political, economic, and/or cultural phenomena.

[CT1]

Texts

Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Lederach, John Paul. The moral imagination: The art and soul of building peace. Vol. 3. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

Tsing, Anna Lowenhaupt. Friction: An ethnography of global connection. Princeton University Press, 2011.

Trouillot, Michel-Rolph. "Global transformations: Anthropology and the modern world." (2003).

Liamputtong, Pranee. Performing qualitative cross-cultural research. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Crouch, Andy. Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL, 2013.

Select Chapters, along with select articles from faculty:

Farmer, Paul. Pathologies of power: Health, human rights, and the new war on the poor. Vol. 4. Univ of California Press, 2004.

Hoksbergen, Roland. Serving God Globally: Finding Your Place in International Development. Baker Books, 2012.

Katongole, Emmanuel, and Chris Rice. Reconciling all things: A Christian vision for justice, peace and healing. InterVarsity Press, 2009.

Kidder, T. (2009) Mountains Beyond Mountains. (Excerpt) Random House Publishing. Oxford.

Mutua, Kagendo, and Beth Blue Swadener. Decolonizing research in cross-cultural contexts: Critical personal narratives. SUNY Press, 2004.

Ngugi wa Thiong'o. (2008). The River Between. Heinemann Publishers.

Further Reading:

Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. Americanah. Alfred A. Knopf Publishers. Nigeria, 2013, Markandaya, Kamala. (1999). The Nectar of a Sieve.

Campese, Gioacchino. (2012, Theological Studies). “The Irruption of Migrants: Theology of Migration in the 21st Century.”

Course Topics & Regional Focus

Section I: Theories of Local and Global Order: “How do theories of globalization explain cultural, economic, social, and political forces associated with complex challenges facing individuals, communities, and the earth[CT2]?”

Week One: Overview and Theories of Globalization

Required Reading:

  • Chapter One: “Going Global (p. 1-31).” Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.
  • Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. Americanah. Alfred A. Knopf Publishers. Nigeria, 2013.

Week Two: Glocalization as Social Process: A Frameworkfor Inquiry

Required Reading:

  • Excerpts from Section One (“Prosperity”) and Section Two (“Knowledge”). Tsing, Anna Lowenhaupt. Friction: An ethnography of global connection. Princeton University Press, 2011.
  • Diaz Soto “Decolonizing Research in Cross-Cultural Contexts: Issues of Voice and Power.” Forward in Mutua, Kagendo, and Beth Blue Swadener. Decolonizing research in cross-cultural contexts: Critical personal narratives. SUNY press, 2004.
  • Chapter Six: “Population and Consumption (p. 161).” Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Week Three: Global Christians as Actors in Nation-State Systems

September 6: Global Christianity: American Christians as Actors in a Global System. (Case Study, The Global Church in the Israeli – Palestinian Conflict).

Guest Lecture: Dr. Bruce Fisk, Ph.D.

Required Discussion Reading:

  • “Still Christian Zionism After All These Years? “The Third Temple in a Century of End Times Hermeneutics” (Parts I, II and IV; part III optional)(PKP Lecture, 2011). (Course Canvas Website)
  • Chapter Three: “International Human Rights (p. 87-121).” Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010. (Canvas Course Website)

Required Research Reading:

  • “Community-Based Research Partnerships: Challenges and Opportunities.” (Minkler, 2005). (Canvas Course Website)

Assignment/Written Reflection: Below is a list of groups that work on issue of Human Rights in Israel/Palestine. Please visit at least three of following websites and identify the local (Israel/Palestine) forces at play, as well as the global forces (US and other Nation-State Involvement). Which cultural, economic, social, and political themes shape these organizations work? As an American, Global Christian do you believe their work constitutes good action in a global context? Why or Why not? (Also come to class with 3 GOOD questions for our speakers that consider the reading and the guiding question of our section – “Question: “How do cultural, economic, social, and political factors influence your conception of who you are and what constitutes good action, demonstrating Christian responsibility, in global context?”- List these questions on the back of your reflection essay.)

B'tselem --

Amnesty --

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights --

Al Haq --

Israel Committee Against House Demolition --

Week Four: Globalization, Radicalization, and the Rise of Right

September 13: Pluralism and The Evolving Face of Globalization in the Middle East: Tyrants, Terrorists, and Tropes in Islamic History (Canvas Course Website)

Guest Lecture: Heather Keaney, Ph.D.

Required Reading:

  • Article (s) selected by faculty: TBD

Required Research Reading:

  • TBD
  • Pilot Comparative Perspectives Assignment Due

Week Five: Global Mobility and The Movement of Peoples

September 20: Global Mobility and International Migration

Guest Lecture: Jon Huckins, 4:30 at Immigrant Hope/Evening Lecture

No Formal Class Meeting in lieu of Hosting

Required Reading:

  • Goizueta, Roberto (2011) “Christ of the Borderlands: Faith and Idolary in an Age of Globalization.” In Religion, Economics, and Culture in Conflict and Conversation, ed. Cassidy & O’Connell, p. 177-195 (Maryknoll, NY:Orbis) (Canvas Course Website)
  • Attend Evening Lecture, 7pm “Global Peacemaking and Discipleship: Lessons From Welcoming the Stranger.”
  • September 29th Reel Talk: “Who is Dayani Cristal?”

Required Research Reading:

  • TBD

Week Six: Global Inequalities, Poverty and Theories of Global Justice

October 4 Topic: Global Poverty and the Nation-State System

Guest Lecture: Ed Song, Ph.D.

  • “What is Global Justice?” Politics as Usual. Thomas Pogge. (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2010).
  • Chapter Two (“Nation-State System”) (pg. 31-50) Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Required Research Reading: In-Class Workshop

Week Seven: October 11 – No Class, Fall Break

Section II: “How do cultural, economic, social, and political factors influence who we are as a global society and what constitutes good collective action, demonstrating Christian responsibility, in global context?”

[CT3]Week Eight: Leadership in Global Context: Theories of Biblical Leadership as Cultural and Transcultural.

October 18: Guest Lecture: Dr. Gayle Beebe, Ph.D.

Required Discussion Reading:

  • “The Shaping of an Effective Leader: Eight Formative Principles of Leadership.” (2011, IVP Press) by Dr. Gayle Beebe. (Pg. 19-165).
  • Chapter Three (“International Organizations”) (p. 51-86).” Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Required Research Reading:

  • Diaz Soto “Decolonizing Research in Cross-Cultural Contexts: Issues of Voice and Power.” Forward in Mutua, Kagendo, and Beth Blue Swadener. Decolonizing research in cross-cultural contexts: Critical personal narratives. SUNY press, 2004.

Assignment/Written Reflection: The Westmont College mission statement is commimtted to training “faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world.” Some of the international organizations (IOs) represented in our reading are aguably to most powerful in the world. Reflecting on the guiding principles presented in the Shaping of an Effective Leader, which principles are essential for effectively working for an IO? Describe an experience of compatibility and coherence that might be directing you toward working with an international organization (or away from it!)

Week Nine: Global Perspectives on Colonial Influence: African Narratives of Colonization and Missions

October 25: Guest Lecture: Mark Sargent, Ph.D.

Required Reading:

  • Ngugi wa Thiong’o, The River Between
  • TED Talk:The Danger of the Single Story (2012) Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi.

Required Research Reading:

  • Literature and Methods Section Due

Week Ten: Gender, Globalization, and Religion

November 1: Religion, the Church, and Gender-Based Violence

Guest Lecture: Meredith Whitnah, Ph.D.

Required Reading:

  • Chapter Eight: “The Gendered World (p. 214-250).” Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Required Research Reading:

  • TBD

Week Eleven: Individual Research project meeting with Instructor

Week Twelve: Globalization and Disease

Nov 15: Infectious Disease, The Global Obesity Pandemic and Globalization

Community Visit;

Required Reading:

  • Farmer, Paul. Pathologies of power: Health, human rights, and the new war on the poor. Vol. 4. Univ of California Press, 2004.
  • Kidder, T. (2009) Mountains Beyond Mountains. (Excerpt) Random House Publishing. Oxford.
  • Chapter Seven: “Infectious Disease and Globalization.” (p. 187-213).” Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Required Research Reading:

  • TBD

Week Thirteen: Global Conflict & The Moral Imagination

November 22:War, Conflict, Peace-making and the Moral Imagination

Required Reading:

  • Selections from Lederach, John Paul. The moral imagination: The art and soul of building peace. Vol. 3. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
  • Selections from Katongole, Emmanuel, and Chris Rice. Reconciling all things: A Christian vision for justice, peace and healing. InterVarsity Press, 2009.
  • Article (s) selected by faculty: TBD

Required Research Reading:

  • TBD

Week Fourteen: Globalization and Sustainability

November 29 - The Natural Environment

Guest Lecture: Sustainability Speaker Series on Global Climate Change

Required Reading:

  • Article (s) selected by faculty: TBD
  • Chapter Six: “The Natural Environment” & Chapter Seven: “Population and Consumption: A Matter of Ethics.” (p. 122-186).” Campbell, Patricia J., Aran MacKinnon, and Christy R. Stevens. An introduction to global studies. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Required Research Reading:

Week Fifteen Dec 6 - Comparative Case Study Student Presentations

Final Exam: Wednesday, Dec 14, 7-9pm

Evaluation

1. Assignments (weekly reflection/questions, presentation)30%

2. Service leadership position /journal10%

3. Global/Community-Based Research Project 50%

4. Final Exam (Essay Format)30%

Weekly Reflection and Cosmic Questions

Consider the interconnectedness and impact of cultural, economic, social, and political factors of each reading assignment and answer the question prompts. One page, 1.5 spaced; 12pt. Times New Roman. On the back, please write three “cosmic” questions for our speakers that incorporate the broader themes of the class as well as the assigned reading. None Due Week 7 or Week 15.

Community-Based or Globally focused Research Project that assumes a comparative methodology. (For honors thesis, you will need co-advisor from your major).This is an individual discernment project and you will be asked to meet with the instructor during the first few weeks and at least one more time during the semester to ensure fit.

Possible Options:

  • Santa Barbara Food Security (in conjunction with the Food Bank)
  • World Vision Peru (working with Global Studies Fellow Scholar, Tito Paredes).
  • Immigration in SB & in the region you visited during Study Abroad.
  • Community-Based Research of student’s choosing in line with major advisor or equivalent.

Local/Global Connection Profile(Due September 20.): In order to choose an issue and gain perspective, you must consider its do cultural, economic, social, and political factors both locally and in your region of interest.For one assignment, you are asked to read/research/talk with an expert about a particular local-global challenge and write a response paper analyzing the historical, economic, political, and cultural values that shape the issue. Why was the organization founded – and why in this way – to address the issue? How is the leadership structured and how effective do you perceive it to be? What unique factors shape this issue in this community and how is it different from other contexts you have experienced- or expect to conduct research in?

This paper should draw on formal knowledge found in course readings and other academic resources, however, it is intended to gain perspective on the issue from a local community member working to address this challenge or affected by it. 4-5 pages, 12 pt. font, TNR.

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Literature Review and Methods Section (Due October 25)