Faculty of Social Science
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Globalization and Regionalism [SPA 517]
Third Semester 2018/19

Instructor: Siti Zuliha Razali, PhD
Class Room: SK 201
Office Hours: on appointment
Email: siti_razali@usm.my
Phone: 04.653.3348

Course Description
The course explores “globalization” as one form of paradigm to understand modern contemporary world phenomena. The term globalization since the nineties has become a “catch phrase” used by economists, politicians, journalists, and academics to grapple with issues impacting the world as the result of the forces of globalization. Some see globalization as a good thing and some do not. Not to mention those who are indifferent. The fact of the matter is, globalization cannot be denied. So what is globalization? How does it affect your life, community and country? Does it matter? This course attempts to galvanize student’s ability to think critically and creatively on subjects and issues impacting their world – domestic and international. In this course, students will be exposed through multi-perspectives: science, religion, spiritual, politics, economics, socio-cultural and civilization. Consequently, students are asked to ponder the causes and consequences of globalization and prospects of managing it. Towards the end of this course students are expected to bring home at least some form of knowledge from the information they will get throughout the course.
Course Work/Approach
This course employs “Student-centered approach” as its methodology. A leap moves from instruction paradigm to learning paradigm where student will discover and construct knowledge through learning. Class sessions will be primarily structured in a seminar format, with presentations by the instructor when necessary. Interactive group work and exercises will form an integral part of classroom activities. Each class activity will feature student actions and participation. These will be in a form of presentation, panel discussion, debate, movie /documentary watching and article review. Feedbacks can be through writing and commenting orally. The purpose is to promote “student-based learning” through interactive classroom activities which provides students opportunities to engage directly in discussions, debates, ability to work in teams to address problems/issues and develop solutions for issues/problems at hand. Informality and flexibility will be the backdrop of these activities. Amidst all these, the main objective is to make students think and enjoy the learning process.

Class Evaluation
No final exams 
Individual based assignments (verbal feedback and short essays) Individual feedback: 10%
Group-based activities (presentations, discussions, debates) 30%
Attendance/participation 10%
Total 50%

Class Schedule for SPA 517

Class SPA517 Topic Activities
1st meeting
Wednesday: (03.07.2019)
8 pm • Introduction
• Overview coursework and method
• Discuss the time and class meetings
• Brainstorming orally on the concept/idea of globalization
• Theories and approaches on Globalization
• Form groups
• Each students must participate by orally present their understanding of what globalization is. (5%)
• Get on groups to discuss on the theories for your approach on globalization.

• Out-of-class activity:
Homework 1
[Note: Do group research to prepare for in class presentation. What your approach theory and approach mean to globalization.
2nd meeting
Wednesday: (10.07.2019)
Understanding globalization:
Pros & Cons
• Modernization / progress
• Materialism and consumerism
• Technology / ICT advancement
• Westernization & Americanization
• Democratization
• Governance
Cons:
• Commercialization of (everyday life: i.e. public policy i.e. education, welfare policy,etc.)
• Homogenization
• Withering nation-states
• Marginalization / deprivation
• Neo-imperialism
• Environmental degradation/depletion

• In-class activity: Display Homework 1: (10%)

• Group activities – students are required to work in group. Exchange information via cognitive skills and interactive group discussion, summarize the best findings, and present them to the class orally.
• Students may use “kertas kajang”, power point, video or whatever, format that students prefer.

3rd meeting
Wednesday: 17.07.2019
Video/Documentary watching

In class activity:
• Feedback on class 2 (5%)
• Feedback on video: each Student must give comment s orally about the movie (5% )

• Homework 2 •

4th meeting
Wednesday: 24.07.2019
Globalization: drawbacks
• Individualism
• Protectionism
• Regionalization
• Nationalism (racism)
• Religious fundamentalism
• Immigration / refugees
• De-globalization
• Soulless world/society

In-class activity:
Display Homework 2: (10%)
Group debate (10%)

[note: Get into groups and discussed your chosen topic. After discussions, each group presents their findings. This is followed by interactive discussions on topics]

Out-class activity:
Feedback on Class 4
Out-class activity:
Homework 3
In group, prepare for debates on: (topics will be given on this date)



References and Readings:
1. Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2007). The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations. New York, N.Y: Oxford University Press.
2. Bigelow, B., & Peterson, B. (2002). Rethinking globalization: Teaching for justice in an unjust world. Milwaukee, Wis: Rethinking Schools Press.
3. Chomsky, N., Barsamian, D., & Naiman, A. (2011). How the world works. Berkeley, CA: Soft Skull Press.
4. Rowntree, L. (2003). Diversity amid globalization: World regions, environment, development. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall.
According to http://www.openeducation.net/

• More than 4 million books available on Amazon alone.
• More than 60 million blogs available online.
• More than 4 million entries on Wikipedia.
• More than 6 million videos on YouTube.
• More than 3.5 million songs available on iTunes.
• … and counting


(Note: But of course do not forget to give credit to those who have worked hard to share their ideas with you online and in written works; a humble request for your ethical values).

“Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.”
- Rumi