Schedule: The course is taught in a block format of 2 x 90 minute units per day over 4 days per week from June 16th through June 27th, 2014. Classes take place from 8.15 – 9.45 am and 10.15 – 11.45 am (no class on Thursday 19th and Friday 27th). On Friday 20th, the course will go on a joint excursion to the Rauchenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne where we will explore together the history of globalization (start at the museum: 10 am, expected end of meeting: 3 pm).
Globalization is often seen as undermining social regulation. In this course, we will examine a number of recently emerged transnational regulatory initiatives that address social and ecological problems arising from globalization.
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the contemporary landscape of transnational governance institutions and key challenges that these institutions face in their attempts to regulate beyond national borders. A specific focus will be on initiatives in the fields of environmental protection, labour rights and access to knowledge.
We will discuss questions such as: Why do consumers mobilize for better working conditions in global supply chains producing their sweatshirts? How effective are certification schemes to protect the Amazon forest? What is at stake in the worldwide internet protests against the Stop Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) proposed by the US government?
New concepts and discussions arising from recent research on transnational social movements and regime complexity will be introduced and students will be asked to mobilize their knowledge for in-class analysis of data on local and regional patterns of implementation.
Students wishing to receive credits are expected to attend all sessions (or in case of illness, to write one-page summaries of any readings covered in the missed sessions). Evaluation for course credit is based on in-class participation and a case study covering a transnational governance initiative and its impact in a selected country or region (explained in the first session). The case study will be based in part on individual and group work and presentations of this work during class meetings. Students should expect to spend an additional 1 - 2 hours preparation (reading time, depending on English fluency) for the daily meetings.
All readings and assignments will be made available on the moodle2 platform. Once per week, consultation will be provided in-class for extra support needed in reading or following the class. Outside of class, students are advised to make appointments, or to come to one of the fixed consultation hours (Tuesdays 2 – 3 pm, LF 159). |
