This course explores the theory and dynamics of global integration in the contemporary social world, how it affects, and in turn is affected by, the world's economic, political, cultural and social structures, trends, and processes.  First, using the McMichael book, we attempt a serious periodization of the models of political economy, or types of capitalist  globalization, implemented in the modern world-system over the course of the 20th century, up to the first decade of the 21st. We pay particular attention to what led to the crisis of each model, and what caused the next one being adopted and by whom. Then, using the Lechner & Boli anthology of articles, we'll analyze some of the key theoretical and empirical perspectives on the origins, aspects, trends, and multiple challenges of contemporary globalization, from some of the most renowned experts in the field.

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory (unexcused absences. tardiness and early departures will be penalized). Furthermore, all students must come prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Students will be quizzed on every single reading assignment, using BlackBoard.

Class Presentations: The course will be run as a "semi-seminar," whereby in every class session a group of three students will make PowerPoint presentations on the assigned readings for the day, followed by Dr. Santos's lecture and class discussion. Each student presents twice in the quarter. Time allotted per individual presentation will be 10 to 15 minutes. Presenting students will introduce, describe, highlight, and summarize his/her own assigned reading, and on the last slide raise one or two key questions for class discussion. Please bring your presentations in a USB-type memory stick. Presenting students should show up early to set up & test their presentations prior to the class starting.

The presentations will be graded based on: (a) the analytical strength and relevance of the presentation, including its depth on the selected key issues and the breath of the overall summary (how well it covers all the main aspects), (b) the quality of the question(s) posed at the end, and (c) the quality of the visual presentation and the poise, clarity, and effectiveness of the oral presentation.

Essay Quizzes: To ensure students read the two textbooks, there will be ten short-essay chapter quizzes for the McMichael book, and eleven short-essay "Part" quizzes for the Lechner  & Boli. All quizzes will be done on BlackBoard and are due on by the Sunday the chapter (McMichael) was assigned, or "Part" (Lechner & Boli) ended. Please refere to the schedule of reading assignments below. All quiz answers will be graded for clarity and demonstrated comprehension and critical thinking.

Research Paper: Each student will write an individual research paper on a topic relating to a group research project. Prior approval by Dr. Santos is required for both the group topic and each individual subtopic. The papers need to be submitted in electronic form (in Word) in the course's Blackboard account. The  paper is due on Wednesday, June 13, before noon.

Each paper should be bound and include a title page and an abstract, then between 6 and 8 pages of text  (excluding the bibliography), a bibliography, and finally an appendix for whatever charts and figures are included. For a precise guide on the paper's format and citation style, go to:

http://www.csubak.edu/~gsantos/guide-paper.html

Plagiarism: To prevent students from wittingly or unwittingly engaging in plagiarism, Dr. Santos strongly recommends students to carefully read and abide by the document CSUB Classifications of Plagiarism found at: http://www.csub.edu/tlc/options/resources/turn_it_in_help_page.shtml

Anyone found guilty of engaging in plagiarism will automatically fail the course and be reported to the Office of Student Discipline and Judicial Affairs for further disciplinary action.

Grading: Each class presentation is worth 5 points. The ten McMichael chapter quizzes are together worth 30 points. The eleven Lerner & Boli "Part" quizzes are together worth 40 points. The research paper is worth 20 points. Extra credit/absence-tardiness penalty may apply. The final letter grade will be assigned, on a scale of 0 to 100, as follows:

94-100+ = A         84-86 = B            74-76 = C
90- 93 = A-           80-83 = B-           70-73 = C-
87- 89 = B+          77-79 = C+           65-69 = D       < 65 = F

Office Hours and Email Communication with Dr. Santos & Mr. Campos: Dr. Santos & Mr. Campos office hours are posted above. Students may communicate with both Dr. Santos & Mr. Campos by email to the class email address above. Mr. Campos, will be in charge of grading the written submissions in Blackboard,  and may also be reached directly and privately at his own email address above. Please be advised that email communication has to be very brief and to the point. Expect a one line reply. Always sign off with your FULL NAME, do not assume we know who you are! You may also reach or leave messages for Dr Santos at his office phone (above). If you send an email message to Mr. Campos requesting to talk to him, include a phone number so he may call you back.

          Date:                          My presentation will be on:

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