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Globalisation Since The 1970s

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AAH1074

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

Global interaction and exchange have increased on an dramatic level since the 1970s. Globalization has transformed institutions and livelihoods throughout the world, King's College London included. Globalization is everywhere in public speech, used to explain phenomena from the economic crash of 2008, the election of Donald Trump, and the Covid pandemic. This module offers the opportunity to examine the real life of globalization by treating it as a historical phenomena, helping us to think precisely about what was globalized when, and how understandings of it have changed through time. We will trace the emergence of technologies and practices which facilitate global interaction, from the container ship to the internet. We will examine the emergence of the idea of globalization, and trace the history of arguments about what it is and whether it is a good thing or not. Finally, they will study its political consequences, charting debates about the effects of global interaction on the choices available to publics and their leaders, and how far institutions and individuals are able to shape phenomena which occurs on such a large scale. In taking course, students will develop a crucial set of tools for understanding one of the major issues of our age.

 

Assessment details

Coursework (100%)

1 x 1,500-word formative essay & 1 x 3,000-word essay (100%)

Teaching pattern

10 x 1 hour lecture, 10 x 1 hour seminar (weekly)

Indicative module structure (may be subject to change):

  1. Introduction and the history of the shipping container
  2. The post-war economic order and its collapse
  3. The shock of the global: the 1970s and the crisis of governability
  4. The neoliberal revolution
  5. The digital revolution: technology, information and the knowledge economy
  6. Debating globalization
  7. Social movements and anti-globalization
  8. Global finance and the financial crisis
  9. Populism, globalization and nation states after 2008
  10. Pandemic: the end of globalization?

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.