Globalisation

Teacher(s)

Bocquet Nicolas; Gomes Joseph; Laloux Thomas;

Language

English

Prerequisites

Microéconomie LECGE1222, Macroéconomie LECGE 1212.

Main themes

The first part of the class will discuss the essential theoretical tools necessary to understand the phenomenon of globalization. We will explain the key reasons why goods and factors of production flow across borders and establish the empirical relevance of different theories. The second part of the class will apply the tools developed in the first part to discuss the consequences of globalization on different dimensions, such as inequality within and across countries, growth, and development. We will also discuss the measurement of the gains and losses from globalization, as well as key issues in trade and migration policy.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of the class, students should have a solid understanding of the phenomenon of globalization, notably the patterns of multilevel governance, public regulation, international trade, investment and migration, as well as their determinants. Students will acquire the conceptual background to analyse the consequences of globalization on governance (e.g. political), economic growth, inequality, employment or development, and grasp the main debates linked to trade policy and deep trade agreements. In particular, students should gain the methodological background to evaluate different aspects of globalization both qualitatively and quantitatively, and master the necessary toolkit to critically assess the benefits and pitfalls of globalization.

Content

This course will approach the study of globalization from the joint perspectives of economics and political science. First, we will address how both disciplines have defined and framed globalization. We will specifically discuss how objective features (such as trade expansion and migration) may be combined with actors’ constructed perceptions of globalization. Second, we will investigate the outcomes of globalization both at the macro and individual level. We will analyse how globalization has altered national governments’ decision-making, with a comparative focus on different policy sectors (such as welfare states and economic policy-making), as well as citizens’ attitudes to politics and their electoral behaviours. We will also study the impacts of globalization on ethnic conflicts and inequalities across social groups and gender. The empirical focus of this course will range from Western Europe and North America to developing countries.

Teaching methods

The teaching will be a combination of seminars and lectures.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation of the course will be based on both a continuous evaluation (25%) as well as a final exam (75%). The continuous evaluation will be based on readings that will be assigned to students on a weekly basis. The final exam will be a written exam. The marks for the continuous evaluation will carry over to the August session.

Bibliography

The bibliography will be indicated in the course programme and reading assignments will be provided to students before the start of the second semester. In addition, slideshows will be made available to the students after each course session.

Faculty or entity

ESPO