Faculty of Arts

Global Studies Courses

GS101 Introduction to Global Studies 0.5

An interdisciplinary introduction to the contemporary world that focuses on global issues, challenges, and concerns. The class considers the world as it is; the world as it came to be; and the means by which it can become a better place for all. Special attention will be given to global issues of comparative development, peace and conflict, and globalization and cultures. A required course for all Global Studies students.

Exclusion: GS100, (DI100 or DI200 taken prior to 1996).

GS102 Global Fields: An Introduction 0.5

This course provides a systematic introduction to the three fields in the Global Studies Program: Comparative Development; Globalization and Culture; and Peace and Conflict. Students will learn key concepts in each field, and theoretical approaches will be introduced. Specific case studies will be employed to illustrate the links between the global and the local. A required course for all global studies students.

GS205 The West and the Problem of Modernity 0.5

This course provides a critical introduction to the "West" as a modern problem. It is less concerned with the geography of the "West" than it is with ideas associated with being "modern". Students will explore the meanings associated with individualism, rationalism, capitalism, secularism and neo-liberalism. Special attention will be given to the rise of "modernity", and notions of progress associated it. Students will be encouraged to evaluate the impact of this unique world-view on the west itself, how it is supported and maintained, and what it has meant for the world as a whole.

Prerequisite: GS100; or GS101 and GS102, or with permission of the co-ordinator.

GS211 The Theories of Development 0.5

This course introduces students to the themes and issues that comprise development studies. Various perspectives and approaches will be considered, and their respective strengths and shortcomings identified. Students will gain a critical understanding of development, including economic and social development, and how these contribute to, or impede social justice at the national and international levels.

Prerequisite: GS100; or GS101 and GS102, or permission of the co-ordinator.

Exclusion: DI210, GS210.

GS212 The Practices of Development 0.5

This course surveys the practice of development in a number of countries around the world. While the focus will primarily be on Latin America, Asia, and/or Africa, parallels and connections will also be drawn with the North, including Canada. Students will be asked to evaluate critically what has been attempted in the name of "development". Specific examples may range from the colonial era to the present, so as to demonstrate how development and related practices have changed over time.

Prerequisite: GS100; or GS101 and GS102, or with permission of the co-ordinator.

GS221 Globalization and Cultures: Examining the "Third World" 0.5

This course examines the theories and practices that help situate the "third world" as a geographical, cultural, economic and political space. We will examine how the local and the global interlink to shape multiple cultural and political contexts. Particular emphasis will be paid to the ways in which globalization is moving us towards a "McWorld", as well as the points of resistance.

Prerequisite: GS100; or GS101 and GS102, or with permission of the co-ordinator.

GS222 Globalization and Cultures in Contemporary Western Societies 0.5

This course examines the theories and practices that help situate the "first world" as a geographical, cultural, economic, and political space. Particular emphasis will be paid to how globalization is connected to the shifts and complexities of cultures and identities in contemporary western societies. In so doing we investigate the idea of the nation state and recognize the heterogeneity of diasporic space.

Prerequisite: GS100; or GS101 and GS102, or with permission of the co-ordinator.

GS231 Introduction to War and Conflict 0.5

This course provides a broad overview to the existence of war, conflict, and organized violence in our world. Special attention will be given to the shape and meaning of war in our time. We explore the cultural contexts of violence, and how it intersects with the global political order and contemporary theories of war. Students will explore the manner in which cultural ideas shape the representation and experience of war.

Prerequisite: GS100; or GS101 and GS102, or with permission of the co-ordinator.

Exclusion: GS230.

GS232 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Transformation 0.5

This course explores various definitions that have been advanced for "peace" and "conflict resolution". Models of conflict resolution and transformation, the role of non-violence and peace movements will be explored.

Prerequisite: GS100; or GS101 and GS102, or with permission of the co-ordinator.

GS300 Global Studies Fieldwork 0.5

Formal placement in a development context or work with an international non-governmental organization involved in solidarity work or with a government agency involved in international development work. Course credit requires placement supervision and an appropriate term evaluation exercise.

Prerequisite: A senior 1.0 credit in GS, or permission of the co-ordinator.

GS305 The Individualized World 0.5

This course considers the notion of the "Individual" as a modern problem. It examines when and how individual identities emerged in the west, and how these contrast with more corporate identities found elsewhere. Special attention will be given to the individual and the modern search for work, meaning, and morality (personal and corporate). Students will be encouraged to evaluate the impact of this unique worldview on the west itself, as well as what the triumph of "individualism" has meant for the world as a whole. Sources to be considered range from contemporary movies to ancient texts.

Prerequisite: Any GS200 level course, or permission of the co-ordinator.

GS310* Field Course in Global Studies 1.0

Field experience in a development context formally on site.

Prerequisite: Permission of the co-ordinating committee.

Exclusion: DI310*.

Irregular course

GS319 Rites of Passage 0.5

(Cross-listed as AN319 and RE319.)

GS321 Gandhi: Non-Violence and the Struggle for Freedom 0.5

(Cross-listed as RE321.)

GS325 Islam: Culture and Society

This course challenges the duality between "the West" and Islam. Students investigate Isalmic societies and cultures as influenced by regional, national, and international geopolitics. Case studies consider the conditions under which religious texts are interpreted, and their impact on daily life. Connections are made between colonialism poverty, militarization and fundamentalism in Islamic societies.

Prerequisite: GS101 and GS102, and one course at the 200 level, or permission of the instructor.

GS329* The Making of the Third World: Historical Origins and Development 1.0

(Cross-listed as HI329*.)

GS337 Cross-Cultural Studies of Change 0.5

(Cross-listed as AN337.)

GS340 Special Topics in Global Studies 0.5

Prerequisite: A senior credit in GS or permission of the co-ordinator.

Irregular course

GS349 History of International Relations, 1890-1991 0.5

(Cross-listed as HI349.)

GS350 Directed Studies 0.5

Special study under faculty supervision.

Prerequisite: Permission of the co-ordinating committee.

Exclusion: DI350.

Irregular course

GS360* Directed Studies 1.0

Special study under faculty supervision.

Prerequisite: Permission of the co-ordinating committee.

Exclusion: DI360.

Irregular course

GS367 Geography of Development and Modernization 0.5

(Cross-listed as GG367.)

GS372 Women's Lives and Religious Values 0.5

(Cross-listed as RE372.)

GS380 Religion and Social Change 0.5

(Cross-listed as RE380.)

GS400 Seminar on Development 0.5

An interdisciplinary investigation of selected global issues, especially those involving the interplay of comparative development, peace and conflict, and globalization and cultures. Specific regions or topics may be investigated according to the expertise of the instructor and interests of the students.

Prerequisite: Any GS core course at the 300 level, or permission of the co-ordinating committee.

Exclusion: DI400.

Irregular course

Faculty of Arts Faculty of Arts – Programs and Courses Global Studies

Official electronic version updated at 4:25 p.m. December 18, 2003