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 Studies: A Case Study 0.5

The world is undergoing a dramatic transition as globalization throws societies together, sweeps up local economies into a global economy, and transforms social and political structures. This course has been designed to examine the local and global consequences of globalization. A country, region, or community will be the focus of case study.

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 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.

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 permission of the co-ordinator.

GS221 Examining the Third World: Globalization and Cultures 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 permission of the co-ordinator.

GS222 Contemporary Western Societies: Globalization and Cultures 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 permission of the co-ordinator.

GS231 War and Conflict: An Introduction 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 permission of the co-ordinator.

Exclusion: GS230.

GS232 Peace and Conflict Transformation: An Introduction 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 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: 1.0 senior 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 200 level GS 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

GS311 Market-based Development Reforms 0.5

This course examines development strategies of the last thirty years of the 20th century. During the aforementioned period, issues of liberalization, stabilization and democratization dominated the development agenda. The course attempts to shed light on the origins, nature, and import of these market-based reforms. Specific country-cases of these market-oriented reforms and their general implications receive special attention. The case studies are drawn from Africa and Latin America.

Prerequisite: Any GS course at the 200 or 300 level or permission of the instructor.

Exclusion: GS340d.

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 0.5

This course challenges the duality between "the West" and Islam. Students investigate Islamic 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*.)

GS331 Contemporary Global Conflicts and the Search for Peace 0.5

This course examines contemporary violent conflicts from a global perspective. Students will seek to understand the current politicisation of cultural and religious identities as a characteristic of contemporary conflicts. Special focus will be on the Middle East.

Prerequisite: GS231 or permission of the instructor.

Exclusion: GS340e.

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 and SY380.)†

GS400 Seminar in Global Studies 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

GS491 International Human Rights 0.5

(Cross-listed as PO491.)

GS492 Comparative Genocide Studies 0.5

(Cross-listed as PO492.)

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

Official electronic version updated at 10:33 a.m. March 31, 2005