This module aims to develop a critical understanding of one of the most important intellectual and political issues of our times, namely, 'globalisation' and global social change. In so doing, this module poses a number of key questions: what is globalisation, and what forms does it take? How does globalization reconstitute our relationship to society? How is globalisation experienced across the world, and what power relations does it create? This module presents contemporary modes and challenges of doing sociology in an increasingly complex and interdependent world. Students will critically evaluate contending theories of globalisation, and explore key topical debates in global issues, including the impact of global economic treaties on poverty, trade, and urban growth in the Global South; the flows, opportunities, and conflicts in the creation of global culture, and resistance to global forces and power relations in the form of anti-globalisation movements.
Private Study hours: 128
Contact hours: 22
Total hours: 150
Optional module for
Sociology BA
Sociology joint honours bachelor degrees
Other Canterbury based SSPSSR bachelor degrees
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (1500 words) – 40%
Coursework – essay (2500 words) – 60%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Appelbaum, Richard, and Robinson, William (eds.). 2005. Critical Globalization Studies. London: Routledge.
Crewe, Emma and Axelby, Richard (2013) Anthropology and Development: Culture, Morality and Politics in a Globalised World. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Crouch, Colin (2019) The Globalization Backlash. Cambridge: Polity.
Klein, Naomi (2007) The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. London: Penguin.
Lechner, Frank. J. and Boli, John (eds.) (2015) The Globalization Reader [Fifth Edition]. London: Blackwell.
Martell, Luke. (2017) The Sociology of Globalization [2nd Edition]. Polity: Cambridge.
McMichael, Phillip (2008) Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective [Fourth Edition], London: Pine Forge Press.
O'Byrne Darren and Hensby, Alexander. 2011. Theorizing Global Studies. Baskingstoke: Palgrave.
Scholte, Jan Aart (2005) Globalization: A Critical Introduction. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
Schuller, Mark. (2012) Killing with Kindness: Haiti, International Aid, and NGOs. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes are as below. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate critical understanding of what is meant by 'globalisation' and to be able to identify the multi-dimensional character of these phenomena.
2 Develop a clear conceptual understanding of the different spatial levels at which the term 'society' can be used.
3 Assess the extent and nature of global change, with reference to specific examples in the economic, political, and cultural spheres.
4 Demonstrate a critical understanding of issues and processes that confront contemporary 'global society' and the relationships between the Global North and South.
5 Discuss and critically evaluate competing 'globalization' theories and assess their adequacy with respect to the analyses of specific cases and policy dilemmas.
The intended generic learning outcomes are as below. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate highly developed skills in written communication, and in utilisation of research and empirical data.
2 Gather and analyse library and web-based resources appropriate for final year degree study
3 Use relevant research evidence and data to construct a critical argument.
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