Global Equality, 15 Credits

Contents

Drawing on concepts of space, place, culture, power, and difference, the purpose of the course is to draw attention to inequalities around the globe and to provide a set of tools for grappling with the unequal conditions in which we find others and ourselves. We also raise the issue of scale in attempting to formulate a coherent conceptual framework for integrating power relations across the globe, from the human body up to global processes. These analytical tools provide a starting point for thinking about the possibilities for social change. Themes include critical perspectives on: sustainability, people’s everyday life strategies, colonialism and imperialism, labor regulations, discourses of the “global” and the “local”, the war on terror, migration.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to: - in writing and during seminars explain processes of global inequalities and its effects on different geographical scales, - in broad outline explain the relationship between the construction of place and categories such as gender, class, ethnicity, and sexuality, - give references to relevant texts and current affairs relating to power relations across the globe, - in writing and in words give account for concepts and theories presented in the course, and - make both written and oral presentations.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars and group assignments which will be spread all along the course. The introductory part of the course is spent introducing theories, concepts and implications of geographical inequality, primarily focusing on advancing theoretical knowledge. This will be used as a framework and as a tool to independently and in groups analyze crucial issues regarding processes of inequality on different geographical scales. Lectures will be used to illustrate theories on real life cases, whereas seminars and IT-supported discussion forums allow the students to grapple with the issues presented and analyze implications of global inequality arising in different situations and at different locations. A major part of the course is spent working on a larger individual seminar paper that will allow the students to more fully connect the phenomena presented in the course with an area of special interest. The relevancy of place and the intersection of categories such as gender, ethnicity, class and sexuality will be integrated in all lectures, seminars and assignments. Attendance and active participation in seminars, cases and other assignments are required. The spoken and written language of the course is English. The study form is 50%, with possibilities for distance learning. Absence from any of the scheduled meetings requires the completion of an additional assignment.

Examination modes

The examination will consist of a written paper, paper presentation, seminar participation and smaller individual exams, some of which will be IT-related. The grades Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U) are used. In order to pass the course and receive a grade, all examinations and assignments need to be completed and receive the grade Pass. Upon request students may receive the grades A-FX. It is not possible to appeal against a received grade, i.e. to get it examined by a higher authority. A student can always ask the examiner to reconsider the grading. A student who has failed two consecutive examinations has the right to get another examiner, unless specific reasons arise (HF Ch.6 §11B). Students are not permitted to retake exams they already passed in order to raise their grade. ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER Credit transfer is always examined individually.