GBL 250, Section 001 FA13
Introduction to Global Studies & Globalization
Instructor: J. Dane’ Wallace
Office: Siceluff 111
MCL Office (my mailbox): Siceluff 223
Telephone: (417) 836-5870
Office Hours:
M/W 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. or by appointment
Classroom: Siceluff 411
Class time: T/TH 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Email: danewallace@missouristate.edu
Course Description:
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
-Nelson Mandela
The global studies degree at Missouri State University is a liberal arts program that focuses on:
 Developing a thorough understanding of languages and our global community
 Helping students build research and problem solving skills
 Helping students develop a broad perspective on issues facing the world.
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In the current set of debates about the international order, many argue that the nation-state is no
longer a viable concept, swept away by the forces of a global economy and transnational
corporations, and facilitated by the rapid rise of the NGO sector. In this new world, those critics
would argue, citizenship itself may be an outdated notion. Clearly, we need to become more
global in our perspective. Pandemics, global warming, and terrorism recognize no nation-state
boundaries. Yet, citizens still must act, in the main, from their own circumstances as members of
a particular government. We cannot carry out citizenship duties as global citizens; we cannot vote
for the head of the United Nations or elect members of the World Court. We still must act as
citizens of a particular country, in our case, the United States. But our inability to act as citizens,
in the real sense of that word, beyond our borders, does not mean that we must not be globally
competent citizens. As never before, we must now act as citizens of the United States in a rapidly
changing global context. We must understand ourselves in relation to the other seven billion
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Global Studies 250 introduces students to a general overview of global studies in order to inspire them to
be educated persons who have a global awareness; exploration through various multi-media discussionbased lectures of the various trends and/or dimensions of globalization by focusing on geographic,
cultural, political, and economic aspects of the global community.
people on this planet. - George L. Mehaffy, Vice President for Academic Leadership and Change (AASCU)
(Source: Educating Globally Competent Citizens: A Toolkit. Steven Elliot-Gower, Dennis R. Falk, & Martin Shapiro, EDS. 2012)
I was first introduced to the Seven Revolutions/Global
Engagement Initiative in 2009. I have had the opportunity to meet
and learn with some of the seven Global Engagement Scholars
and members of the ADP who work diligently to keep this vital
project up-to-date and accessible to colleges and universities
across not only the United States, but around the world. The
Global Engagement Initiative represents a viable and exciting
opportunity for educators to introduce themselves to one another and to a whole new universe of global
ideas, issues, problems and potential solutions, and most importantly to invite you, our students, to join us,
as we step outside our comfort zones, and introduce ourselves to the rest of humanity and to the world, an
increasingly interconnected global community which is becoming more and more a part of our daily
existence. My hope is that upon completion of your academic degree program, you will “go out into the
world” and actually visualize the ‘real’ world, not a virtualized version on a four-inch, high definition, 4G
screen. You will be able to reach out with your hands, now more capable; reach out with your minds, now
more knowledgeable; reach out with your hearts, now more globally conscious and aware and make a
difference.
One of the greatest gifts one human being can give to another is not the answers, but instead to teach
him/her to question…the old Socratic methodology. Question authority, question history, question the
answers, but most importantly, question yourself. What do I believe? Why do I believe?
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
– Benjamin Franklin
Course Goals & Objectives:
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 Students will be introduced to the concept of globalization and its impact on local,
national, and international communities.
 Students will become aware of current global issues across a spectrum of interdisciplinary
studies including economics, anthropology, political science, information technologies, and
resource management.
 Students will discuss how diversity, divergent perspectives, and the tolerance of diverse
ideas strengthen a community, locally and globally.
 Critical Thinking Skills: Students will explore different perspectives, and further develop
analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
 Motivation and Participation Skills: Students will be strongly encouraged to become
“active learners” in their own education through class participation and interaction in
groups.
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Academic and Cultural Competence [Public Affairs Mission of MSU]
Course Expectations:
Attend class and be punctual.
Participate in class discussions and small group activities
Be responsible for all information and assignments covered in class.
Turn in grammatically correct written assignments on time.
Respect all others in the classroom, especially when opinions differ.
Textbooks & Resources:
Required Texts:
1. Global Politics (brief edition) Steven L. Lamy · John S. Masker. Oxford
University Press (2012)
2. All other textual materials for this course will be available on Blackboard or handed out
in class.
Required Resources:
1” three ring binder (recommended)
Missouri State student email account to access Blackboard site and for all electronic
communications.
ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY
If you are not in class, you are still responsible for the information; you cannot make up class activities and
points offered during classes you miss unless you make arrangements PRIOR to the absence. If you will be
absent from class for a university-sanctioned event, you need to present written documentation to me PRIOR
to the class you will miss in order to make up missed points.
Students have the option of getting all information from a classmate, a peer leader, or the instructor if an
absence is required.
Assignments must be turned in at the class period of the due date to receive full credit. Students can receive
up to 50% if the assignment is turned in within one week of a due date. Assignments turned in after one week
receives 0%. Exceptions will be made with verifiable emergencies. Life happens, so be sure to speak with me
when or if you have a problem with a deadline.
Grading Criteria:
B+: 87-89%
D+: 67-69%
Assignment
Letter of Introduction
People Paradox Quiz
Student led discussions
In class exercises/quizzes
Thought Papers (3) (50 points each)
Presentation
Community Engagement activity w/ ELI (minimum 5 hours)
Final Exam
Discussion Forum Participation Extra Credit
B: 84-86%
D: 60-66%
B-: 80-83%
F: below 60%
Points Possible
15
25
25
+/- 50
150
120
50
100
+20
C+: 77-79%
3
A-: 90-93%
C-: 70-73%
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A: 94-100%
C: 74-76%
Total Points
*535+/-
Course Policy Statements:
Academic Integrity:
Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept
the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and
following the university’s Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at
www.missouristate.edu/policy/academicintegritystudents.htm. You are also responsible for understanding
and following any additional academic integrity policies specific to this class (as outlined by the instructor).
Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this
policy. If you are accused of violating this policy and are in the appeals process, you should continue
participating in the class.
Cell Phones/ Class Disruptions:
As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members
of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it
disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers,
PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or
put in a silent (vibrate) mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these
same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an
exception to this policy would occur when numerous devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs,
students may consult their devices to determine if a university emergency exists. If that is not the case, the
devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put away. Other exceptions to this policy may be
granted at the discretion of the instructor.
Disability Accommodations:
To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of the Disability Resource Center,
Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY),
www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to the
Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations. The Disability Resource Center refers some
types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing
for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning
Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc.
Dropping a Class:
It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending
this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will
also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from
the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.
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Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance
procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is
your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Equity and
Diversity, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of
concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also
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Nondiscrimination Policy:
be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head. Please visit the OED website at
www.missouristate.edu/equity/.
Class Schedule:
**Assignments on this syllabus are subject to change with notice
Date
Topic
Assignment
Aug.
20
Aug.
22
Introduction to the course and to each other!
Letter of Introduction
Guest Speaker: Tami Sutton
Chinese Exchange opportunity
Read:
1. The Lexus and the Olive Tree [Blackboard Documents]
2. Olive Trees for the Age of Globalization [Blackboard
Documents]
Aug.
27
Global Challenge 1: Population
An introduction to Globalization
Student led discussion: The Lexus and the Olive
Tree (1)
Read: Chapter 1: Introduction to Global Politics (textbook)
Aug.
29
Student led discussion: Chapter 1: Introduction to
Global Politics (textbook)
(2)
Global Challenge 1: Population
Film: World in the Balance, The People Paradox
Worksheet
Sept.
5
Film: World in the Balance, The People Paradox
Worksheet
Film Quiz
Read:
1. Subsidizing Starvation: How American Tax Dollars are
Keeping Arkansas Rice Farmers Fat on the Farm and Starving
Millions of Haitians (Foreign Policy)
Sept.
10
Student led discussion: Subsidizing Starvation
The global effects of agricultural subsidies
(3)
Read:
1. About the Author (Uwem Akpan)
2. The Ex-mas Feast [Blackboard Documents]
*Sept.
11
Sept.
12
Study Away Fair in PSU Atrium from 11-2
Sept.
19
Sept.
24
Read: US Intelligence Sees Global Water Conflict Risks
Rising [Blackboard documents]
Read: Water Wars: Who Controls the Flow NPR [Blackboard
documents]
Film: Blue Gold
Global Challenge 2: Resources
Film: Blue Gold
Class Discussion
Read: Chapter 8: Global Economics and Trade [Textbook]
5
Sept.
17
Student led discussion: The Ex-mas Feast
Group Projects Information
(4)
Global Challenge 2: Resources
Introduction to Global Resources
Page
Sept.
3
Sept.
26
Global Challenge 3: Economic Integration
Student led discussion: Global Economics and
Trade
(5)
Complete Political survey online (on Blackboard under the
assignments tab) and print out results, bring to class on Oct. 1
for discussion.
Oct.
1
Guest Speaker: Andrew Wingfield from
GlobaLinks
Political survey discussion
Read:
1. Introduction to MNCs (Multi-National Corporations)
[Blackboard Documents]
2. How Walmart Used Payoffs to Get Its Way in Mexico (The
New York Times) [Blackboard Documents]
*Oct.
2
Study Away Panel for College of Arts and
Letters (COAL)
5:30 – 6:30 in PSU 308
*Study Away Financial Session 11-12:00 p.m.
in PSU 315
Global Challenge 3: Economic Integration
Student led discussion
1. Introduction to MNCs
2. How Walmart Used Payoffs to Get Its
Way in Mexico
(6)
Global Challenge 4 & 5: Technology &
Information
Introduction to Technology &Information
Oct.
10
Oct.
15
Oct.
17
Oct.
22
Oct.
24
Oct.
29
Oct.
31
Nov.
5
No Classes! Fall Holiday 
Global Challenge 4 & 5: Technology &
Information
Education and technology
Lecture and Discussion
Study Away Presentation
Film: Gasland
Film: Gasland
Discussion
Global Challenge 4 & 5: Technology &
Information
Student led discussion:
1 Revolution Hits the Universities
2 Chinese Graduates Say No Thanks to Factory
Jobs
(7)
Global Challenge 5: Conflict & Security
Introduction to Conflict and Security
Student led discussion: Chapter 6: Global
Security, Military Power, and Terrorism
(8)
Read:
1 Revolution Hits the Universities (The New York Times)
[Blackboard Documents]
2 Chinese Graduates Say No Thanks to Factory Jobs (The
New York Times) [Blackboard Documents]
Read: Chapter 6: Global Security, Military Power, and
Terrorism (textbook)
6
Oct..
8
Page
Oct.
3
Nov.
7
Global Challenge 6: Conflict & Security
Shadow Company Documentary
Read: Chapter 5: International Law, Regional Organizations,
and Global Actors (textbook)
Nov.
12
Global Challenge 6: Governance
Student led discussion
Chapter 5: International Law, Regional
Organizations, and Global Actors
(9)
Read: Chapter 7 : Human Rights and Human Security
(textbook)
Nov.
14
Student led discussion
Chapter 7 : Human Rights and Human Security
(10)
Introduction to the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
Nov.
19
Global Challenge 7: Governance
Guest Speaker: Steven Pitts Peace Corps
volunteer
Student led Discussion: Visit to Vijays (11)
Nov.
26
Presentations
Nov.
28
Dec.
3
Thanksgiving Break 
Dec.
5
Dec.
10
Presentations
Presentations
7
Final Exam
1:15-3:15 p.m.
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Nov.
21
Read: Visit to Vijays [Blackboard Documents]