GS 210: Explorations in Global Culture

A general overview of selected topics and issues relating to global culture. Particular emphasis on the examining how cultures intersect with other cultures; effects of intercultural exchange; clash of values, ideas and practices; and especially the impact of strong countries on the local processes and structures of weaker ones. Topics range from defining culture and civilization to construction of identity around nationalism and ethnicity, the nature and function of international organization and cultural dimensions of imperialism to globalization – a not-so-new idea but very central in the discourse of our times. NWC