Overview of Course

In the face of globalization, the policies, actions (or inactions), and development choices made at the local level have global significance. Globalization has provided growth to developing nations and has lowered prices for much of the more developed world. However, pursuing and balancing economic, environmental, and social goals can be a significant challenge fraught with complexities and contradictions. Development efforts can lead to economic improvements in developing countries but can also create significant environmental and social costs. Pursuing development without consideration of environmental and social needs is not sustainable.

This course introduces you to issues that arise in when globalization and economic pressures collide with environmental and social sustainability. This course uses readings, in-depth discussion, debate, and real-world case studies to examine sustainability and justice with an explicit focus on the countries along our voyage. Among the questions posed in this class are the following: Why are some countries rich and others poor? Does global economic growth necessarily generate undesirable social and/or environmental costs? What, if anything, should be done politically to address problems like poverty, inequality, and violations of human rights? What role does the UN’s sustainable development goals play in achieving improved environmental and social outcomes through development?