Geography of Globalization

Will Be Offered in Fall, 2006

(Satisfies Global Perspective (GP) requirement for the Program of Liberal Studies)

Dr. Yuko Aoyama

Course Description:

This seminar provides an overview of the changing geographies of production. We will examine the role of technological progress, industrial organization, and policy in shaping the locations of production and services. We will examine empirical examples to better understand the dynamics of global competition. For example, how did Japanese automobile and consumer electronics industry capture the American market so effectively? How did the U.S. companies compete in computer and software industries?

Topics covered include the history of globalization, debates in international trade and multinational enterprises, the emergence of the Japanese economy and the Four Asian Tigers, Global Cities, Silicon Valley Phenomenon, and the Technopoles of the World. Student project on American, European and Asian Automobile industries will be required as part of the class assignments.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction

2. Elements of Globalization

3. Globalization before World War II

4. Post-World War II Globalization

5. Emergence of the Japanese Economy as a Global Competitor

6. Emergence of the Four Asian Tigers

7. Multinational Enterprises

8. Debates in International Trade

9. Global Cities

10. Silicon Valley Phenomenon

11. Technopoles of the World

12. Student project preparation

13. Student project preparation

14. Student presentation

Textbooks:

Paul Knox and John Agnew. 1998. Geography of the World Economy. 3^rd Edition. London, New York: Wiley.

Grading:

Class participation: 5% of grade

Midterm Exam 1 25%

Midterm Exam 2 30%

Research Project 30%

In-class Presentation 10%

Research project:

Each Student Group (2-3 students each) will analyze the development of automobile industries in the following countries.

ü American Automobile Industry (2 students)

ü French Automobile Industry (2 students)

ü German Automobile Industry (3 students)

ü Other European Automobile Industry (3 students)

ü Japanese Automobile Industry (3 students)

ü Korean Automobile Industry (2 students)

Students collect information/data on:

1. Major players (list of companies).

2. History of Major players (date of establishment, locations)

3. Units of Production in 1990s (number of cars produced per year).

4. Geographical Distribution of Plants

5. Number of Employees (by country)

6. Product Line (including electric vehicle).

7. Corporate Strategies