GOALS
The 2005 Summer Institute, Understanding Globalization: Focus on South Asia , aims to examine globalization in terms of geography, history, and the cultural, social, political, and economic institutions of the global community. Because of India’s growing prominence in the global economy, this institute will actively explore this nation’s rich culture, history, and contributions to the world.
PROGRAM
The program will begin with a focus on globalization on Days 1 - 3 (July 11 - 13) then transition to spotlight India’s geography, history, and culture and how it has been impacted by globalization on Days 3 - 5 (July 13 - 15). To enliven presentations by Yale faculty and other experts, films, site visits and other activities will be integrated to provide exposure to India’s rich culture including a field trip to New York City on hursday, July 14, plus a surprise evening event! The half day program on Saturday, July 16 will include resource and strategy sessions and sessions on technological resources for teaching and learning about globalization and South Asia.
The History of Globalization
Globalization is a relatively new term used to describe a very old process. Facilitated by technology and improved ability to exchange goods and ideas, interconnectedness and interdependence have grown both in quantity, visibility and speed since the early days of exploration. This increasing integration of the world or ‘globalization’ has enriched life but also created new problems (also see http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/about/ ).
What is Globalization?
Globalization touches all aspects of life from the food we eat to the cost of everyday products like computers and televisions. Trade, finance, communication, culture and cultural identity, and language are all influenced by globalization.
Impacts and Responses to Globalization
Outsourcing and Americanization are increasingly equated with globalization. What are the economic, political, and cultural challenges as tradition and modernity collide? How is globalization reflected in film and music? How are men and women affected differently? What is the role of international institutions and how can balance be achieved between the rich and the poor?
Geography and Culture of India
India, the world’s second most populous country, is home to a variety of languages, religions, and customs. Hinduism may be the majority religion but there are also sizeable minority populations of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Jains. It is also home to over 1,000 distinct dialects leading to the popular saying that in India the language changes every 11 miles! India’s geography is just as diverse as its culture and its people. From the mighty Himalayas in the north, to the tropical forests of central India, to the deserts of Rajhistan in the northwest, all conceivable lands and climates are represented within India’s wide expanse.
History of India
India has a long and rich history of great empires, cultural and artistic development, countless invasions, and towering historical figures, like the great King Asoka, Gautama Buddha and Mahatama Gandhi. India’s recent history is marked by the traumatic experience of British colonialism, and the non-violent struggle for India’s independence led by Gandhi. Post-independence India has emerged as the world’s largest successful democracy and a highly influential player in global politics.
India and Globalization
With the largest middle class of any country, and a large and educated workforce, India is both a major producer and a major consumer of global products and services. Economic liberalization came to India only in the early 1990s with a shift in government policies but the pace of socio-cultural change, and the rise in overall economic growth, since then has been dramatic. Who are the winners and losers of this liberalization policy? How has it affected India’s relationship to the Western world, especially the US? What are we to make of the ongoing discussions on the “outsourcing” of American jobs to India? What are the prospects for India’s continued growth, and how that will impact both the local and the global landscapes of India’s future?
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the program, Understanding Globalization, Focus on South Asia , participants will be able to:
- Explain the history of globalization.
- Define globalization from multiple perspectives.
- Describe the economic, social, and cultural impacts of globalization.
- Compare globalization’s impacts among world countries and regions.
- Discuss women’s issues as they relate to globalization.
- Describe how the world has responded to globalization.
- Develop an understanding of the physical and human geography of India
- Describe India’s cultural and religious practices.*
- Outline of India’s long civilizational history including colonial and post-colonial relationships.
- Describe the significance of Indian democracy.
- Describe the economic, social, and cultural impacts of globalization on India.
- Describe the importance of the relationship of the US and India in the anti-globalization movement.
*Note: Indian culture will be presented through lectures, activities and local visits along with a day-long field trip to New York City.
Tuition: $300
Sponsored by PIER International Affairs, YCIAS, and the Connecticut Geographic Alliance.
Contact Janet Headley, PIER Director, for more information at 203-432-3429; janet.headley@yale.edu.
