Course Information
Course number – GEOG 3370
Course title – The Global Economy
Term – Fall 2010
Section – 501
Classroom – CN 1.102
Time – Monday, 7:00-9:45 pm
Course Description
This course offers an overview of various aspects of global economy within the field of economic
geography and its linkages to related issues of resources, development, international business and trade.
It investigates the phenomenon of globalization and seeks to provide understanding of today’s
increasingly interdependent world. Geographers are interested in examining the difference location
makes to how economic activity is organized as globalization makes small differences among places
increasingly important. This course recognizes that economy cannot be treated separately from other
domains of social studies so such topics as political economic theories and models, historical context,
consumption trends, role of telecommunications, and others will be discussed.
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Suggested Course Materials
Students are expected to take notes during PowerPoint presentations and complete assignments
before due dates. Lecture material shall be complimented by reading the appropriate chapters in the
book. It is suggested that students make it a daily habit to read a reputable daily newspaper online or i n
print. This will help relate learning with contemporary events and provide deeper understanding into
class material.
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the United States.
19 11/1/10 Other Components of Infrastructure. Chapter 9
Telecommunications and Geography. Impacts of
Information Technologies.
20 Cities as Reflection of Economic Development: from Chapter 10
First Cities to Global Cities. Intraurban Spatial
Organization.
21 11/8/10 Urban Hierarchy. Sprawling Metropolis and Problems Chapter 10
of the U.S. City.
22 Theoretical Perspective on Consumption. Chapter 11
Geographies of Consumption. Environmental
Dimensions of Consumption.
23 11/15/10 Test 3 – 20% of final grade
24 Notions of Comparative and competitive advantage. Chapter 12
International Money and capital markets.
25 11/22/10 Barriers to International Trade and Regional Chapter 12
Economic Integration. Lessons of Globalization.
26 World Patterns of Trade. Role of The USA in the Chapter 13
Global Trade. Emerging Markets and Global Trade
Flows.
27 11/29/10 Measurements and Geography of Economic Chapter 14
Development. Major Theories: Modernization,
Dependency, and World Systems.
28 Characteristic Problems of Developed and
Underdeveloped Countries.
29 12/6/10 “International Conference on Global Development “.
Development Strategies.
30 Review for the final exam. Essay is due - 15% of
final grade. All extra
work is due.
31 12/13/10 Final Exam - 20% of final grade
Perfect attendance adds 1 bonus point, perfect set of
notes and classroom work – 1 bonus point toward
your Final Grade. Class participation by offering
productive comments and knowledgeable insights is
encouraged by 1 bonus point.
Grading Policy
You are required to complete all the assignments. Average of Test 1 and Vocabulary Quiz will make your
Midterm Grade to be posted on October 15, 2010. Each of 3 tests is 20% of total grade. Vocabulary Quiz
makes up 5% of the final grade. A complete list of terms is available on e-learning. Essay* is due on
December 6, 2010 (15% of total grade). Essay topics are attached to the syllabus. One topic must be
described in a 5-7 pages essay (printed, double spaced with a cover page). It should include a definition
of the problem and how it fits into a larger global issue. A few examples should be presented as to how
such a problem is addressed in actual life in different countries that face it. Express your ideas about
what must be done from a perspective both as a citizen and as an empowered leader to solve the
problem and why you feel such measures will have a positive outcome. The list of at least five sources is
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to be attached. Textbook may provide the initial idea about the problem but independent research and
conclusions are assessed.
The Final Exam on December 13, 2010 will make other 20% of your grade. All graded material will be
assigned a numerical value on a scale of 100. Letter Grades are given as follows: 97% and over A+; 93%
to 96% A ; 90% to 92% A- ; 87% to 89% B+; 83% to 86% B; 80% to 82% B- ; 77% to 79%C+; 73% to 76%
C ; 70% to 72% C- ; 67% to 69% D+ ; 63% to 66% D ; 60% to 62% D; Less than 60% F.
If you wish to look at the ancillary syllabus material, a link to that material is as follows
http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies.
These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.
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13. E-commerce: advantages and limitations (9).
14. Economic and social impact of Internet in the global economy (9).
15. Tale of two cities: in a developed and developing country (10).
16. Major urban problems today, their causes and solutions (10).
17. Rising levels of consumption make everybody happy: true or false? (11).
18. Principal barriers to international business (12).
19. Role of US dollar in the global economy (12).
20. Benefits and short comings of regional economic integration (12).
*Presentation options are available after first two weeks of classes (i.e. starting with Topic 3).