Problem Based Learning Exercise #4

POLS 324

We have now come full-circle since the start of the semester and it is time to reassess some of the ideas that launched our discussion about globalization and contemporary IPE.  As you may recall from our first PBL exercise, we discussed several themes that emerged from our initial readings. These themes have permeated the entire course and are evident (not surprisngly) in our readings for today's session:

• issues relating to the status of the state (i.e., it's decline or continued efficacy) and the continued potency of sovereignty as a central force in the global political economy (related to this is the impact of international law on state action);

• debate over whether or not globalization is new or whether it has been happening for many centuries;

• do "global citizen backlash" forces represent a third approach to economics and trade as posited by Robin Broad? Where do they fit into the theoretical perspectives we have discussed throughout the class (remember www.lib.uconn.edu/~mboyer/concepts216.html).

• discussion over the roles and empowerment of non-states and especially individuals in the global political economy.

After I split the class into four groups and assign you one of the items above, each group is to come up with conclusions based in our work this semester about that item.  To do this, I am asking you to take a stand and defend it. Optimally (but not required), I would encourage you to take a stand that differs from your own personal view.  You will have one-half an hour to develop your argument and conclusion and then you'll present to the class.