Course Description

"The Ages of Globalization" is an enlightening four-part mini-course led by the esteemed Professor Jeffrey Sachs. This course takes you on a captivating journey through the annals of history, exploring six distinct waves of globalization that have shaped our world. Professor Sachs expertly guides students through a historical and anthropological tour, highlighting the key factors that drove innovation, technology dispersal, and development during these crucial epochs. By examining our global past, this course aims to provide valuable insights into the tumultuous changes we're experiencing in our current era of rapid globalization.

What Students Will Learn

• A comprehensive understanding of the six waves of globalization, from ancient sea trade to the current fourth industrial revolution
• Insights into emerging global leaders and the nations driving progress in the modern global economy
• The intricate relationship between globalization and sustainable development
• The importance of a shared global vision and ethics in our interconnected world
• Historical context to better comprehend current geopolitical environments and technological revolutions
• Critical analysis skills to draw lessons from history and apply them to contemporary global challenges

Prerequisites

This course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. However, a basic understanding of world history and current global affairs would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• The six major waves of globalization throughout history
• Prime drivers of global change and innovation
• The Eurasian advantage in early globalization
• The classical world and its global connections
• The medieval Chinese miracle and its impact on global trade
• Ocean-based globalization from 1500-1800
• Global trade in commodities and its consequences
• The impact of conquest, slavery, and genocide in the Americas
• Imperial competition and its role in shaping the modern world
• The divergence between the West and Asia
• The Industrial Revolution and its global implications
• The rise of the US, Germany, Japan, and other emerging powers
• High European imperialism and its lasting effects
• Decolonization and the shift to US-led globalization
• The current era of globalization and its challenges
• The information revolution and its impact on global connectivity
• The quest for sustainable development in a globalized world
• Global governance and its role in addressing planetary challenges

Target Audience

• Graduate students and advanced undergraduates studying international development, international relations, economics, sustainable development, and related fields
• Professionals working in policy, government relations, international trade, finance, and similar areas who want to gain historical context for current global trends
• Anyone interested in understanding the historical roots of our interconnected world and how they shape our present and future

Real-World Applications

• Policymaking: Understand historical trends to create more effective and informed policies for international cooperation and sustainable development
• Business strategy: Gain a deeper understanding of global markets and their historical development to make better business decisions in an international context
• Diplomacy: Use historical knowledge to navigate complex international relationships and negotiations
• Research and academia: Apply a comprehensive understanding of globalization to various fields of study, from economics to anthropology
• Sustainable development: Leverage historical lessons to address current global challenges and work towards a more sustainable future
• Public communication: Articulate complex global issues with a solid historical foundation, enhancing public discourse on international matters

Syllabus