Overview of Course

This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the social relationships and interactions within our ever-changing society and geography's role in these interactions. Looking at globalization through a broad lens, we will examine issues such as population change, social inequality, health care systems and health outcomes, pop culture, social justice movements, urban development, migration, and environmental issues, among other topics. Using a comparative approach, we will study how rapid global changes impact people, societies, and the environment. As we travel, we will witness first-hand how social change occurs across regions. Students will apply the concepts and tools they learn in this course as they explore and observe various phenomena in different regions during their journey. They will also develop skills in observation, active listening, and formulating research questions to conduct ethnographic research.

SOC 462 is the companion 3-credit course for the Chapman Impact Cohort. Through a multi-day (approximately 4-5 days) in-country field program, the Cohort will explore and support the work conducted by international partners addressing issues, opportunities, and responses to globalization. During at-sea days, the course will meet for 16 60-80 minute sessions due to the learning contribution of the expanded field classes for Impact Scholars.