Course Syllabus

Course Description

Globalization has been reshaping the world for many years now. What can economics say about the new (and old) consequences of globalization? In this course, we study the forces behind globalization. A special focus will be on Europe and the EU, the Euro, global competitiveness and the present economic outlook.

We will examine consequences of economic integration and barriers in markets for goods and services, factors of production (Land, Labor, Capital and Entrepreneurship) and financial flows and the impacts of increased interdependence in these markets for economic policy decisions in Europe. 

We will ask and discuss questions such as whether globalization promotes economic growth, how the income distribution is affected, winners and losers of globalization, the promotion or harm to macroeconomic stability, and how government institutions could or have adjusted their powers and responsibilities.

We will go on study tours in Denmark, Milan and the Lake Como Region and gain real-life perspectives from experts to the theories. The study tours will provide ample room for reflection outside of class rooms on the topics and theories studied in class. The course also includes guest lectures and expert panel discussions.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the major economic forces driving globalization and European economic integration.
• Analyze how trade, migration, technology, and international competition affect firms, workers, consumers, and communities.
• Compare how different European economies and institutions respond to the opportunities and challenges of globalization.
• Apply economic concepts and models to real-world examples encountered in Denmark and elsewhere in Europe.
• Evaluate the trade-offs involved in economic policies and institutional responses to globalization.
• Use observations and experiences from field studies, study tours, and meetings with practitioners as evidence for economic analysis.
• Develop and defend their own perspectives on important questions concerning globalization and European economies.
• Communicate economic arguments clearly through discussion, writing, and presentation.
• Research a topic on how information impacts views on globalization using a scientific experimental design

Most importantly, as in any class, you are responsible for your own learning. The social engagement built into this class creates opportunities to explore ideas, ask questions, and learn from others in ways that can be deeper than in a typical classroom setting.

Faculty        

John Kennes

John Kennes holds a PhD in Economics. He has twenty five years experience in Denmark where he has held tenured faculty and senior research positions in Economics at Aarhus University, the University of Copenhagen, and the Danish National Institute for Social Science Research. He is also an external faculty member of the Copenhagen Business School. His research is published frequently in top Economics Journals. He has been a principal investigator on several nationally funded research projects about the Danish Care Economy.

Our study and field tours

We use field tours to see the technological and human forces impacting globalization. We meet experts on site to delve into

• The value of workplace quality to attract talent. How a renowned Copenhagen manufacturer builds a team of designers, architects and production workers to build innovative playground architectures in the USA and the rest of the world,
• The value of a science hub in a remote and environmentally sensitive region of Denmark. How the hub builds a network of stakeholders, scientists and businesses to innovate new environment technologies and strategies,
• The value of environmentally responsible manufacturing. How EU regulations contribute to the business of a silk factory in Lake Como, Italy, and what can be improved,
• The value of price discovery. How a major fish auction to the Danish and EU fishing industries works, and why it is watched throughout Europe
• The value of the arts. How the SMK-Thy effect (National art museum expansion) contributes to the development of an economically vulnerable region,
• The value of entrepreneurs to transform a region guided by industry strategy. How a regional office promotes entrepreneurial ventures in tourism, how a surfing school in ''Cold Hawaii'' changed what was thought possible for a community,
• The value of innovations in financial markets. How Milan use financial market innovations to become a dominant financial hub in the EU,
• The value of a childcare system. How investment in the care economy helps a city attract and retain talent.
• How a major data driven think tank in Copenhagen assesses strategies to strengthen vulnerable groups and improve civic engagement.

Course Requirements

This is an upper level economics class and requires that you have taken one semester each of micro- and macroeconomics at university level. Additionally, you must have taken one course in either intermediate or advanced macroeconomics.

Readings

The subject of globalization is far too broad and contested to be captured by any single textbook. Throughout the semester, we will therefore draw on a wide range of articles, academic papers, commentary, blogs, podcasts, videos, data, and other sources that reflect different perspectives on globalization and the challenges and opportunities it presents for European economies. 

Grading

Your final course grade will be determined as follows:

Assignment	Percent
Participation	25%
Learning Log	25%
Research Project	30%
Long and Short Study Tour Reports	20%
Total	100%

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Participation

Your participation grade will be determined by three factors: attendance, preparedness, and proactive engagement in lectures, discussions, group work, and other class activities.

Learning Log

The class is organized by a weekly workbook, which is handed out at the end of the previous week. These workbooks are personal to you and will not be collected. You will be asked to uploaded some of your work - group and individual - from these workbooks to your personal learning log for evaluation and feedback. Some of the group work done in class will be uploaded by the professor for you.

Research Project

The Research Project is a small-team effort based on real research practice. The research project will use theories, narratives, debates, and events that shape how we understand globalization.

Study Tour Reports

An important component of your learning experience at DIS is our course-integrated study tours. During the semester, we will travel to Thy, Denmark, and later to Milan and the Lake Como district of Italy. These visits take learning beyond the classroom and provide opportunities to observe, question, and investigate globalization in particular places and contexts.

Assessment Framework

Your work in this course will be assessed according to the expectations described below. Across all assignments, the emphasis is on engagement, application, analysis, and development of your thinking.

Overall Standards

Excellent work goes beyond completing the task: it demonstrates intellectual curiosity, thoughtful analysis, effective use of evidence, and an ability to make meaningful connections.

Proficient work meets the expectations of the assignment: it is complete, thoughtful, accurate, and demonstrates a sound understanding of the course material.

Developing work does not yet consistently meet expectations: it may be incomplete, primarily descriptive, insufficiently supported, or show limited engagement with course concepts.

Calculating Your Grade

Proficient represents the standard expected for successful work in this course. Work that regularly falls below Proficient will not earn an A-range grade, regardless of strengths in other areas.

An A-range grade requires one or more signs of Excellent work from the main course activities. This recognizes work that goes beyond proficiency and demonstrates exceptional intellectual initiative, insight, originality, analysis, or contribution to our collective learning.

Recognition of Excellent work may emerge in different ways and at different points during the semester. You are not expected to demonstrate Excellent work in every activity, but an A-range grade requires both consistent proficiency across the course and evidence of excellent work.

Computer Policy

Laptops are not necessary or encouraged during regular class sessions, visits, or study tours. Our emphasis is on active participation, discussion, observation, and engagement with one another and with the places we visit.

There will also be class sessions and activities when I will ask everyone to put away laptops and other devices. Please come prepared to take notes and work without a computer when requested.