Jihad vs. McWorld

In the new millennium, we may all be part of a global market economy, but can we live in a global market society? This seminar examines two major forces shaping the world today. One is “McWorld,” a homogenizing global trend resulting from modern technology, communications, and an increasingly interdependent capitalist world economy. The other is “Jihad,” a resurgence of ethnic politics, fundamentalist religious movements, and the “politics of identity.” We will analyze the origins, development, and interaction of these two seemingly contradictory trends through case studies from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. This course is equivalent to PSCI 0404. (Approval required) 3 hrs. sem.