99204 Global Governance

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Description

Since the late twentieth century processes of globalisation have changed modes of governing in and among nation-states. The intensification of information flows has given rise to new networks of action and policy at multiple scales, from communities and non-government organisations in cities and city-regions to supra-national regional organisations in addition to increased numbers of international multilateral institutions, especially the expanding offices and roles of the United Nations. In the process, new relationships have formed between states, multilateral institutions, and international organisations; world and global cities have become places leading policy innovation; and many communities now forge local actions while grappling with global pressures and influences. This subject is dedicated to making sense of these complex realities of transnational interrelations and multi-scale governance. Students work with interdisciplinary approaches to examine how distinct and integrated governing regimes, in multiple countries, seek to remediate pressing global issues, especially climate change, water resources, migration, and economic inequality. Particular attention is given to the city scale through relationships between state-led and private programs in relation to citizen-led initiatives.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

• Work independently and evaluate one's own performance (1.2)
• Contribute effectively within a team (1.3)
• Solve complex trans-disciplinary problems using research and analysis to develop creative and/or evidence-based approaches (2.1)
• Understand how global phenomena play out in local situations, and the reasons behind different perspectives on globalisation (3.1)
• Adopt a questioning approach to global aspects of one's professional and personal lives (5.2)
• Communicate and collaborate effectively in a variety of communication scenarios and contexts (6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Weekly lectures introduce key topics, concepts, and debates whose meanings and claims we will evaluate through in-depth analysis. Preparation for class is essential for gaining satisfaction in this subject. Read! Read, take notes on, and develop questions about the subject materials in advance of the lecture and class meeting for engaged dialogue. Class meetings commence in Week 2 and serve as the context of learning and application of lecture and reading materials in addition to student-led innovation in topic selection and analysis. Class meetings combine lecture and discussion based on individual and group participation.

The learning strategies involve:

• Reading before the class meeting and online lecture and taking notes on the reading;

• Listening to the online lecture before class meeting and taking notes on the lecture;

• Attending the class for discussion of weekly topics and debate over key questions with opportunity to ask questions about ideas and concepts studied independently;

• Reflecting on and noting questions in light of the lecture to identify points of interest or needs for greater information in discussion;

• Participating in discussion by applying new concepts and seeking clarification/asking questions, and in support of fellow students.

• Periodic feedback including self-checks on learning and quizzes support understanding of key concepts and monitoring progress.

Readings, media, and visual materials include a variety of sources which together deliver interdisciplinary content and are available via UTSOnline and the UTS library’s digital reserves.

Content (topics)

This subject forges principled understanding of complex world problems through examination of historical contexts, transnational differences and contemporary realities, encouraging students to consider how pressing concerns may be addressed, improved and resolved through normative and creative modes of governing practice and policy at and among multiple levels of governance and cooperation among different types of governing organisations.

Major topics covered in the subject include:

• Multilateral institutions, including United Nations agencies, and suprastate or regional organisations;
• How globalising governance intersects multiple scales of interest, policy and leadership, from local communities to world cities as well as national and international organisations;
• Concepts of governance and debates over the possibilities of governance from the perspective of different agents including non-state actors and social movements; and
• Governance of pressing global issues, especially climate change, transnational migration, economic inequality, and terrorism and risk.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Regular participation and contribution to in-class learning

Assessment task 2: Multi-level governance paper

Assessment task 3: Governing Change Infographic

Assessment task 4: Final exam

Required texts

Required and recommended readings are available on Canvas and in the UTS library on-line system. Required readings introduce core topics, while recommended readings introduce interrelated and supplementary topics and are selected for their critical distinctiveness in interdisciplinary perspectives. Lectures will draw on both required and recommended readings.

Recommended texts

A suitable text for background reading (recommended reading but not essential for purchase) is:

• Karns, M., Mingst, K. & Stiles, K. 2015. International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance, 3rd ed, Lynne Rienner, Boulder, CO.

UTS library has five copies of this edition, with two in Reserve. Electronic and print copies of the book are available from the publisher and print copies are available from the usual online outlets.