Lemieux Library Subject Resource Guide

Phenomenon, buzzword, trend, theory, process are just a few of the words used to describe the much debated and contested concept, globalization. The academic community uses this complex term as well as international players at the grassroots level, and in governmental, intergovernmental, nongovernmental, and corporate arenas. An explosion of literature on globalization since the 1990’s reflects these differing interpretations and analyses within the disciplines of the academy and outside the academy. The discussions range from attempts at defining globalization, to pinpointing its historical origins, to assessments of the extent of its development and its impact on social, political and economic institutions. Rejected by some and embraced by others, globalization is seen as both inevitable and as a malleable force. In general, it suggests an intense flow, motion, and diffuseness of people, ideas, culture, markets and capital across borders. Uneven, fragmented and multifaceted, proponents and critics often see globalization as producing opposite and contradictory results. More viewpoints and perspectives on Globalization

Lemieux Library’s “Debating Globalization” web site supplements and complements both Seattle University’s Center for Justice and Society Reading Group’s yearlong focus on globalization as well as the sessions in the upcoming Globalization conference scheduled for April 16th and 17th at Seattle University.

Globalization is a complex issue. As you research this issue, we encourage you to:

• Analyze all sides of the issue. Actively seek out information that is contrary to your point of view.
• Utilize a variety of sources and formats for finding information.
• Distinguish between fact and opinion.
• Evaluate the information that you find. Is it accurate? Reliable? Relevant? Comprehensive? Who authored the information? What is their background?
• Synthesize information so that you can make informed decisions.
• Use what you learn and understand to ask new questions.

Learn more about critical thinking...

Contributors to this web site: Janet Bishop, Carol Byrd, Angela Christofferson, Wanda Elkharwily, Karen Gilles, Deni Pauley, Mary Linden Sepulveda