We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Globalization

Past and Future

Jeffrey D. Sachs

4.4

Based on 8 ratings

, see reviews

Jeffrey D. Sachs

In this four-part mini-course, Professor Jeffrey Sachs argues that we have always lived in a global world. He takes students on a historical and anthropological tour of six distinct waves of globalization and outlines the key factors that drove innovation, technology dispersal and development during these epochs. The course tells the story of a global humanity and asks the question: What lessons can we pull from history to help understand the tumultuous changes underway today?

This course is for:

Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students studying international development or relations, economics, sustainable development and other related topics
Practitioners in the fields of policy, government relations, international trade, finance and related fields who are interested in the historical context of our current geopolitical environment and technological revolution

What you'll learn

The six waves of globalization, from trade by sea to the fourth industrial revolution
Emerging leaders -- the nations pushing progress and dominating the global economy
Globalization and sustainable development -- the value of a shared global vision and ethics

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

The six waves of globalization, from trade by sea to the fourth industrial revolution
Emerging leaders -- the nations pushing progress and dominating the global economy

Globalization and sustainable development -- the value of a shared global vision and ethics

The six waves of globalization, from trade by sea to the fourth industrial revolution
Emerging leaders -- the nations pushing progress and dominating the global economy
Globalization and sustainable development -- the value of a shared global vision and ethics

Syllabus

Module 1: Waves of Globalization in History

Six Major Globalizations

Prime Drivers

The Eurasian Advantage

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines six waves of globalization, providing a historical perspective on current events

Led by Jeffrey D. Sachs, an experienced economist and public policy expert

Provides insights into the role of emerging leaders in driving globalization

Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in international development, economics, and related fields

Highlights the significance of sustainable development in the context of globalization

Covers a wide range of topics, from the Eurasian advantage to the fourth industrial revolution

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Globalization: historical context and future insights

According to students, this course offers a highly insightful and comprehensive overview of globalization's trajectory. Many found Professor Jeffrey Sachs's expertise and his ability to connect historical waves of globalization to current geopolitical dynamics to be a major strength. The course provides a big picture understanding, particularly appreciating the focus on sustainable development and global ethics in later modules. While lauded for its rich content and valuable historical context, some learners noted the lectures can be dense and fast-paced, suggesting a need for frequent pauses. A few advanced learners also felt it sometimes provided breadth over depth, especially concerning practical policy implications, and wished for more interactive elements beyond the lecture format.

Connects historical trends to urgent sustainable development.

"I especially appreciated the focus on sustainable development in the final module."

"The connection to the SDG goals and future challenges was a crucial takeaway."

"The emphasis on global cooperation and ethics towards sustainable development resonated strongly with me."

"The final module on sustainable development was a strong point. It is definitely geared towards those who enjoy academic lectures and extensive historical background."

Provides a unique and comprehensive historical perspective.

"The historical perspective is fascinating, and his ability to connect past trends to current geopolitical and economic shifts is unparalleled."

"The exploration of the six waves of globalization provided a unique framework."

"I found the segments on the 'Eurasian Advantage' and 'The Medieval Chinese Miracle' particularly enlightening."

"It provided a solid foundation and a new way to think about globalization's long arc."

Professor Sachs delivers insightful and rich content.

"Professor Sachs delivers an incredibly insightful and comprehensive overview of globalization, from ancient times to the present day challenges."

"His ability to connect past trends to current geopolitical and economic shifts is unparalleled."

"Professor Sachs provides a masterclass in global history and economics. The course content is incredibly rich, challenging, and thought-provoking."

"As a practitioner in international trade, I found... Professor Sachs' command of the subject matter is profound, and he conveys it with clarity and passion."

Covers vast topics broadly; some seek more practical depth.

"I found the course to be very high-level. It covers a lot of ground but doesn't go deep enough into any one area for me."

"I was hoping for more practical insights or case studies relevant to today's professional challenges."

"It's good as an introduction, but as an advanced learner, I might find it lacking in specificity."

"The 'New Globalization' module felt a bit rushed and generic, especially compared to the detailed historical sections."

Predominantly lecture-based, can be dense and fast-paced.

"Sometimes his lecturing style felt a bit fast-paced, making it hard to absorb all the information without pausing frequently."

"My only minor critique is that it's very lecture-heavy with less interactive elements, which might not suit all learning styles."

"I found myself wishing for more engagement, maybe a forum or assignments that required deeper analysis."

"Some parts felt a bit dense and required re-watching."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Globalization: Past and Future with these activities:

Read an article on the history of globalization

Show steps

Enhance background knowledge on the historical context of globalization.

Browse courses on History of Globalization

Show steps

Find an article on the history of globalization.
Read the article and take notes on the key points.

Review key concepts in international relations

Show steps

Strengthen foundational understanding of key concepts in international relations.

Browse courses on International Relations

Show steps

Review your notes or textbooks on key concepts in international relations.
Consider how these concepts relate to the study of globalization.

Read The Globalization Paradox

Show steps

Provide historical and theoretical context for the course's exploration of globalization.

View Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane World... on Amazon

Show steps

Read chapters 1-3 to get an overview of the history and drivers of globalization.
Read chapters 4-6 to understand the impact of globalization on economic development.
Read chapters 7-9 to consider the challenges and future of globalization.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Write a summary of a lecture

Show steps

Reinforce key concepts and improve understanding of the material.

Browse courses on Global History

Show steps

Identify the main points of the lecture.
Organize your notes into a logical outline.
Write a concise summary that covers the key points.

Discuss current events related to globalization

Show steps

Apply course concepts to real-world events and foster critical thinking.

Browse courses on Current Events

Show steps

Find a peer group to discuss current events with.
Choose an event related to globalization.
Discuss the event from different perspectives.
Analyze the event using course concepts.

Follow a tutorial on data visualization

Show steps

Develop practical skills for analyzing and presenting global data.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

Show steps

Find a tutorial on data visualization using a tool like Tableau or Power BI.
Follow the tutorial to create a visualization of a dataset related to globalization.
Analyze the visualization and draw insights.

Develop a research proposal on a globalization-related topic

Show steps

Apply course concepts to original research and develop advanced analytical skills.

Browse courses on Research Methods

Show steps

Identify a specific research question related to globalization.
Review relevant literature and develop a research plan.
Write a research proposal outlining your research question, methods, and expected outcomes.

Attend a workshop on globalization and sustainable development

Show steps

Engage with experts and practitioners in the field to expand knowledge and network.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

Show steps

Find a workshop on globalization and sustainable development.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
Connect with other attendees and exchange ideas.

Career center

Learners who complete Globalization: Past and Future will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Relations Analyst

International Relations Analysts analyze global events, advise world leaders on policy, and shape international agreements. They are employed by governments, international organizations, and think tanks. A deep understanding of globalization is essential, and the course Globalization: Past and Future can be instrumental in this field. The course provides students with a historical overview of globalization and explores future trends, which will enable them to better understand the current geopolitical environment and anticipate global events.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Analyst

Development Economist

Development Economists work to improve the economies of developing countries through research, policy analysis, and project implementation. The course Globalization: Past and Future provides students with insights into the factors that drive economic development, how globalization affects developing countries, and the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development. This knowledge is essential in the field of development economics and may increase the effectiveness and impact of one's work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Economist

Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers are diplomats who represent their countries abroad. They work to promote their countries' interests, build relationships with other countries, and provide support to their citizens overseas. Globalization: Past and Future can provide a foundation for this career path by providing a historical perspective on globalization and insights into the challenges and opportunities of international relations. Course topics such as emerging leaders and the value of shared global vision and ethics are particularly relevant for Foreign Service Officers, and will enhance one's understanding of the complex world they will navigate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

International Business Consultant

International Business Consultants advise companies on how to operate and succeed in global markets. Globalization: Past and Future provides students with an understanding of the forces and trends that shape the global economy and the challenges and opportunities of conducting business in different parts of the world. This knowledge can be valuable for International Business Consultants, allowing them to make informed recommendations and help their clients navigate the complexities of global markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Consultant

Global Health Policy Analyst

Global Health Policy Analysts research and analyze global health issues, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for policies that improve health outcomes. Globalization: Past and Future provides insights into the history of global health and the factors that affect health outcomes around the world. This knowledge can help Global Health Policy Analysts better understand the challenges and opportunities of improving health equity and promoting global health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Policy Analyst

Climate Change Policy Specialist

Climate Change Policy Specialists develop and implement policies aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. A background in global history and trends such as those covered in Globalization: Past and Future can be helpful in this field. Understanding the historical context of climate change, the global nature of the problem, and the challenges of international cooperation can help Climate Change Policy Specialists develop more effective and equitable policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Policy Specialist

Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialists work to improve the economic conditions of communities and regions. Globalization: Past and Future provides a foundation for this field by exploring the history of economic development, the factors that drive economic growth, and the challenges and opportunities of globalization. Students will gain insights into the complexities of economic development and the importance of considering historical and global contexts when designing and implementing economic development strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economic Development Specialist

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers. In today's globalized economy, understanding the complexities of global supply chains is essential. Globalization: Past and Future provides insights into the history of global trade, the factors that affect supply chain management, and the challenges and opportunities of globalization. This knowledge may enable Supply Chain Managers to make informed decisions, optimize their supply chains, and mitigate risks in an increasingly interconnected world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

International Lawyer

International Lawyers advise clients on legal issues related to international business, trade, and investment. They may also work for international organizations or governments, negotiating treaties and agreements. Globalization: Past and Future provides a strong foundation for this field by exploring the history of globalization and the legal frameworks governing international relations. A deep understanding of these topics is essential for International Lawyers, enabling them to provide effective legal counsel and navigate the complexities of the global legal system.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Lawyer

Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret past events to understand the present and inform the future. The course Globalization: Past and Future can be a valuable resource for Historians, providing insights into major historical trends and events, particularly in the context of globalization. By studying this course, Historians may expand their knowledge and understanding of global history, which can contribute to more insightful research and analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Journalist

Journalists research, investigate, and report on events and issues to inform the public. Globalization: Past and Future provides a broad understanding of global events and trends, which can be valuable for Journalists. By studying this course, Journalists may gain a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary context of the stories they cover, enabling them to provide more informed and insightful reporting on global affairs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures, examining their origins, development, and practices. Globalization: Past and Future provides a comprehensive overview of globalization and its impact on different cultures around the world, which can be a valuable resource for Anthropologists. The course may help Anthropologists understand the historical and contemporary processes of globalization and its effects on cultural diversity, identity, and social change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems and institutions, examining their structures, functions, and interactions. Globalization: Past and Future provides insights into the global political landscape and the impact of globalization on political systems. Political Scientists may find this course helpful in understanding the historical evolution of global politics, the challenges and opportunities of international cooperation, and the role of globalization in shaping contemporary political dynamics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Globalization: Past and Future provides insights into the global economy and the impact of globalization on economic growth, trade, and development. Economists may find this course helpful in understanding the historical evolution of the global economy, the challenges and opportunities of globalization, and the role of economic policies in shaping global economic outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface, its people, and its environments. Globalization: Past and Future provides insights into the global interconnectedness and the impact of globalization on different regions and environments. Geographers may find this course helpful in understanding the historical evolution of globalization, the challenges and opportunities of global interconnectedness, and the role of geography in shaping global processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Globalization: Past and Future.

Introduction to International Relations

Save

Provides a comprehensive historical overview of globalization, covering its economic, political, and cultural dimensions. It valuable reference for understanding the long-term trends that have shaped globalization.

Globalization

Past and Future

What you'll learn

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Globalization: historical context and future insights

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Free Audit Track Available

14-Day Full Refund Window

Verified Academic & Industry Partner