Globalization and cultural diversity

The program is based on 6 credits. The first part introduces the general topic of the intertwinement of globalization processes and cultural diversities, with a specific focus on the overcoming of a Eurocentric modernization theory. The second part analyses the intertwinement of globalization, cultural diversity and anthropocene condition, as well as globalization and cosmopolitanism.
After a general introduction, the course deals with the issue of globalization and cultural diversities by analysing two main topics:
a) (unit 1) The overcoming of a Eurocentric modernization theory with respect to the debate developed both in western and non-western countries. This first part will analyse how the idea of the 'global' has been articulated within sociology mainly through modernization theory, and how this vision has been criticized and broadened by traditions of social thought other than western ones.
b) (unit 2) The second part will deal with the connections between post-eurocentrism and post-anthropocentrism, with respect to the links between cultural diversity, technology and environmental crisis. Globalization presents deeply interconnected material and cultural challenges; consequently, addressing cultural diversities and social inequalities has to take into account the material issues of a diversified 'Anthropocene condition'.