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Although globalization has led to increasing interdependence of societies and peoples, one of the most striking features on the contemporary global landscape is the proliferation of massive walls built between peoples, such as those on the U.S.-Mexico border, around Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, between India and Bangladesh, around Spanish enclaves in Morocco, and dozens more around the world. Students in this global politics program will examine the proliferation of walls in contemporary global society through detailed case studies and theoretical writings in order to understand why wall-building is on the rise today, how these walls affects various populations and why many people are resisting these walls. While these new walls are typically justified in the name of national security and defending borders, we will read diverse critics who contend that these walls may also reflect neoliberal strategies of socioeconomic exclusion between rich and poor and neocolonial attempts to marginalize unwanted populations. Students will also learn about attempts to subvert, repurpose or remove these walls. Through intensive reading, writing, and discussion, students will be asked to develop their own theories about the politics of walls in contemporary global society and to create public installations of some of these wall-building projects as pedagogical exercise.

Quarters

Spring Open

Location and Schedule

Final Schedule and Room Assignment

• Spring

Campus Location

Olympia

Time Offered

Day

Advertised Schedule