This course, offered within the vibrant intellectual environment of Harvard Comparative Literature, delves into the intricate relationship between media and communication technologies and the multifaceted phenomenon of globalization. We examine how various forms of media not only propel but also represent the complex processes that define our globally interconnected world.
From the historical perspective of sixteenth-century maps charting new territories to the contemporary reality of twenty-first-century supply chains spanning continents, we will analyze diverse case studies. Our exploration extends to the realm of cinema, comparing and contrasting the narratives of globalization presented in Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood, and even “Huallywood” productions. Through this comparative lens, we will grapple with the fundamental questions and inherent tensions that have shaped the modern era. Why has global interconnectedness intensified dramatically in recent centuries? How has this growing interdependence reshaped our understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others across the globe? What unprecedented opportunities and freedoms have emerged from this interconnectedness? Conversely, why has globalization also contributed to widening inequalities across the world?
By engaging with this course within Harvard Comparative Literature, you will cultivate essential skills for critically analyzing media originating from and consumed across diverse national and linguistic contexts. You will develop a robust understanding of key analytical and historical frameworks, providing a solid foundation for advanced studies in both the humanities and social sciences. Furthermore, you will actively apply and refine these concepts and skills through engaging creative and critical projects, fostering a deeper and more practical understanding of the course material.
Ultimately, this course aims to transform your way of thinking about the world. In an age where information traverses the globe as data packets via undersea cables and satellites, the very media we engage with are inherently global. Moreover, the pervasive nature of networked computation has transformed almost every aspect of our environment into a medium of data. Throughout this course, we will challenge your preconceptions about identity and location, fostering profound insights into how our individual lives are inextricably linked to others across geographical and temporal boundaries. Join us in Harvard Comparative Literature to explore these vital connections and gain a new perspective on our interconnected world.
