Cosmopolitanism: Citizenship in a Globalizing World - Sao Paolo, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Course Description:
What do the historical trends of globalization mean when trying to navigate the competing demands on our loyalty from our nation and from our fellow human beings? There is a great and long tradition, arguably beginning with St. Paul's Christian formulation explicitly, that argues for a cosmopolitan sense of citizenship. Literally, we are citizens of a polis, a city; that knows no geographical bounds or arbitrary historical borders. Rather the arena of fellow citizens spans the entire cosmos. The known world at the origin of the concept was not so far-flung as it might be now, given the knowledge of astronomy and science that we have achieved. But the point remains the same, and has been secularized from its Christian roots. We are citizens of a common community of humanity, and no one is excluded from this 'political body'.
So, what does it mean to be cosmopolitan in political outlook? What is a global citizen? Do I have political obligations to those beyond my national borders? What if the policies of my government have a direct impact on the lives of those far away? Is there a sense in which our current conception of citizenship based on national units is passé
This course engages these questions and the philosophical transformation of the origin of cosmopolitanism to a thoroughly secular and philosophical concept. We shall do this through investigating the impact of globalization upon two major world cities, Sao Paolo, Brazil -- the largest city in Latin America, and Buenos Aires, Argentina -- arguably the most cosmopolitan city in South America. And, we will investigate the concept of cosmopolitanism from a philosophical perspective and see its appropriation by thinkers in Brazil and Argentina. through investigating the impact of globalization upon two major world cities, Sao Paolo, Brazil -- the largest city in Latin America, and Buenos Aires, Argentina -- arguably the most cosmopolitan city in South America. And, we will investigate the concept of cosmopolitanism from a philosophical perspective and see its appropriation by thinkers in Brazil and Argentina. The course will then ask difficult questions as to the ideal of global citizenship integrating our sense of cosmopolitanism with the nature of globalization's impact upon these cities. The final question of the course is one that hopefully will stay with you as global citizenship becomes an increasingly important issue and perhaps a practical necessity.
Course Objectives:
- To foster a philosophical understanding of global citizenship
- To use the globalization experiences of Brazil and Argentina to accomplish this
- To synthesize the concept of cosmopolitanism with the facts of globalization
- To grasp philosophy's relevance for these aims through reading Latin American philosophers
Course Credit:
PHIL 228: Social and Political Philosophy. Philosophy GUR credit.
Program Fee:
$5,195.
Includes airfare, lodging,
program related transportation and entrance fees, visa fees. Does not include meals. Does not include recommended immunizations. See PLU Health Services' website for recommendations and costs.
Application Deadline:
April 18, 2008. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm your participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum of 18 students.
Faculty Leader:
Dr. Brendan Hogan, Assistant Professor of Philosophy
253-535-7314 or hogan@plu.edu