PSCI 228 Politics of Global Tourism (Not offered 1998-99; to be offered Spring 2000)

In 1996, tourism finally surpassed oil as the world's most valuable export. This perhaps tackiest of industries accounts for 10.7 percent of global GDP-an annual 3.6 trillion dollars-and employs 255 million people worldwide. Indeed, tourism accounts for a huge share of the revenue received by most countries: the two dozen small island countries list their exports as "tourism, fish," while presidents and prime ministers from the world's most powerful countries-men and women with the ability to launch nuclear war-make TV commercials begging foreign audiences to "discover the wonder" of this national park or that recreated historical village. What is going on here? This class examines international tourism from several angles, considering its origins and effects, its promoters and critics, its beneficiaries and victims. Is it the perfect form of environmentally sustainable development? A degrading enterprise that sells "happy tropical primitives" to jaded white-collar workers? A democratic avenue to global understanding? The ultimate commodification-of experience? Readings will include selections from Paul Bowles, Herman Hesse, Homer, Washington Irving, Dean McCannell, Gita Mehta, Walker Percy, Mark Twain, Thorstein Veblen and others, as well as works in the social sciences. Requirements: weekly short papers, one medium-length. No prerequisites. International Relations Subfield

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