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? Format: lecture. Requirements: two papers, one final exam. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 50. International Relations Subfield