The current novel coronavirus pandemic is highlighting the transformative impact that globalization is having upon local communities. This course will examine the origins, nature, and impact of globalization upon the economies, culture, and politics of cities, regions, and nation states. In doing so, it will examine new opportunities and challenges facing urban planners and designers in the areas of economic and community development. Among the specific topics to be explored will be the: role of multi-national corporations, growing importance of international trade, function of global cities such as Boston, New York, London, Singapore and Shanghai, transnational migration, and international remittances in the globalization process.