FSEM 100P9 | Shirt Tales: Understanding the Politics and Economics of Global Trade


THIS COURSE HAS CURRENTLY FILLED FOR FALL 2025.

Have you ever wondered where your humble t-shirt comes from? Are you curious about how that shirt can tell the complex story of global trade? In this course we shall unpack the intricate web of economics and politics that shape the global marketplace.

From the cotton fields of India to the bustling factories of China, and the fashion runways of Paris and their afterlife in African markets and landfills, you will explore the journey of a shirt through the lenses of international trade and economic policies. This course offers a blend of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions to help you understand the forces driving globalization and their impact on economies and societies worldwide.

Photo of Surupa Gupta, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs

Surupa Gupta, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs

I'm a Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at UMW. I teach courses on international political economy, gender and development, South Asian politics, and Indian foreign policy. This FSEM pulls from many of my areas of interest: the politics of economic development, gender, and environment and the connection between our actions in domestic politics and international affairs.

After completing my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in India, I pursued my PhD in International Relations from the University of Southern California. I research and write on India’s economic and foreign policies and its role, as an emerging power, in international affairs. When not in class or in my office, you might find me nature walking, stopping to take photos, and looking for another taco stand or Indian street food. And, by the way, I have set foot in all five continents.