This course aims to develop critical understandings of globalization, civil society, and their linkage to global and local social movements by exploring key theoretical frameworks and empirical evidences. It will address questions such as why and how citizens are acting globally, how to assess the causes and significance of global social movements, and what their implications are. It will also help students learn the major concepts, theories, and studies related to civil society at global and local levels, transnational activism, environmental and health movements, and the role of media in global civil society. Empirically, the course will critically assess the functions, experiences, and aspirations of non-governmental organizations and their political/social implications for world politics and for China.