Unit 6: Modern World History
Lesson C: Research - Challenges of the Modern World
Opening: Globalization
World Bank Demonstration in Oslo, Norway in 2002 [1]
Globalization is the integration of political, economic, and cultural systems on a global scale. Some evidence of globalization in our world today:
- The United Nations
- International economic organizations
- Intervention of international groups in regional conflicts
- Multinational corporations
- The number of people who watch the World Cup, international soccer championship game
- The spread of democracy and anti-democracy terrorism movements
- International trade agreements
- Cell phone use on every continent
Globalization is controversial. There are many arguments for and against it. Some supporters believe that it benefits the majority of people in the world by raising their standard of living and providing new economic opportunities. Some also believe that globalization has been particularly positive for developing countries such as China and India. Some who are opposed to globalization believe that international companies originating in developed countries destroy the economy of poorer, less developed countries. Some opponents feel that the rapid spread of culture due to new technologies reduces cultural diversity.
In order to become familiar with interpretations about the pros and cons of globalization, complete the following activity.
Directions: Read each of the following and then assess the characteristics of beliefs related to globalization and determine if they are positive or negative interpretation by dragging into the correct column. Use the buttons provided to check the latest move or, when you are done, check the whole question.
Classroom Activity - Globalization
Discussion
Directions: Prepare a response to the discussion questions below. Follow your teacher's directions to participate in your class discussion.
- Why do you think there is disagreement over whether globalization is a good or bad thing?
- How might experience and perspective influence a person's beliefs about globalization?
- How are perspectives on globalization today similar to interpretations about historical events?
- Do you believe we can know at this time whether globalization is positive or negative? Why?
- How can you use your historical thinking skills to analyze recent and current events?
Select the link to review the Discussion Scoring Tool (pdf).
Page Notes:
[1] Source: This image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oslo2002-1.jpg is in the public domain according to the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
