Contemporary World

GE 121
Session 1 (Week 1)
Activity #1 Around the World

List down 10 different objects or products that you brought

and think about where these items might have come from.

Products / Objects Origin of Items

1. Iphone Made in U.S.
2.

Guide Questions:
1. What does this tell us about the world we live in today?
2. Were you surprised by how many countries were involved in
making these items? Explain your answer.

Activity #2 Give me a word

GLOBALIZATION

What comes to mind when you think of globalization? Write your

thoughts inside the box.

DEFINITION OF GLOBALIZATION
Globalization refers to the process of increased interconnectedness
and interdependence among countries, economies, and cultures
worldwide. It involves the exchange of goods, services, information,
technology, and cultural practices across international borders,
leading to a more integrated and interlinked world. This process is
driven by advancements in technology, communication,
transportation, and international trade agreements.

1a. Aspects of Globalization

Globalization encompasses several key aspects:
1. Economic Globalization:
o Refers to the integration of national economies into the
global economy through trade, investment, and capital
flows. This includes the rise of multinational corporations,
global supply chains, and the spread of free-market
policies.
2. Cultural Globalization:
o Involves the worldwide exchange and blending of cultural
elements such as language, food, music, fashion, and
values. Cultural globalization can lead to both the spread
of global culture and the preservation of local traditions.
3. Technological Globalization:
o Refers to the global spread of technology and innovation.
This includes the proliferation of the internet,
smartphones, and social media, which have transformed
how people communicate and access information globally.
4. Political Globalization:
o Involves the increasing influence of international
organizations (such as the United Nations, World Trade
Organization, and International Monetary Fund) on
national policies and the rise of global governance.
Political globalization also includes the spread of
democratic ideals and human rights norms.
5. Environmental Globalization:
o Recognizes that environmental issues, such as climate
change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, transcend
national borders and require global cooperation. This
aspect of globalization emphasizes the need for collective
action to address global environmental challenges.

Positive/Negative Effects of Globalization

Positive Effects of Globalization:

1. Economic Growth:
o Globalization can lead to increased economic growth by
opening up markets, promoting trade, and encouraging
investment. Countries can specialize in producing goods
and services where they have a comparative advantage,
leading to more efficient use of resources.
2. Access to Technology and Innovation:
o Globalization facilitates the transfer of technology and
innovation across borders, enabling countries to access
new technologies, improve productivity, and enhance the
quality of life.
 3. Cultural Exchange and Diversity:
o Globalization promotes cultural exchange and the spread
of ideas, leading to greater cultural diversity and
understanding. People can experience different cultures,
languages, and traditions, fostering a sense of global
community.
4. Improved Access to Goods and Services:
o Consumers benefit from a wider variety of goods and
services at lower prices due to global competition.
Globalization also allows access to products and services
that may not be available locally.
5. Global Cooperation:
o Globalization encourages international cooperation on
global issues such as climate change, public health, and
peacekeeping. It helps build alliances and partnerships
that address common challenges.

Negative Effects of Globalization:

1. Economic Inequality:
o Globalization can exacerbate economic inequality, as the
benefits of globalization are not evenly distributed.
Wealthy countries and individuals often gain more, while
poorer nations and marginalized populations may be left
behind.
2. Cultural Homogenization:
o The spread of global culture can lead to the erosion of
local cultures and traditions, resulting in cultural
homogenization. The dominance of Western culture, for
example, can overshadow indigenous and minority
cultures.
3. Environmental Degradation:
o Globalization can contribute to environmental
degradation through increased production, consumption,
and transportation. The demand for resources and energy
often leads to deforestation, pollution, and climate
change.
4. Labor Exploitation:
o Globalization can lead to the exploitation of workers,
particularly in developing countries. Companies may seek
out low-wage labor and poor working conditions to
reduce costs, leading to human rights abuses and poor
labor standards.
5. Loss of Sovereignty:
o As countries become more interconnected, national
governments may lose some control over their economies
and policies. International organizations and
 multinational corporations can wield significant influence,
sometimes at the expense of local interests.

Activity #3 Is it True or False?

True or False Questions:
1. Globalization primarily affects only economic factors and has
little impact on culture or politics. ____________
2. Technological advancements such as the internet and air travel
have played a significant role in accelerating globalization.
____________
3. Cultural globalization often leads to a homogenization of
cultures, where local traditions may be overshadowed by
dominant global cultures. ___________
4. The rise of globalization has made it easier for countries to
solve environmental issues independently without the need for
international cooperation. _________
5. Globalization has universally benefited all countries equally,
with no instances of increased inequality or exploitation.
_____________

Activity #4 Give me a Picture! Drawing a Picture on Globalization

Express your understanding of globalization by illustrating how
it impacts the world through a drawing.

Think about what globalization means to you. Consider how it

connects countries, cultures, economies, and people. Reflect on the
positive and negative effects of globalization .Include symbols or
elements that represent different aspects of globalization.

____________________________________________________________________
Rubric for Drawing Activity on Globalization

Criteria Excellent (4 Good (3 points) Fair (2 Needs Score

points) points) Improvement
(1 point)
Understanding Clearly Shows a good Demonstrates Shows little to
of demonstrates a understanding of a basic no
Globalization deep and globalization. understanding understanding
accurate Most key of of
understanding aspects are globalization. globalization.
of represented and Some aspects Few aspects
globalization. connections are are are
All key generally clear. represented, represented,
aspects but and
(economic, connections connections
cultural, are unclear or are missing or
technological, incomplete. incorrect.
etc.) are well-
represented
and
thoughtfully
connected.
Creativity and The drawing is The drawing is The drawing The drawing
Originality highly creative creative, with shows some lacks
and original, some original creativity, but creativity and
presenting ideas and ideas may be originality. It
unique ideas symbolism that more may be overly
and thoughtful effectively conventional simplistic or
symbolism to represent or lack depth rely on
represent globalization. in symbolism. common
globalization. clichés
without deeper
thought.
Clarity of The drawing The drawing The message The message
Message communicates communicates a about is unclear or
a clear, clear message globalization difficult to
powerful about is somewhat interpret, even
message about globalization, clear but may with
 globalization though it may be confusing explanation.
that is easy to require some or vague
understand explanation. without
and interpret. explanation.
Use of Effectively Uses appropriate Includes some Few to no
Symbols and uses a variety symbols and symbols and relevant
Elements of symbols elements to elements symbols or
and elements represent related to elements are
to represent globalization, globalization, used, making
different though some but they may it difficult to
aspects of may be less be limited, connect the
globalization. effective or unclear, or drawing to
All symbols underdeveloped. irrelevant. globalization.
are relevant
and contribute
to the overall
message.
Visual Appeal The drawing is The drawing is The drawing The drawing
visually visually is somewhat lacks visual
striking, with appealing, with visually appeal. It may
careful good use of appealing but be messy,
attention to color and may lack incomplete, or
detail, color, composition. It attention to poorly
and supports the detail, color, composed,
composition. It message or detracting
enhances the effectively. composition. from the
overall impact message.
of the
message.
Title and The title is The title is The title and The title
Description creative and appropriate, and description and/or
perfectly the description are present description are
matches the clearly explains but may be missing or do
drawing. The the connection vague or only not explain the
description is to globalization. somewhat drawing's
clear, concise, connected to connection to
and the drawing. globalization.
thoroughly
explains the
connection to
globalization.

Total Score: /24

Assignment
News Clippings
Newspaper Clippings about examples of the EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION .- National
Level
and Global Level
-Economic Globalization
-Cultural Globalization
- Military Globalization
-Political Globalization
-Technological Globalization
Assessment:
Short Answer Questions:
1. What is the role of multinational corporations in economic
globalization?
2. Describe one positive and one negative cultural impact of
globalization.
3. How has technological advancement contributed to the
process of globalization?
4. Explain the concept of "global supply chains" and how they are
related to globalization.

Quiz #1 Score _____ / 12

1. Which of the following best defines globalization?

o a) The process by which countries become isolated from
each other.
o b) The increasing interconnectedness and
interdependence of the world’s markets, cultures, and
populations.
o c) The reduction of trade barriers within a single country.
o d) The focus on local businesses over international
corporations.
2. Globalization involves the integration of which of the
following?
o a) Economies, cultures, and governments
o b) Only economies and trade
o c) Social media platforms only
o d) National defense systems
3. What is one of the main drivers of globalization?
o a) Decreased communication
o b) Technological advancements, such as the internet and
air travel
o c) Increased isolationist policies
o d) Reduction of international trade

4. Which of the following is a positive effect of globalization?

 o a) Increased access to a variety of goods and services
from around the world.
o b) Decreased cultural exchange between countries.
o c) Decline in international trade relations.
o d) Reduced communication across borders.
5. How does globalization benefit consumers?
o a) By limiting the choices available to them.
o b) By increasing competition, which often leads to lower
prices and more options.
o c) By preventing access to foreign products.
o d) By reducing innovation in the market.
6. One positive effect of globalization on developing countries is:
o a) The total loss of cultural identity.
o b) Increased foreign investment, leading to economic
growth and job creation.
o c) Widespread unemployment due to competition.
o d) Environmental destruction with no economic benefits.
7. Globalization has led to the spread of technology across
borders. This is an example of:
o a) Cultural homogenization
o b) Technological diffusion
o c) Economic decline
o d) Political isolation

8. Which of the following is a negative effect of globalization?

o a) Cultural homogenization, where local traditions may be
overshadowed by global influences.
o b) Increased cultural diversity and exchange.
o c) Enhanced global cooperation on environmental issues.
o d) Reduction in economic disparities between countries.
9. A major criticism of globalization is that it can lead to:
o a) Equal distribution of wealth globally.
o b) Increased environmental degradation due to industrial
expansion.
o c) Preservation of all local cultures and traditions.
o d) Improved working conditions for all global workers.
10. What is a common negative effect of globalization on
local economies?
o a) Strengthening of local businesses without competition.
o b) Outsourcing of jobs, leading to unemployment in
certain industries.
o c) Reduction in the availability of foreign goods.
o d) Decreased international investment in developing
countries.
11. Which of the following describes a negative social impact
of globalization?
o a) Greater awareness and appreciation of different
cultures.
o b) Loss of cultural identity due to the dominance of global
media and brands.
o c) Increased opportunities for international travel.
o d) Improved standards of living in all countries.
12. The environmental impact of globalization is often
negative because:
o a) Global trade reduces pollution and resource depletion.
o b) MNCs and global industries may exploit natural
resources without regard for sustainability.
o c) Environmental regulations are strengthened
worldwide.
o d) Globalization only affects urban areas and leaves
natural environments untouched.