Contextualization

Introduction

The concept of a "globalized world" has become a focal point in the study of history, sociology, and politics. Globalization, as a process, is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, it can be traced back to the earliest days of human civilization, where the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture occurred across vast distances. However, with the advent of modern technologies and the expansion of global trade, the intensity and speed of these exchanges have increased exponentially, leading to the globalized world we know today.

The globalized world is characterized by interconnectedness, where events in one part of the world can have immediate and far-reaching effects on other parts of the world. This interconnectedness is facilitated by several key factors, including technological advancements, economic integration, and cultural diffusion. In this project, we will delve deep into these aspects of globalization, understanding their historical roots, and exploring their impact on the world today.

Relevance

Studying the concept of a globalized world is not merely an academic exercise. It is a lens through which we can understand and analyze some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as global trade, climate change, and the spread of infectious diseases. It also provides us with insights into the complex web of interactions and interdependencies that underpin our modern society.

For example, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the interconnected nature of our world. The rapid spread of the virus across continents and the subsequent global efforts to develop a vaccine underscore the importance of global cooperation and understanding in addressing global challenges. Similarly, the rise of multinational corporations and the growth of global supply chains have transformed our economies, creating new opportunities and challenges for societies around the world.

Resources

Here are some resources that can provide you with a deeper understanding of the concept of a globalized world:

1. The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L. Friedman: This book provides an accessible exploration of the phenomenon of globalization and its impact on our world.
2. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction by Manfred B. Steger: A concise and comprehensive introduction to the concept of globalization.
3. TED Talks: Globalization: A collection of TED Talks that explore different aspects of globalization.
4. BBC World Service - The Story of Globalization: A comprehensive resource that traces the history and impact of globalization.
5. Khan Academy - Globalization: A series of interactive lessons that provide a detailed overview of the concept of globalization.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Globalization Through Time: A Journey of Exchange, Integration, and Diffusion"

Objective of the Project

This project aims to deepen your understanding of the concept of a globalized world by tracing the historical roots of globalization and exploring its impact on different aspects of human society, including economy, culture, and technology.

Detailed Description of the Project

This project will be carried out by groups of 3 to 5 students, and it is estimated to take at least 12 hours per student to complete over a period of one month. The project will involve three main tasks:

1. Research Phase: Students will research and gather information on the historical development of globalization, including key events, figures, and concepts. They will also explore how globalization has influenced different aspects of human society, such as economy, culture, and technology.

2. Creation Phase: Based on their research, students will create a visual timeline that illustrates the historical development of globalization. They will also create a mind map that shows the interconnectedness and interdependencies resulting from globalization.

3. Reflection and Report Writing Phase: After completing the visual aids, students will reflect on their findings and write a report detailing their research process, the content they've gathered, and the conclusions they've drawn.

Necessary Materials

• Access to a library or reliable online resources for research (books, articles, videos, etc.).
• A large poster board or a digital tool for creating the visual timeline.
• A mind mapping tool or a large sheet of paper for the mind map.
• A word processor or a document creation tool for writing the report.

Detailed Step-By-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Formation of Groups: Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group should have diverse skills and interests.

2. Research Phase (Approximately 5 hours per student): Each group will begin by conducting extensive research on the historical development of globalization and its impact on different aspects of human society. This can be done individually or as a group. The sources mentioned in the introduction section can serve as a starting point, but students are encouraged to explore other resources as well.

3. Creation Phase (Approximately 3 hours per student): Based on their research, each group will create a visual timeline that shows the key events and trends in the development of globalization. They will also create a mind map that illustrates the interconnectedness and interdependencies resulting from globalization. The timeline and mind map should be comprehensive, well-organized, and visually engaging.

4. Reflection and Report Writing Phase (Approximately 4 hours per student): After completing their visual aids, each group will reflect on their findings. They should discuss how globalization has influenced different aspects of human society and what implications this may have for the future. Finally, they will write a detailed report following the structure: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Used Bibliography.

   • Introduction: Contextualize the theme of globalization, its relevance, and real-world application. Clearly state the objective of the project and the methodology used.

   • Development: Detail the theory behind globalization, explain the activity in detail, indicate the sources used for the research, and finally present and discuss the results obtained.

   • Conclusions: Revisit the main points of the project, explicitly state the learnings obtained, and draw conclusions about the implications of globalization in the real world.

   • Used Bibliography: Indicate all the sources that were used to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

5. Final Presentation: Each group will present their timeline, mind map, and report to the class. The presentation should be clear, engaging, and well-structured, allowing the students to effectively communicate their understanding of the concept of a globalized world.

The project will allow students to not only explore the concept of a globalized world in-depth but also develop important skills such as research, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.