DR. GLORIA D. LACSON FOUNDATION COLLEGES, INC.

Castellano, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Tel No. ( 044 ) 486 – 2919 / Fax (044) 486-29-18

Course Title: THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Course No.: GEC 3
No. of Units: 3 units
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the contemporary world by examining the multifaceted phenomenon of globalization. Using the various disciplines
of the social sciences, it examines the economic, social, political, technological, and other transformations that have created an increasing
awareness of the interconnectedness of peoples and places around the globe. To this end, the course provides an overview of the various debates in
global governance, development, and sustainability. Beyond exposing the student to the world outside the Philippines, it seeks to inculcate a sense
of global citizenship and global ethical responsibility.

This course includes mandatory topics on population education in the context of population and demography.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
A. Competencies
1. Distinguish different interpretations of and approaches to globalization
2. Describe the emergence of global economic, political, social, and cultural systems
3. Analyze the various contemporary drivers of globalization
4. Understand the issues confronting the nation-state
5. Assess the effects of globalization on different social units and their responses
B. Skills
1. Analyze contemporary news events in the context of globalization
2. Analyze global issues in relation to Filipinos and the Philippines
3. Write a research paper with proper citations on a topic related to globalization
C. Values
1. Articulate personal positions on various global issues
2. Identify the ethical implications of global citizenship

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Number of Hours: 3 hours every week for 18 weeks or 54 hours in a semester

Course Outline:
Weeks 1-2 Introduction to Globalization Weeks 17-18: Conclusion
 Defining globalization - Global Citizenship
- Research paper writing
Weeks 3-5: The Structures of Globalization
 The Global Economy Course Requirements:
 Market Integration 1. Regular quizzes
 The Global Interstate System 2. Midterm analysis paper
 Contemporary Global Governance 3. Group reports
4. Final research paper
Weeks 6-8: A World of Regions
 Global Divides: The North and the South Assessment
 Asian Regionalism 25 % Quizzes
15 % Recitation
Week 9: Midterm 15 % Midterm Essay
25 % Group Reports and other Research Papers
Weeks 10-11: A World of Ideas 20 % Final Research Paper
 Global Media Cultures
 The Globalization of Religion

Weeks 12-14: Global Population and Mobility
 The Global City
 Global Demography
 Global Migration

Weeks 15-16: Towards a Sustainable World
 Sustainable Development
 Global Food Security

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THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD Learning Plan

LEARNING OUTCOMES TOPIC METHODOLOGY RESOURCES ASSESSMENT

Weeks 1-2: Introduction
 Introduce self to Course overview Classroom sharing (Introductions) Course syllabus
classmates and teachers
 List expectations for the Classroom Lecture Introduce textbook: Manfred Stegger, Paul
course policies Battersby, and Joseph M. Siracusa, eds.
 Recall course rules Personal concept map of 2014.The SAGE Handbook of Globalization.
 Write a personal globalization: Two vols. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
definition of globalization Students will engage in a free
based on a concept map association exercise of ideas they
associate with “globalization.”
Based on the concepts they list,
they will synthesize a personal
definition of the concept.
 Differentiate the Introduction to the Lecture LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
competing conceptions Study of Materials
of globalization Globalization News report critique: Reading Materials
 Identify the underlying Students will find and read three  Chapter 2 of textbook: “Approaches Recitation
philosophies of the newspaper op-eds (local or to the Study of Globalization” by
varying definitions of international) discussing Manfred B. Steger
globalization globalization. Before class, they  Steger, Manfred B. “Ideologies of
 Agree on a working will write 50-word summaries of Globalization.” 2005. Journal of
definition of globalization each op-ed, identifying what the Political Ideologies 10(1): 11–30.
for the course underlying definitions of
globalization the op-ed writers
use.
Weeks 3-5: The Structures of Globalization
 Define economic The Global Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
globalization Economy Materials
 Identify the actors that Debate: The students will debate Reading Materials
facilitate economic the motion “That global free trade Chapter 9 of textbook: “The Globalization Recitation
globalization has done more harm than good.” of Economic Relations” by István Benczes
 Define the modern world Wallerstein, Immanuel. 2004. “The Modern

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 system World-System as a Capitalist World
 Articulate a stance on Economy: Production, Surplus- Value, and
global economic Polarization.” In World- Systems Analysis:
integration An Introduction. Durham & London: Duke
University Press, pp. 23-41.
 Explain the role of Market Integration Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
international financial Materials
institutions in the Film viewing and discussion Reading Materials:
creation of a global  Chapter 17 of textbook: “The Rise of the Recitation
economy Global Corporation” by Deane Neubauer
 Narrate a short history of  Bello, Walden F. 2006. “The Multiple
global market integration Crises of Global Capitalism.” In
in the twentieth century Deglobalization: Ideas for a New World
 Identify the attributes of Economy. Quezon City: Ateneo de
global corporations Manila University Press, pp. 1-31.

Film: “The Corporation” directed by Mark

Achbar and Jennifer Abbott
 Explain the effects of The Global Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
globalization on Interstate System Materials
governments Reading Materials
 Identify the institutions  Chapter 7 of textbook: Governments and Recitation
that govern international Citizens in a Globally Interconnected
relations World of States” by Hans Schattle
 Differentiate  Mazower, Mark. 2006. “An International
internationalism from Civilization? Empire, Internationalism
globalism and the Crisis of the Mid-Twentieth
Century.” International Affairs 82(3):
553–566.
 Identify the roles and Contemporary Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
functions of the United Global Materials
Nations Governance Reading Materials
 Identify the challenges of  Chapter 29 of textbook: “The United Recitation
global governance in the Nations Meets the Twenty-first Century:
twenty-first century Confronting the Challenges of Global
 Explain the relevance of Governance” by Thomas G. Weiss and
Ramesh Thakur
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 the state amid  Hobsbawm, Eric J. 1996. “The Future of
globalization the State.” Development and Change
27(2): 267–278.
Weeks 6-8: A World of Regions
 Define the term “Global Global Divides: Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
South” The North and the Materials
 Differentiate the Global South (focus on Group report Reading Materials
South from the Third Latin America)  Chapter 12 of textbook: “Locating the Graded Group
World Global South” by Lisandro E. Claudio Report: Students will
 Analyze how a new  Connell, Raewyn. 2007. “Dependency, form groups of 3-5.
conception of global Autonomy and Culture. In Southern Each group will be
relations emerged from Theory: The Global Dynamics of assigned a Latin
the experiences of Latin Knowledge in Social Science. American country to
American countries Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, pp. 139- report on. These
163. groups will deliver
10-minute
presentations on the
contemporary foreign
and economic
policies of their
respective countries.
 Differentiate between Asian regionalism Lecture Discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
regionalization and Materials
globalization Group Report Reading Materials
 Identify the factors  Chapter 13 of textbook: “Globalization Graded Group
leading to a greater and the Asia Pacific and South Asia” by Report: Students will
integration of the Asian Ehito Kimura form groups of 3-5.
region  Shiraishi, Takashi. 2006. “The Third Each group will be
 Analyze how different Wave: Southeast Asia and Middle-Class assigned an Asian
Asian states confront the Formation in the Making of a Region.” In country to research
challenges of Beyond Japan: The Dynamics of East and report on. These
globalization and Asian Regionalism, ed. Peter groups will deliver
regionalization Katzenstein and Takashi Shiraishi. 10-minute
Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, pp. presentations on the
237–71. contemporary foreign
and economic
policies of their
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 respective countries.
Week 9: Midterm
 Synthesize knowledge Synthesis Midterm essay Midterm essay:
concerning globalization Students will be
asked to write 2,000-
word essays
answering one of
these two questions:

1. How do we make
Globalization more
just?
2. How is the state
affected by
globalization?
How is the nation
affected by
globalization? Do
these
institutions/concepts
remain relevant?
Why/why not?
Weeks 10-11: A World of Ideas
 Analyze how various Global Media Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
media drive various Cultures Materials
forms of global Group Report Reading Materials
integration  Chapter 22 of textbook: “Globalization Graded Group
 Explain the dynamic and the Media: Creating the Global Report: Students will
between local and global Village” by Jack Lule form groups of 3-5.
cultural production  Chapter 23 of textbook: “Popular Music Each group will be
and Globalization” by Yara El-Ghadban asked to pick an
Asian musical act
that became
internationally
famous. In their
group report, they
must answer the
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 following questions:
1. Where did the
musical act/artist
originate?
2. In which countries
did the artist become
famous?
3. How did the artist
become famous?
4. Why do you think
the artist became
famous?
 Explain how The Globalization Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
globalization affects of Religion Materials
religious practices and Discussion of film Reading Materials
beliefs  Chapter 10 of textbook: “Religion and Recitation
 Analyze the relationship Globalization” by Victor Roudometof
between religion and  Chapter 43 of textbook: “Religion and
global conflict and, Global Conflict” by Mark Juergensmeyer
conversely, global peace
Film: PBS Frontline: “The Rise of ISIS”
(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/riseo
f-isis/)
Weeks 12-14: Global Population and Mobility
 Identify the attributes of The Global City Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
a global city Materials
 Analyze how cities serve Group report Reading Materials
as engines of  Chapter 26 of textbook: “Mobility, Graded Group
globalization Diversity and Community in the Global Report: Students will
City” by Val Colic-Peisker form groups of 3-5.
 Sassen, Saskia. 2005. “The Global City: Each group will be
Introducing a Concept.” Brown Journal assigned a global city
of World Affairs XI (2): 27-43. to discuss and
research on. Their
reports should
answer the following
questions:
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 1. How would you
describe your city?
2. What is your city
known for?
3. What makes your
city a global city?
 Explain the theory of Mandated topic: Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
demographic transition Global Materials
as it affects global Demography Reading Materials
population  Lee, Ronald. 2003. “The Demographic Short research paper
Transition: Three Centuries of to discuss the topic:
Fundamental Change.” Journal of Has the Philippines
Economic Perspectives 17(4): 167–190. undergone the
 Lesthaeghe, Ron. 2010. “The Unfolding demographic
Story of the Second Demographic transition? Why or
Transition.” Population and Development why not?
Review 36(2): 211–251.
 Livi-Bacci, Massiomo. 2005. “What We
Can and Cannot Learn from the History
of World Population. Population Studies:
A Journal of Demography 69(S1): S21–
S28.
 Analyze the political, Global Migration Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
economic, cultural, and Materials
social factors underlying OFW Interview: Each student will Reading Materials
the global movements of be asked to interview a former or  Castles, Stephen. 2000. “International Recitation
people a current OFW (face-to-face or Migration at the Beginning of the
 Display first-hand online). In class they will share Twenty- First Century: Global Trends
knowledge of the what they learned from these and Issues.” International Social Science
experiences of OFWs interviews about transnationalism Journal 52 (165): 269–281.
and the factors that affect global  Aguilar, Filomeno V. 2012.
migrations. “Differentiating Sedimented from
Modular Transnationalism: The View
from East Asia.” Asian and Pacific
Migration Journal 21(2): 149–171.
 Write a research paper Research Mini-lecture on citation methods
proposal with proper Proposal Writing for research papers
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 citation
 Critique research Research Proposal for final research paper:
proposals of classmates Proposal Critique Students will begin writing a 500-
word proposal for their final
research paper.

Pair discussion: Students will pair

off and critique each other’s
research proposals.
Week 15-16: Towards a Sustainable World
 Differentiate stability Sustainable Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
from sustainability Development Materials
 Articulate models of Reading materials
global sustainable  Chapter 48 of textbook: “Sustainable Recitation
development Economic Systems” by Sebastian
Plóciennik
 Define global food Global Food Lecture/discussion LCD Projector Quiz on the reading
security Security Materials
 Critique existing models Film Viewing Reading materials
of global food security  Chapter 50 of textbook: “Global Food Recitation
Security: The Challenge of Feeding the
World” by Monika Barthwal-Datta
 McMichael, Philip. 2009. “A Food
Regime Analysis of the „World Food
Crisis. Agriculture and Human Values
26(4): 281-95.

Film: “The Price of Sugar” directed by Bill

Haney
Week 17-18: Conclusion
 Articulate a personal Global Citizenship Lecture/discussion Reading Materials Quiz on the reading
definition of global  Carter, April. 2001. “Global Civil Society: Materials
citizenship Personal concept map of global Acting as Global Citizens” in The
 Appreciate the ethical citizenship: Political Theory of Global Citizenship. Recitation
obligations of global Students will engage in a free London: Routledge, pp. 147-176.
citizenship association exercise of ideas they
associate with “global citizenship.”
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 Based on this, they will
synthesize a personal definition of
the concept. Afterwards, they will
list the obligations of a global
citizen.
 Write a research paper Research paper Independent research and writing Students will spend
on a topic related to writing the final week
globalization, with proper completing their
citation research papers.

THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD Course Map

GE Learning Outcomes THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

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 KNOWLEDGE (Intellectual Competencies)
1. Analyze “texts” (written, visual, oral, etc.) critically L
2. Demonstrate proficient and effective communication (writing, speaking, and use of new P
technologies)
3. Use basic concepts across the domains of knowledge P
4. Demonstrate critical, analytical, and creative thinking P
5. Apply different analytical modes in problem solving L
VALUES (Personal and Civic Responsibilities)
1. Appreciate the complexity of the human condition L
2. Interpret the human experience from various perspectives L
3. Examine the contemporary world from both Philippine and global perspectives L
4. Take responsibility for knowing and being Filipino O
5. Reflect critically on shared concerns L
6. Generate innovative practices and solutions guided by ethical standards O
7. Make decisions based on moral norms and imperatives P
8. Appreciate various art forms L
9. Contribute to aesthetics O
10. Advocate respect for human rights L
11. Contribute personally and meaningfully to the country’s development L
SKILLS (Practical Skills)
1. Work effectively in a group P
2. Apply computing tools to process information effectively O
3. Use current technology to assist and facilitate learning and research O
4. Negotiate the world of technology responsibly L
5. Create solutions to problems in various fields P
6. Manage one’s knowledge, skills, and values for responsible and productive living L
7. Organize one’s self for lifelong learning L

L = Learned P = Practiced O = Opportunity to learn

THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD Required Readings and Other Materials

Textbook:

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Steger, Manfred B., Paul Battersby, and Joseph M. Siracusa, eds. 2014.The SAGE Handbook of Globalization. Two volumes. Thousand Oaks: SAGE
Publications.

Other Readings:

Aguilar, Filomeno V. 2012. “Differentiating Sedimented from Modular Transnationalism: The View from East Asia.” Asian and
Pacific Migration Journal 21(2): 149–171.

Bello, Walden F. 2006. “The Multiple Crises of Global Capitalism.” In Deglobalization: Ideas for a New World Economy, pp. 1-31.
Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Castles, Stephen. 2000. “International Migration at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century: Global Trends and Issues.”
International Social Science Journal 52 (165): 269–281.

Carter, April. 2001. “Global Civil Society: Acting as Global Citizens” in The Political Theory of Global Citizenship, pp. 147-176
London: Routledge.

Connell, Raewyn. 2007. “Dependency, Autonomy and Culture. In Southern Theory: The Global Dynamics of Knowledge in Social
Science, pp. 139-163. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press.

Hobsbawm, Eric J. 1996. “The Future of the State.” Development and Change 27(2): 267–278.

Lee, Ronald. 2003. “The Demographic Transition: Three Centuries of Fundamental Change.” Journal of Economic Perspectives
17(4): 167–190.

Lesthaeghe, Ron. 2010. “The Unfolding Story of the Second Demographic Transition.” Population and Development Review 36(2): 211–251.

Livi-Bacci, Massiomo. 205. “What We Can and Cannot Learn from the History of World Population. Population Studies: A Journal of Demography 69(S1): S21–
S28.

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Mazower, Mark. 2006. “An International Civilization? Empire, Internationalism and the Crisis of the Mid-Twentieth Century.”
International Affairs 82(3): 553–566.

McMichael, Philip. 2009.“A Food Regime Analysis of the World Food Crisis. “Agriculture and Human Values 26(4): 281-295.

Sassen, Saskia. 2005. “The Global City: Introducing a Concept.” Brown Journal of World Affairs XI (2): 27-43.

Shiraishi, Takashi. 2006. “The Third Wave: Southeast Asia and Middle-Class Formation in the Making of a Region.” In Beyond
Japan: The Dynamics of East Asian Regionalism, edited by Peter Katzenstein and Takashi Shiraishi, pp. 237–271. Ithaca,
NY: Cornell University Press.

Steger, Manfred B. 2005. “Ideologies of Globalization.” Journal of Political Ideologies 10(1): 11–30.

Wallerstein, Immanuel. 2004. “The Modern World-System as a Capitalist World Economy: Production, Surplus-Value, and
Polarization.” In World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction, pp. 23-41. Durham and London: Duke University Press.

Films:

“The Corporation” directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott

“The Price of Sugar” directed by Bill Haney

“The Rise of ISIS,” PBS Frontline (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/rise-of-isis/)

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