Exercise #1

Globalization

in recitation

For this exercise you need to verbally answer the question:

“How will globalization affect me and the place I live?”

The place where you live is somewhat fluid due to both the issue of scale and your age and educational status.  You could choose Boulder, the state of Colorado, the town you lived in before you came to school here, the state you lived in, or the entire country you lived in if you are from outside the United States.  Pick one or more.

Your recitation group will democratically select 6-8 topics surrounding the globalization issue for you to focus on.  Now you need to make yourself familiar with the issues around globalization so that you are able to speak intelligently about how they affect your place(s).  The text has information on this (mostly chapter 13) and the lecture will feature it.  It is a good idea to do additional research.  News media are good for this, especially hometown newspapers and business sections.  If you have trouble ask your TA or a reference librarian at Norlin for help.

In the next two weeks you should be prepared to give brief 2-3 minute statements about some of the chosen topics and how globalization has or will change them in your place(s) of choice.  You do not need to “take sides”; it would be best if you had both negative and positive things to say about the changes.  You may use notes but do not read your statement.  Just as your statements will spark debate you are expected to comment on a few other students’ statements.

A note about respectful discussion:
             Globalization is an extremely complicated issue and reaches into deeply held values and feelings.  You are not expected to come up with an “answer” to globalization – just to discuss it.  In an academic setting like this you should feel free to express your political or other views freely as long as they are not insulting or degrading to others.  The flip side is that you must respect others’ arguments even if they do not agree with yours (though this should not stop you from commenting on them).  Your TA will monitor the discussion and make it a priority to ensure that all students have a fair opportunity to participate. 

Time Line: in recitation:

Value:

This exercise could be worth 8.3% of your final grade (your lowest exercise grade will be dropped).  You will be graded on your understanding of the material, your research of the topic, and your ability to make a sound argument or statement.