Module on:

CONTEMPORARY
WORLD

College of Arts and Sciences

Authored by: Antoinette Marie Amatong-Ruiz

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Introduction to the Contemporary World course module

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 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 achieve the following:
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 nations
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

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

Course Outline*:
Weeks 1-2 Introduction to Globalization
- Defining globalization

Weeks 3-5: The Structures of Globalization

- The Global Economy- Market Integration
- The Global Interstate System
- Contemporary Global Governance
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Weeks 6-8: A World of Regions
- Global Divides: The North and the South- Asian Regionalism

Week 9: Midterm

Weeks 10-11: A World of Idea 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

Weeks 17-18: Conclusion

- Global Citizenship
- Research paper writing
*May vary, depending on the school’s approved academic calendar.

Course Requirements**
1. Regular quizzes
2. Midterm analysis paper
3. Group reports or project
4. Final term paper

Assessment
Weekly Assessments (Mini Reflection Papers and Recitation – as applicable)- 30%
Midterm Paper 25 %
Group project - 20 %
Final Research Paper/ Project – 25%

** May vary, depending on the learning modes to be adopted.

REFERENCES:
The Contemporary World. Claudio, Lisandro E., Abinales, Patricio N. C&E Publishing,
Inc., Quezon City, 2018.

The Contemporary World. Aldama, Prince Kennex Reguyal. Rex Book Store, Manila,
2018

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Instructor-Student Introduction

To create a good class rapport, I would like us all to get to know each other. I,
Antoinette Marie Amatong-Ruiz, will be your class instructor on this general course for
this semester. Currently, I am also part of the College Administration as the Director of
the Alumni and Public Affairs Office (APAO).

I am a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, and Master of Arts in Media

Studies at the University of the Philippines (Los Banos and Diliman). My professional or
work background spans across the different fields of Communication: media, public
relations and advertising, corporate and marketing communication and research.

It is my objective that you will learn from this course, as much as I would learn from you.
Learning is a two-way street. Hence, I encourage you to participate in the online
classes, read and understand your modules, and answer the assessments as best as
you can. This course can be enlightening, inspiring and highly practical if you choose
to see it that way, whatever background (course/ major) you are taking because
Globalization is a global at the same time a very personal phenomenon.

As your teacher and mentor, I will share whatever knowledge and insights I have. What
you learn, and the “grade” that you will get for this course will be determined by your
own inputs and outputs and your personal attitude. Thank you in anticipation of your
cooperation – and your practice of the three values (3 I’s) of this College – Industry,
Intelligence and Integrity. At the end of this semester, may you gain the mark
#TatakBonifacio of a true and #ProudBonifacian.

ASSIGNMENT: (Note: As of Sept. 14, this is done already/ no need to accomplish as we

already had our virtual introductions last week. Thank you. -AMAR)

My first assignment for you is to compose a short introduction of yourself:

- Who you are (name, age, year level, course/major, current residence,
Facebook account name)
- What your interests and hobbies are, the areas you are passionate about
(gaming, sports, politics, fashion, movies, etc.)
- A current photo of you

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For submission via comment on our section’s Facebook Private Group (for everyone
to see/ read), within the days of Sept. 7-10. Again, please adhere to the social media
etiquettes and rules to avoid disciplinary action.

Lesson 1: An Introduction to Globalization: Theories, Definitions and Examples

What is Globalization?

◦Encompasses a multitude of processes that involves the economy,

political systems, and culture

◦Globalization is a very important change, if not the most important

change (Bauman, 2003)

◦“The process of world shrinkage, of distances getting shorter,

things moving closer. It pertains to the increasing ease with which somebody on
one side of the world can interact to mutual benefit with somebody on the other
side of the world” (Thomas Larsson, 2001)

◦ It is believed to be the onset of a “borderless world” (Ohmae, 1992)

◦ It is also termed as “Internationalization”, and “Colonization”

◦ Globalization can be a unifying force (+) or creating greater inequalities among

nations (-), depending on the nation’s institutional structures

◦ It is a reality. It is changing as the human society develops. It will continue to

happen and its future is harder to predict.

“Ponderables” (or things to ponder on):

- The descriptions and definitions may sometimes be negative or positive in

nature depending on the perspective of the book author!

- Take note of the key words – if not familiar with you, you can always consult
“Google” our best friend these days

Learn more about Globalization through these video clips. Each shows a different
perspective about the idea.
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 ◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ0nFD19eT8 (EXPLAINCITY)
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNejKHKSbl0 (EDUMECATE)
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-6LRqMAh4 (Hazel Niala)
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNAcMUDnyf8 (Globalization, Philippines
and the BPO Sector by Vanessa Clarice)

Lesson 2: The Metaphor of Solid and Liquid

Solid and liquid are used to describe the Globalization phenomenon for better
understanding.

To start with, let’s review the characteristics of Solids and Liquids and how they
relate to the big idea of Globalization:
SOLID LIQUID
Solids are like physical barriers that Takes the form of its container, not
prevent or make difficult the fixed.
movement of things. It can be
natural or man-made. Refers to the increasing ease of
movement of people, things,
Example. Nine-dash line in the information and places in the
South China Sea is the barrier of modern world.
Filipino fishermen.
Today’s liquid phenomena change
This is not a permanent barrier
though and it disappeared quickly and fluctuating. Like liquids,
eventually. their movement is difficult to stop.

It shows the global world – it is It tends to melt whatever is on its

becoming increasingly liquid. path.

Example: The “tidal wave” of

information in the social media.
Videos can go viral quickly in FB
and its spread to all parts of the
world is unstoppable.

Liquidity and solidity are always in constant interaction. However, liquidity is the
one increasing and proliferating today.

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 Globalization is best described by liquidity. Liquids always flow, so does
Globalization (Appadurai, 1996; Rey and Ritzer, 2010).

The Concept of Flows

◦ “Flows” or the liquidity concept

Refers to the movement of people, things, places, and information brought by

the growing porosity of global limitations (Ritzer, 2015)

Ponderables:

- Cuisine (food) influences are very “liquid”, and easily globalized. Many of the
food that we eat are considered of foreign origin – hamburger, pasta and
pizza, siopao and siomai, sushi, etc. yet they have become staples in our diet.

- Finance systems (for example the global stock markets) are also very liquid
and globalized. Trading is on a global scale; or a financial crisis in one country
or continent may also affect a faraway country!

- Other manifestations of “flows” are: labor flows or flow of migrant workers,

information flow -- music and movies that are produced by a certain country
can be seen by people from other parts of the world e.g. Hollywood movies
and KPOP!

Assessment: Quiz/Reflection Paper

1. In your own words, what is globalization?

2. Why is it important to define or examine globalization?
3. In broad strokes, please cite examples of how globalization manifests?

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Lesson 3 – Globalization Theories

Globalization can be seen in the integration, or blending of cultures which results to:

HOMOGENEITY HETEROGENEITY
or in the local language: or in the local language:
“Ang pagkaka pare-pareho “Ang pagkaka-iba iba ng
ng kulturang pinagsama” mga kulturang pinagsama”

Globalization increases either homogeneity or heterogeneity.

Homogeneity

o Refers to the increasing sameness in the

world as cultural inputs, economic factors and
political orientations of societies expand to
create common practices, same economies,
similar forms of government.

o Homogeneity in culture is linked to

cultural imperialism. A given culture influences
other cultures.

Examples:

o The rise of Christianity in the Philippines when the Spaniards first came in 1500’s
(Magellan’s voyage where they first “planted” the cross in Cebu)

o Americanization according to Kuisel (1993): The import by non Americans of

products, images, technologies, practices and behavior that are closely
associated with Americans/ America” or the “Stateside mentality of Pinoys”

Media imperialism
• It is said to be a part or a result of Globalization.

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 o It undermines the existence of alternative global media originating from
developing countries such as Al Jazeera (Bielsa, 2008) and the Bollywood
(Larkin 2003) as well as the influence of local and regional media. Meanwhile
the Internet is seen as an arena for alternative media as the global media
(Broadcast) are dominated by a small number of large corporations.

“Imperialism is a policy of establishing political and economic control over other

territories and states, to the benefit of the imperial power.”

Video Clips on Cultural Imperialism:

◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO-4DkFh5ww (Imperialism by Allensens,

Lecture from UBC)
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se9yuMn02ZY(Audiopedia)

Globalization relates to Capitalism, Liberalism

◦ In the economic world: The spread of neoliberalism, capitalism, and the market
economy (Antonio, 2007) are manifestations of Globalization.

◦ Global economic crises are products of homogeneity in economic

globalization. According to Stiglitz, the “one size fits all approach of the IMF”
which treats every country in the world as the same has made the rich
countries more advantageous in the world economy at the expense of the
poorer countries which leads to increased inequality among nations.

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 Who are these global personalities?
Why are they the poster boy/ girl of the free market economy?

Video Clips on Neoliberalism:

◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLtxUiwY6j8 (BBC Ideas)
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t41rFqVpB1I (Harvard X)

“McDonaldization”

o From the fastfood brand name McDonald’s - an American icon, a symbol of

anything efficient, mechanized, mass produced, commercialized.

o What the contemporary world is undergoing (Ritzer, 2008).

o Involves the global spread of rational systems, such as efficiency, calculability,

predictability, and control (just like in fast food restaurants!)

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Heterogeneity

o Pertains to the creation of various cultural practices, new economies, and

political groups because of the interaction of elements from different societies
in the world.

o Cultural “hybridization”

o Glocalization (coined by Roland Robertson in 1992) – global forces interact

with or a specific geographic area, glocal is produced

o Mcworld versus the “Jihad” – “intensification of nationalism and that leads to

greater political heterogeneity throughout the world”

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Assessment: Quiz/ Reflection Paper
◦ Can you give specific examples of cultural imperialism at work in the old and
contemporary times in the Philippine context?
◦ How about imperialism in the mainstream media (tv and radio) or the internet?
How so?
◦ With these learnings, how does Globalization come across to you – is it good or
bad? How so?

Lesson 4: Three Perspectives on the Global Cultural Flows of Culture

1. Cultural Differentialism

2. Cultural Hybridization

3. Cultural Convergence

Cultural Differentialism
o Emphasizes the fact that cultures are different and are only superficially
affected by global flows.
o The interaction of cultures is deemed to contain the potential for “catastrophic
collision” e.g. the class of civilizations best exemplifies this (Islamic versus
Western civilization, Sinic-Islamic-Orthodox-Western clashes)

Cultural Hybridization
o Emphasizes the integration of local and global cultures (Cvetkovich and
Kellner, 1997).
o Globalization is considered to be a creative process which gives rise to hybrid
entities that are not reductible to either the global or local

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 o Glocalization- or the interpenetration of the global
and local cultures resulting to a unique outcomes in
different geographic areas (Giulianotti and Robertson,
2007)

Cultural Convergence

o Stresses homogeneity introduced by

globalization. Cultures are deemed to be radically
altered by strong flows, while cultural imperialism
happens when one culture imposes itself on and tends
to destroy at least parts of another culture.

o Deterritorialization = means that it is much more

difficult to tie culture to a specific geographic point of
origin

Assessment: Quiz/ Reflection Paper

o Do you see any specific advantages or disadvantages of Hybridization of

“Glocalization” of cultures? How so? Cite examples.
o Do you agree that millennials like you are considered as “children of
Globalization”?

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Lesson 5 - The Globalization of Religion

◦ Today, religions are not relegated to the country where they began. Religions
have spread on a global scale. Globalization provided religions a fertile milieu
to thrive.

◦ Though religion is strengthened by globalization, it presents a challenge

through its hybridizing effects. Religion seeks to assert its identity in the light of
globalization. As a result, different religious identities come to the fore and
assert themselves. Such assertions cause a defensive reaction to globalization.

◦ Liberalism, consumerism and rationalism that come with globalization also

affect religion. Such phenomenon advocate scientism and secularism. But on
an opposing view, Scholte (2005) considered religion as anti-rationalist, hence
religion is anti-globalization.

◦ Anti-rationalism behavior is associated with fundamentalists and extremist form

of religion.

Sidebar topics: Video Clips on Religion and Consumerism

The Big Story: The Origins of Religion

◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9mFNgu6Cww
Religious and Secular Nationalism
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_UUMZNWgh4
Consumerism
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Unq3R--M0
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFlMQAppIpg

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Assessment: Quiz/ Research Activity

o Write a short timeline of the spread of a religion (Christianity, Islam, Protestant,

Buddhism, etc.) around the world to show how religion has become a platform
for Globalization.

Lesson 6 - Globalization and Regionalization

o Globalization and regionalization reemerged after the end of Cold War in the
1990s.

o At a glance, they seem conflicting: globalization is global and regionalization is

regional ☺

o Regionalization seems to undermine globalization in the context that regional

organizations prefer regional (only) partners over the rest. For example: ASEAN
(Association of South East Asian Countries) and EU (European Union).

o The regional organizations are perceived respond to the nation-members

attempt to reduce the perceived negative effects of globalization (e.g.
Vietnam only wants to trade with Thailand, Cambodia versus trade with US or
Great Britain,. Etc). Therefore it looks like regionalization is counter-globalization.

o The perceived threats of “ungoverned globalization” is strong, it must be

regulated.

o However with the emergence of “regional organizations” all over the world
(ASEAN, EU, South Americen Bloc’s Mercosur, etc) has created “inter-
regionalism” cooperation which in a way has become global in nature
already.

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 o “The new regionalism is not a barrier to political globalization but on the
contrary, entirely compatible with it – if not a direct encouragement”
o Why do regional groups seem to be more natural ? culture and identify dictate
this move. Countries of the same or similar culture and identity seem to have
stronger affinity (“Class of Civilizations” is avoided).

o Economic motivations also play a role – stronger bargaining power if you are
part of a bigger regional bloc than if you negotiate alone; More “protection”
when exposed to global competition

o TNCs Or transnational companies are also drivers; they lobby their host
countries to sign regional trade agreements for protection

o Examples of Transnational companies: Acer, Hyundai, Cherry Mobile.

Assessment: Quiz/ Reflection Paper

o Is regionalization better than globalization? Yes or no? Why?

o Does our country benefit more from regionalization or globalization? How?

Lesson 7 - History of Globalization

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Assessment: Quiz/ Reflection Paper

◦ Which view resonates strongest to you/ Which view best shows the history of
globalization in your own perspective? Why?

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Lesson 8 - Global Demography

• Demographic transition is a singular historical period during which mortality and

fertility rates decline from high to low levels in a particular country or region.

• There was rapid population growth after the World War II affecting the age
structure of Asia and the developing world.

• The baby boom in the developing world by was caused by the decline of
infant and child mortality rates. The west on the other hand, experienced baby
boom that resulted from rising birth rates.

• A remarkable effect of the demographic transition according to Shigeyuki

(2002) is the “enormous gap in life expectancy that emerged between Japan
and the West on one hand and the rest of the world on the other”.

• By 1820, the life expectancy at birth of Japan and the West was 12 years
greater than that of other countries. It increased by 20 years by 1900. In 1999
the gap declined to 14 years. These differences in time of transition affected
the global population.

Take a look at the Global Life Expectancies projection:

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 Ponderable: How do you interpret this data? What did you notice about the
numbers?

• In the 19th century, Europe and the West had the biggest share of the
population versus Asia and the Oceania. India and China suffered economic
stagnation during that time.

• There was a reverse in global population during the 20 th century (Africa, Asia,
Latin America and Oceania had high level of population).

• UN predicts that by 2150, Africa will lead the population growth, along with
upward trend frm Asia, Latin America and Oceania.

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 Ponderable: If China and India would be the leaders in terms of population,
what would be the implications for these countries, for the world and for us?

Assessment: Quiz/ Reflection Paper

• How is global demography an important facet of Globalization?

• How did globalization affect global demography?

Lesson 9 - Global Migration

◦ The movements of people around the world can be seen through the
categories of migrants:
- Vagabonds – are on the move because they “need to be” (push and pull
factors i.e not faring well in their home countries, and are forced to move find
better jobs, etc.)
- Tourists – are on the move because they want to be and they can afford it

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◦ Refugees are vagabonds forced to flee their home countries due to safety
concerns (Hadad 2003). Asylum seekers are refugees who seek to remain in the
country to which they flee.
◦ Examples: Syrian refugees who seek refuge in other Arab countries not
affected by conflict

• Labor migration – are those who migrate to find work driven by “push and pull
factors”. It faces many restrictions for reasons such as opposition from locals
who may be affected by migrant workforce, and terrorism concerns.
• The phenomenon of illegal migration is on the rise.

Authors: Yang, He and Chua https://slideplayer.com/slide/12241275/

• Migration benefits countries in ways such as: work that is not performed by
locals is taken in by migrant workforce thus boosting the economy; migrant
workers send remittances to their country of origin hence boosting foreign
currency reserves and consumer spending, the rise of companies that cater to
small amount but big volume of remittances (e.g. money wire transfers).

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 ◦ Diaspora- a Greek word meaning dispersion. Refers to members of ethnic
groups who have left their homeland in large numbers or have been forced
out
- A term used to describe migrant communities; a transnational process

Assessment: Quiz/ Reflection Paper

◦ Do you think you would ever migrate in the future? Why or why not – what are
your reasons? If yes, to which country?

◦ Interview a current or past OFW (family or friend) or balikbayan. Find out his
experiences in relocating to another country, what were his motivations? How
did this experience change him for the better or for the worst? What is your
own reflection of his experience?

PRELIM PROJECT: VIDEO STORY-TELLING

◦ Create a short video of how globalization has been /is part of your life. How it
plays out in your everyday routine, and decision-making and outlook in life.
◦ 1-3 minutes
◦ With you narrating or talking about your views.
◦ The class will upload their videos on YouTube for everyone's viewing. The
teacher and the class will vote on the top 3 videos.

◦ How do you tie in the concept of Globalization, migration with the spread of
COVID -19?

-XXX-

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