COURSE

GUIDE

GECTWO1X

THE CONTEMPORARY
WORLD
 THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

I. Course Description

The Contemporary World is an interdisciplinary outcome-based course that

tackles globalization and the globalized world through theoretical studies, conceptual
perspectives and real world discussions that will be garnered from a diverse pool of
sources i.e. journal articles, news, documentaries and even the general public.

This course aims to: introduce the students to the imperative concepts and theories
concerning globalization; guide students to identify the challenges posed by
globalization; and encourage the students to examine globalization’s effects on
traditional cultures, communities, nations and political institutions, including local,
national and regional economies.

In line with the above mentioned, students are expected to produce either Philippine-
centric or international case studies of communities that have greatly felt the impact of
globalization. Above all, it is through a combination of readings, class discussions,
writings, and group presentations that this study will be able to contribute to the discourse
surrounding the implications of having a globalized world.

II. Course Objectives

The course The Contemporary World aims to encourage students to:
1. Take a position in a contemporary world issue;
2. Relate scholarly readings or videos to actual life situations/experiences;
3. Discuss the Filipino values necessary in a globalized world;
4. Employ individual moral, cultural, and spiritual values while studying cultures
and beliefs of others;
5. Apply the core values and lessons learned in class by exhibiting these and
influencing others;
6. Practice consciousness of the world realities and social issues as mirrored by the
reading materials;
7. Write a case study, reflective papers, and articles centering on globalized
communities and their responses to the phenomenon
8. Analyze contemporary problems and their impact to the Philippines;
9. Construct creative outputs like infographics, posters, and if possible on-line
projects i.e. wikis and website to promote different countries;
10. Evaluate one’s feelings and point of views in life/ideas with others.
III. Learning Outcomes

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

C. Values
1. Articulate personal positions on various global issues
2. Evaluate one’s feelings and point of views in life/ideas with others.
3. Practice consciousness of the world realities and social issues as mirrored by the
reading material.
4. Apply the core values and lessons learned in class by exhibiting these and
influencing others

IV. Graduate Attributes

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES INTENDED FOR NATIONALIANS (GAIN)

1. Conscientious and Reflective Leader
2. ICT Literate and Competent Communicator
3. Socially and Community-engaged Citizen Imbued with the Spirit of Patriotism
4. Innovative, Creative, and Critical Thinker
5. Interculturally Competent Collaborator
6. Life- and career-skilled Individual

This course aids in the attainment of NU’s vision for you by training you in the ff:
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES INTENDED FOR
Learning Outcomes for General Education Courses NATIONALIANS (GAIN)
GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN GAIN
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Exhibit higher levels of comprehension by
analyzing texts (written, visual, oral, etc.) ✓
critically.
2. Demonstrate proficient and effective
Intellectual
Competencies
communication (speaking, writing, and use of ✓
new technologies).
3. Use basic concepts across the domains of
knowledge through critical, analytical, and ✓
creative thinking.
 4. Apply different analytical modes in problem
solving. ✓
5. Appreciate the complexity of the human
condition and interpret the human experience ✓
from various perspectives
6. Examine the contemporary world from both the
Philippine and global perspectives ✓
7. Take responsibility for knowing and being Filipino
and reflect critically on shared concerns ✓
Personal and
8. Generate innovative practices and solutions
Civic
guided by ethical standards and make
Responsibilities
decisions based on moral norms and ✓
imperatives
9. Appreciate various art forms and contribute to
artistic beauty. ✓
10. Advocate respect for human rights and
contribute personally and meaningfully to the ✓
country’s development.
11. Work effectively in a group ✓
12. Apply technology to process information
effectively and use it to assist and facilitate ✓
learning and research
Practical Skills 13. Negotiate the world of technology responsibly
and create solutions to problems in various fields ✓
14. Manage one’s knowledge, skills, and values for
responsible and productive living ✓
15. Organize one’s self for lifelong learning ✓

V. Pre-requisites

This course has no pre-requisite; however, it is one of the required General Education
courses in your program’s curriculum. What is vital is that you know how to log-in to My
PLace (NU Laguna’s LMS), upload and download materials in MS Teams, have MS
Whiteboard installed in your device, and are part of the class’ online team.

VI. Course Outline

Course Material 1
Primer on Economics: Basic Economic Concepts
Immanuel Wallerstein’s World-Systems Theory

Course Material 2
The Rise of Globalization: Historical Events that Gave Rise to Globalization
Age of Exploration
World Wars 1 and 2
Cold War
The New Globalization
Course Material 3
Fake News, Malinformation, Disinformation and Misinformation
Media Globalization
Marshall McLuhan’s Global Village

Course Material 4
Major World Religions
Christianity
Hinduism
Islam
Buddhism
Judaism
The Influence of Globalization on Religion

Course Material 5
Primer on Demography: Important Terms and Concepts in Demography
Birth Rate
Mortality Rate
Population size, density and structure
Theories on Demography
Thomas Malthus’ Population Theory
Paul and Anne Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb

Course Material 6
Primer on Migration: Important Terms and Concepts in Migration
Internal and External Migration
Diaspora
Brain Drain

Course Material 7
International Organizations
UN
ASEAN
International Monetary Fund and the World Bank
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Course Material 8
Global Citizenship and Governance
Cosmopolitanism

VII. Course Materials

NU Laguna uses teacher-made course materials (CMs). For this course, you have eight
CMs, as outlined above. Each CM specifies additional readings, websites, and study
links you would need for supplementary study. Please visit My PLace for copies of your
CMs and your instructor’s PowerPoint presentations.

VIII. Schedule of Learning Activities

Industry is one of NU’s core values. As a Nationalian, you are expected to diligent and
hard-working in your studies. This course is delivered using RASL (Remote asynchronous
and synchronous learning). Although you may do your asynchronous studies anytime,
please take note of the scheduled synchronous sessions and the submission deadlines
set. Following the suggested study structure below will help you pace your studies.

Study Mode Topic Learning Activities Assessments and

Period Deadlines
Aug 15 Asynchronous Students Directory Orientation on the None
course
Aug 18 Synchronous Definition of Discussion on Recitation
Globalization Globalization
Aug 22 Asynchronous Course Material 1: Refresher activity Seatwork (due
Primer on Economics regarding the basic TBD)
economic concepts
Aug 25 Synchronous Immanuel Discussion and Recitation
Wallerstein’s World- answering of the day’s
Systems Theory Essential Question
Sept 1 Synchronous Course Material 2: Discussion and Debate
The Rise of answering of the day’s
Globalization Essential Question

The New
Globalization
Sept 5 Perlas ng Silanganan: The Philippines in a Globalized World Interim Assessment
and 8
Sept 12 Asynchronous Course Material 3: Differentiating Seatwork (due
Fake News, between the different TBD)
Malinformation, kinds of information
Disinformation and encountered online
Misinformation
Sept 15 Synchronous Globalization of Discussion and Recitation
Media answering of the day’s
Essential Question
 Sept 19 Asynchronous Course Material 4: Reading on the Seatwork (due
Major World Different Major World TBD)
Religions Religions
Sept 22 Synchronous The Influence of Discussion and Recitation
Globalization on answering of the day’s
Religion Essential Question

Watch news feature

on BARMM
Sept 26 Interpretive Exam Midterm Assessment
and 29
Oct 3 Asynchronous Course Material 5: Reading on important Seatwork (due
Primer on terms and concepts in TBD)
Demography Demography
Oct 6 Synchronous Theories concerning Discussion and Recitation
Demography answering of the day’s
Essential Question
Oct 11 Asynchronous Course Material 6: Reading on important Seatwork (due
Primer on Migration terms and concepts in TBD)
Migration
Oct 13 Synchronous Migration Discussion and Recitation
answering of the day’s
Essential Question
Oct 17 Kababayan!: What it means to be Pinoy Interim Assessment
and 20
Oct 24 Asynchronous Course Material 7: Reading on the Seatwork (due
International rationale behind the TBD)
Organization creation of
international
organizations
Oct 26 Synchronous International Discussion and Recitation
Organizations and answering of the day’s
the SDGs Essential Question
Oct. 31 Asynchronous Course Material 8: Reading on Global Seatwork (due
How to be a Global Citizenship TBD)
Citizen
Nov 3 Synchronous Global Citizenship Discussion and Seatwork (due
answering of the day’s TBD)
Essential Question
Recitation
Nov 7 Interpretive Exam Final Assessment
and 10

IX. Class Policies and Procedure

1. Reading of assigned text and other materials is expected of you before you
attend synchronous class sessions.
2. You are encouraged to punctually submit assigned tasks such as performance
tasks, quizzes, class/homework, reflective papers, reports, projects, major
examinations, etc.
 3. Actively participate in oral activities and class discussions. These are graded.
4. You must observe and practice the National University core values.
5. Any student who violates policy on academic honesty will automatically receive
a grade of 0.0. These include plagiarism and data fabrication.

Synchronous Session Preparatory Activities:

1. Attend to your personal needs (i.e., appropriate attire, basic hygiene) before
entering the MS Teams classroom.
2. Wear smart casual attire. Sleeveless and sandos are not allowed.
3. You should be seated for the duration of the meeting.
4. Be on time in every session. Be in MS Teams classroom five to ten (5-10) minutes
before your scheduled class. This ensures that any last-minute connection issues
can be resolved so you will not be late in class.
6. Update your profile by uploading a NU identification picture.
7. Turn on your camera if your internet connection is stable.
8. Make the appropriate preparation before joining the discussion (i.e., do
advance reading, perform course works).

Synchronous Session Proper Decorum:

1. Mute the mic upon entry. Wait for your instructor to inform you when to unmute
your mic.
2. If you will attend to something very urgent during the class or if this will take some
time, inform your instructor with a chat message, and wait for the approval.
3. Wearing headphones/earphones is encouraged because it is much easier to
hear each other and will help prevent mic feedback.
4. Speak at a normal volume. Mute the mic when you are not speaking. Even
moderate background noise is distracting. If you are using the built-in mic of your
laptop, avoid typing when unmuted.
5. Inform your instructor with a chat message if you cannot see or hear what is
being discussed.
6. Use the chatbox properly. It is a channel for your instructor and the other
participants to share files and to address concerns or issues. Refrain from using
the chatbox for unnecessary and irrelevant conversations.
7. Click the “raise hand" function in MS Teams if you have a question or clarification
to make. Wait for your instructor to acknowledge you before unmuting the mic
to speak.
9. When speaking, give the listeners a hint that it is the end of the statement by
saying something like, “that’s all,” or “I’m done,” or “thank you.”
10. Show respect for one another. Refrain from using profane or inappropriate
language.
11. Stay focused on the discussion and take down appropriate notes.
12. Address your instructor properly (e.g., Dr. or Prof., or if in doubt, use Mr. or Ms.).
 13. No eating/ munching is allowed during the session. However, you are allowed to
drink water.
14. Leave the class at the end of every session courteously. Remember to sign out or
“leave the meeting”.

X. Course requirements and activities

During the term, you will be expected to submit, conduct, or be involved in the
following for course completion:
1. Active participation during recitation
2. Seatworks
3. Research Papers
4. Exams

XI. Grading

Grading Components Weight

Major Assessment (Midterm/Finals) 40%

Interim assessment 30%

Class activities 20%
Class participation 10%

XII. Grading System

Grade Range (%) NU Grade Point Attainment of Course

Outcomes
96-100 4.0 Exemplary

90-95 3.5 Proficient

84-89 3.0
Accomplished
78-83 2.5

72-77 2.0 Acceptable

66-71 1.5 Minimally Acceptable

60-65 1.0 Emerging

59 and below R Deficient

XIII. Your Instructor

I’m Day Fidel, your instructor for this course.

I graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with an

undergraduate degree in Sociology and a graduate degree in Public
Affairs Major in Strategic Planning and Public Policy. I am passionate
about research; in particular, my research interests include community
engagement, gender studies and education. I previously worked as a
Senior High School teacher in Miriam College Nuvali and I am now a
professor for Nationalians in National University Laguna.

Email: [email protected]

Advising and consultation hours:

Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (online)
Monday and Wednesday, 9 AM to 5 PM (face to face)