10.9 GLOBALIZATION AND A CHANGING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT (1990–PRESENT):
Technological changes have resulted in a more interconnected world affecting economic and political relations in some cases leading to conflict and in others to efforts to cooperate. Globalization and population pressures have led to strains on the environment.
(Standards: 2, 3, 4, 5; Themes: MOV, TCC, GEO, GOV, ECO, TECH, EXCH) Grades 9-12 Page 26
10.9a Technological changes in communication and transportation systems allow for instantaneous interconnections and new networks of exchange between people and places that have lessened the impact of time and distance.
Students will explore how information is accessed, exchanged, and controlled and how business is conducted in light of changing technology.
Students will investigate the causes and effects of, and responses to, one infectious disease (e.g., malaria, HIV/AIDS).
10.9b Globalization is contentious, supported by some and criticized by others.
Students will compare and contrast arguments supporting and criticizing globalization by examining concerns including:
• free market export-oriented economies vs. localized sustainable activities
• development of a mixed economy in China and its role in the global economy
• multinational corporations and cartels (e.g., Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)
• roles of World Trade Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and microfinance institutions
• economic growth and economic downturns (e.g., recession, depression) on a national and a global scale
• economic development and inequality (e.g., access to water, food, education, health care, energy)
• migration and labor
• ethnic diversity vs. homogenization (e.g., shopping malls, fast food franchises, language, popular culture)
10.9c Population pressures, industrialization and urbanization have increased demands for limited natural resources and food resources, often straining the environment.
Students will examine how the world's population is growing exponentially for numerous reasons and how it is not evenly distributed.
Students will explore efforts to increase and intensify food production through industrial agriculture (e.g., Green Revolutions, use of fertilizers and pesticides, irrigation, and genetic modifications).
Students will examine strains on the environment such as threats to wildlife and degradation of the physical environment (i.e., desertification, deforestation and pollution) due to population growth, industrialization, and urbanization.
10.9d Globalization has created new possibilities for international cooperation and for international conflict.
Students will examine the role of the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and efforts to build coalitions to promote international cooperation to address conflicts and issues. They will also examine the extent to which these efforts were successful.
Students will investigate one organization and one international action that sought to provide solutions to environmental issues including the Kyoto Protocol.
Students will examine threats to global security such as international trade in weapons (e.g., chemical, biological, and nuclear), nuclear proliferation, cyber war, and terrorism including a discussion of the events of September 11, 2001.
UN OPEC Nafta
e.html