THE CONTEMPORARY
WORLD
Course Introduction
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.
Course Learning Outcomes:
A. Competencies
● Distinguish different interpretations of and approaches to globalization
● Describe the emergencies of global economic, political, social, and cultural
systems
● Analyze the various contemporary drivers of globalization
● Understand the issues confronting the nation-state
● Assess the effects of globalization on different social units and their responses
B. Skills
● Analyze contemporary news events in the context of globalization
● Analyze global issues in relation to Filipinos and the Philippines
● Write a short article on a topic related to globalization
C. Values
● Articulate personal positions on various global issues
● Identify the ethical implications of global citizenship
INTRODUCTION
We are now living in the 21st century- the Contemporary World. Globalization is
the by-word of the time. Gone are the days when we just confine ourselves to what is
“local”- focusing only on our goods, services, and other resources.
Times have changed- and these changes are so rapid that we have to catch up
with the changing time. As we look beyond our steps, we meet many challenges along
the way- those in business, education, health, science and technology, and other new
fields of endeavor. We just cannot close our eyes but we need to respond to these
challenges because they have an impact to our lives, to the community, and in the
country where we are doing our activities.
This curriculum for the tertiary level intends to impart the students
with knowledge needed to be competent and excel in their future
professions, to comprehend the complexities of the modern world, both at
the local and global levels, and adapt to these multiple levels of social
interactions. It also aims to turn the new generations of learners into critical
thinkers and agents of change. In other words, this new curriculum for the
tertiary level prepares the students to the new challenges that will face after
college.
It is within the above-mentioned education environment that the general
education course called The Contemporary World was conceived by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and will be offered to the new breed
of learners.
Relevance of the Course:
1. Studying the outside world is a cure to parochialism or an
outlook that is limited to one’s immediate community. A person
who is concerned only with his/her family, village, or even
country is parochial. The parochial person is, thus,
close-minded.
By teaching you about the world, this course aims to stretch
the limits of your imagination and outlook. There may be
unfamiliar ideas and cultures that may spark new interests and
concerns.
2. It is important to study the world because it can teach you more
about yourself.
Knowing about other countries allows you to compare your
society with others. The experiences of communities outside the
Philippines may provide solutions to many of the country’s current
problems. They may also provide warnings about what not to do.
3. You need to study the world because you will be interacting
with it.
Due to the internet, cheaper travel costs, and larger trade of
goods and services, the world has grown more interdependent.
Filipinos are increasingly becoming aware of this
interdependence. You cannot avoid globalization so might as
well study it.
Approaches in Studying the Contemporary World
● Focus on themes, problems, and issues
● The goal is not simply to tell you about what is “out there”, but also to expose
you to the ideas that allow you to make sense of that “out there”.
● Central to the study of the world is the concept of globalization – the
deepening global interconnectedness of places, ideas, economies, cultures,
and people.
● It is about “What is going on in our world today?”
● Challenge you to think beyond your country and ask what it means to be a
citizen of the world.
Synthesis
The contemporary world is a complex state, characterized by
rapid scientific and technological advancements, colorful transfer
of culture, and thriving economies. It is, therefore, a challenging
feat to capture the nuances of the various issues, dimensions, and
manifestations of globalization into an instructional material such
as in this course, The Contemporary World.
Good luck to us in this one semester journey!