The Great Debate – Globalization: Good or Bad?
Economic "globalization" is a historical process, the result of human innovation and technological progress.
It refers to the increasing integration of economies around the world, particularly through trade and financial
flows. The term sometimes also refers to the movement of people (labour) and knowledge (technology)
across international borders. There are also broader cultural, political and environmental dimensions of
globalization. In simple terms it means the removal of trade barriers and economic international borders.
Globalization is about Trade. The term Global Village is appropriate.
Instructions:
1.
You are to take part in a debate regarding the value of globalization of the world’s economy. You
will be given a position to support either in favour of more globalization, or against the process of
globalization. You and your group members will review the necessary information in your text
book and the links below as well as research on your own using the library, internet, magazines,
etc. Make notes on the important points you may wish to bring up in the debate.
2.
Share the information you have gathered with the rest of your group and decide an action plan for
the debate. Divide the roles below and remember you must divide the roles in the debate as even
as possible.
3.
Prepare an opening statement, prepare a body of evidence, prepare a closing statement, and
prepare questions for the opposing side (this is done as the debate is happening)
4.
The debate will consist of the following format:
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
Each position will make an opening statement. There will be no interruptions.
(1-2 minutes per group)
i. Timeout – 1 minute to create questions for crossfire.
Each position will present a body of facts and statements to support their position. There
will be no interruptions. (5-7 minutes per group)
i. Timeout – 2 minutes to create questions for crossfire.
Crossfire: Each side will be allowed to ask 2-3 questions that the other side will have to
answer. (10 minutes maximum time limit for all questions)
i. ThTimeout – 2 minutes to add to / revise closing statement.
Each side will make a closing statement. This should include any new information
received during the discussion. (1-2 minutes each group)
Evaluation: Please see the attached rubric.
Useful sites:
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10ben_e/10b00_e.htm (benefits of trade)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/globalization.html
http://www.globaled.org/issues/176.pdf
http://www.globalexchange.org/resources/econ101/democratize
Globalization101.org