Pop Culture Around the World
One of the fascinating effects of globalization is the way that popularized culture and corporations have spread around the world. It doesn't seem to matter what country you are in, if you walk into a cinema, you can see a 'Hollywood film', and if you walk down enough streets, you are bound to find a McDonald's where you can order the classic big mac. Still, there is a unique element of customization that occurs with these, as movies in China will often be released with scenes cut or added, and McDonald's will usually have a country specific food on their menu. In this assignment, students will explore these differences and similarities in countries around the world. How do offerings (products, foods, or services) differ, what about prices? What things remain the same?
For this assignment, students can choose to work individually, or in pairs, and will either choose or be assigned a major world brand or corporation. Some suggestions for these include: Fast Food, Hollywood Films, Television Shows, Popular Music, Athletic Attire, Clothing, Professional Sports, Retail Stores, and Electronic Stores.
For this assignment, students have three components:
The research component of this assignment involves students exploring what their assigned topic looks like around the world. What are the similarities, and what are the differences from country to country? Is there a reason for these differences beyond just culture (i.e. Government policies)? Have other countries influenced the way that the company/media acts in north america?
The presentation/visual component of this assignment involves the students creating some type of representation of their findings to the class. Students could choose to do this as a poster board, as a diorama, collage, brochure...etc. The point of this is to create something that all of their classmates can look at and comprehend. A teacher can elect to have this presentation simply function as a gallery walk, or a tangible presentation.
The final component of the assignment should be completed individually, and is simply a written response to the question: To what extent should globalization shape identity? This should allow students to demonstrate their learning in a written manner, while integrating the discoveries they made in the midst of creating their presentation.
For this assignment, students can choose to work individually, or in pairs, and will either choose or be assigned a major world brand or corporation. Some suggestions for these include: Fast Food, Hollywood Films, Television Shows, Popular Music, Athletic Attire, Clothing, Professional Sports, Retail Stores, and Electronic Stores.
For this assignment, students have three components:
- Research
- Creating a Presentation/Visual Representation
- Written response to Issue Question
The research component of this assignment involves students exploring what their assigned topic looks like around the world. What are the similarities, and what are the differences from country to country? Is there a reason for these differences beyond just culture (i.e. Government policies)? Have other countries influenced the way that the company/media acts in north america?
The presentation/visual component of this assignment involves the students creating some type of representation of their findings to the class. Students could choose to do this as a poster board, as a diorama, collage, brochure...etc. The point of this is to create something that all of their classmates can look at and comprehend. A teacher can elect to have this presentation simply function as a gallery walk, or a tangible presentation.
The final component of the assignment should be completed individually, and is simply a written response to the question: To what extent should globalization shape identity? This should allow students to demonstrate their learning in a written manner, while integrating the discoveries they made in the midst of creating their presentation.