English V - Week 3 - Cultures and Globalization

Introduction: Hello everyone, and welcome to Week 3 of the course English V at Universidad Castro Carazo term IC 2024. In today's class we are talking about the topic of globalization and its effects on national culture.

Goals: In today's class we will

• Discuss differences in table manners.
• Debate the pros and cons of globalization.
• Practice opening a conversation, expressing interest, and closing a conversation.

Guiding Questions: By the end of today's class you will be able to provide a thoughtful response to the following questions

• How do table manners differ between cultures?
• What are the positive and negative effects of globalization on national cultures?
• What strategies can I use to open a conversation, express interest, and close a conversation in a natural way?

Task 1: Table Manners Around the World

All cultures have social rules or "manners" related to eating but they are different from country to country. Answer the questions below then listen to your teacher's instructions. 

• What is considered good manners when eating at someone's table?
• What about when eating in a restaurant?
• How did you learn your table manners?
• Do you know someone who has bad table manners?

• The Reader: CLICK HERE

• Group 1: CLICK HERE
• Group 2: CLICK HERE
• Group 3: CLICK HERE
• Group 4: CLICK HERE
• Group 5: CLICK HERE

Task 2: Discussion Global Connections

Today we are going to discuss the topic of globalization and it's effects on countries and culture. Starty by answering these questions with your partners.  

• What does globalization mean? Can you think of your own definition?

• Read this definition. How is it similar or different to the definition you thought of?
• Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide.

• Write a list of pros and cons of globalization. CLICK HERE and add your ideas to the document.

Task 3: Reading Practice

Now you are going to do a reading about the topic of globalization on page 15 and answer the questions in section 3 on page 14.

• If you don't have the book: CLICK HERE

Task 4: Critical Thinking Group Discussion

Now get ready to have a group discussion about the questions below. One person in each group should be the moderator. This person will ask the questions and encourage all group members to participate and share their opinions. Here are some useful phrases for the moderator:

• Now, let's look at the next question...
• What do you think about that?
• Who else has an opinion about that?
• That's a good point. What more can we say about that?
• Why don't we hear from another person?
• I agree with you. In fact, I think...

• In what ways do you think that globalization improves the quality of life for people around the world? Think of specific examples from Costa Rica. 

• Are there any ways in which globalization is causing problems? What are some examples?

• Did you know that Palí, Maxi-Palí, Mas x Menos, Perimercados, and Walmart are all a part of Walmart's Central America opperations? What possible problems can be created when one international corporation is the owner of most of the supermarkets in Costa Rica?

• Think about the media you consume on a daily basis. How much of it was created in Costa Rica? How much was created in another country? Which countries?

• Do you think Costa Rican companies and products can compete effectively with large foreign companies?

• Do you think globalization has effects of the culture of a country? If so, are local cultures at risk of losing their identity?

 

Task 5: Opening and Closing Conversations

Your teacher will play some example conversations from page 16 of the book. Then you will work with your partners to improvise your own conversations.

• Group Worksheet: CLICK HERE