This assignment’s purpose is threefold. First, it assesses your historical understanding
of globalisation. Second, it evaluates if you understand how the history of globalisation influenced the
contemporary world. Finally, it tests your ability to implement the basics of the Chicago footnote and
bibliography referencing system, which is central to historical research.
Assignment Instructions
For you to successfully complete your assignment, answer the following essay question.
As a historical force, globalisation has had an immense impact on our modern world. Choose
one product or object that you encounter in your everyday life and discuss how its history has
been shaped by globalisation. Think of any familiar fashion, food, technology, or cultural
examples.
To help you answer this question, follow these steps.
1) Understand Globalisation as a historical force.
2) Choose a product you use every day.
3) Explore the history of your chosen product.
4) Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation.
Possible examples to focus your assignment on, include: African wax print, sneakers, corn (mealies),
coffee, telephones, automobiles, snuff, or Amapiano music.
You must use the following prescribed reading when answering your essay question:
1) Steger, Manfred. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Third Edition. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 2013
2) Friedman, Thomas. The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization. New York:
Anchor Books, 2000.
When referencing sources, use the Chicago footnote and bibliography referencing system.
Your essay should be approximately 1000 words in length and should include footnotes and a bibliography.
To successfully complete your assignment, follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand Globalisation as a historical force.
- Read the prescribed reading: Steger, Manfred. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Pay attention to the key concepts and historical aspects of globalisation.
Step 2: Choose a product you use every day.
- Think about the products or objects you encounter in your everyday life. It could be fashion, food, technology, or cultural items.
- Select one product that interests you and has a clear connection to globalisation.
Step 3: Explore the history of your chosen product.
- Research the history of the chosen product. Look for information on its origins, development, and how it became part of global trade.
- Consider factors such as trade routes, colonialism, technological advancements, cultural diffusion, or economic changes that shaped the product's history.
Step 4: Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation.
- Analyze how globalisation influenced the production, distribution, and consumption of the chosen product.
- Discuss the impact of global trade networks, cultural exchange, technological advancements, or economic policies on the product's history.
- Explore how the product's history reflects the larger trends and processes of globalisation.
Remember to incorporate the Chicago footnote and bibliography referencing system in your essay, referring to the prescribed reading and any additional sources you consult.
Good luck with your assignment!
To successfully complete this assignment, you need to answer the essay question by discussing how the history of a chosen product or object has been shaped by globalization. Follow these steps to guide your approach:
1) Understand Globalization as a historical force:
Begin by obtaining a thorough understanding of globalization as a historical force. Research key concepts, events, and processes related to globalization. This will provide you with a foundation for examining the chosen product's history in the context of globalized forces.
2) Choose a product you use every day:
Think of a product or object that you encounter in your everyday life. It could be anything from fashion, food, technology, or even cultural examples. This product will be the focus of your essay.
3) Explore the history of your chosen product:
Conduct research to explore the history of your chosen product. Consider aspects such as its origins, development, manufacturing processes, distribution, and any significant changes or impacts it has had over time. Look into how globalization has influenced these aspects and contributed to the product's history.
4) Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalization:
Analyze and connect your chosen product's history to your understanding of globalization as a historical force. Consider how globalization has affected the product's production, marketing, accessibility, cultural significance, and any other relevant factors. Discuss the specific ways in which globalization has shaped the history of the chosen product.
For additional guidance, refer to the prescribed reading, "Globalization: A Very Short Introduction" by Manfred Steger. This book will provide you with insights and perspectives on globalization that can be integrated into your essay. Make sure to properly reference and cite any sources used, following the Chicago footnote and bibliography referencing system.