SYLLABUS

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

SUBJECT: Global Trends

CODE: PEI 423
CHARACTER: Required
REQUIREMENTS: Having passed English level 5
CREDITS: 08
LOCATION: Eighth semester
HOURS OF CLASS: 68 semester hours (2 weekly modules)

B. INTENTIONS OF COURSE
This course seeks, on the one hand, that students perform in English, informing and
communicating in this language, meanwhile on the other hand, students should also
be able to identify, explain and analyze socio-cultural, economic and political
global trends. This course belongs to the second cycle of studies, Bachelor, and is in
line with professional knowledge and skills. This course contributes to the formation
of the general skills of the UDD´s global vision, analytical insight, communication,
autonomy and ethics, and to the specific skills related to the Journalism major such
as research, selection and integration of information, development of journalistic
products of varying formats and platforms, creativity and adaptation to the
environment.

C. OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

On a conceptual level
• Identify a trend as part of the process of globalization.
• Identify and understand the factors that define a socio-cultural, economic and
political trend.
• Approach and understand the development and scope of a global trend in the
XXI century.
• Identify sources to support the development of a trend, identifying the factors that
trigger them.
• Establish international benchmarks in order to analyze the development of a trend
and its consequences.

On a procedural level
• Face the challenge to read and communicate in English.
• Analyze the reasons for the emergence of a socio-cultural, economic and political
trend and its consequences.
*Este programa puede ser objeto de modificación al inicio del periodo académico*

* This syllabus may be subject to change at the beginning of the semester*

• Describe a global trend, its genesis, development and projections.
• Write in English reading reports related to global trends of the XXI century.
• Debate in English about the factors and consequences of a socio-cultural,
economic and political trend and its impact on society.
• Present presentations in English with arguments that reveal knowledge of the
submitted material and appropriate vocabulary.

In terms of attitudes
• Reflect from personal experience the importance of information and
communicate in English as a contribution to academic and professional
performance.
• Rate globalization as a process of the twentieth century that realizes cultural,
economic and political changes.

D. CONTENTS

Global Trends

 Cultural and Social Trends

1. Wellbeing as a social value: the international rise of yoga, meditation and
mindfulness
2. Migration and Diversity: globalization and the challenges of communities with
different value systems living in the same place. The Muslim world in US, Africans in
Europe, Chile as a host.
3. Human Relations and Identity in a Digital World: the break of social networks and
the rise of the “Selfie”. Young generations learn to shape and groom their self-image
for public consumption.
4. The challenges of an Ageing Population: Old people are living longer, producing
societal changes, but world social policies do not vary along.

 Trends in World Politics

1. From a Bipolar to a Multipolar World: The BRICS and other rapidly growing
economies shift the old balance of power while different countries appears as new
models
2. Corruption and political scandals: Politicians and their institutions are being
watched and questioned as media unveils illegal and unethical practices in
different countries.
3. Citizenry and social movements: From Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street

*Este programa puede ser objeto de modificación al inicio del periodo académico*

* This syllabus may be subject to change at the beginning of the semester*

  Economical Trends
1. Redefining value: The consumer gains power through social networks, driven
particularly by younger generations who value experiences they can share in the
web.
2. From Business for profit to Business for purpose: New generation of entrepreneurs
tries to tackle social challenges with responsibility, as companies look for
sustainability.
3. Sharing Economy or Collaborative Consumption: access versus ownership.
Internationally successful initiatives like Airbnb or car sharing. Alternative models as
Crowd-sourcing.
4. Development Models that defy Capitalism: New Social Progress Index against
Economic Growth (GDP), and the quest for an effective measurement tool to match
21st century needs.

Content units do not necessarily take place in chronological order, but may in
accordance to the needs of the course content to achieve better learning of the
origin, development and projections of each of the trends.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY
I will use a number of various techniques to teach my class. Examples range from:
PowerPoint presentations, books, Wall Street Journal, videos, class discussions, daily
discussions about news pertaining to my class. Students will give presentations and
will also write two papers during the semester.

EVALUATION

First Exam- 25%

Details will be announced in class.

Midterm Exam- 25%

Details will be announced in class.

Final Project- 35% in total (20% paper & 15% presentation)

Paper: Students will write an 8 page paper discussing one of the themes discussed
in class. As such, the range of topics is governed mainly by your interests and
imagination, but papers will be graded in part on the basis of your ability to integrate
class themes into the research questions and analytical content. The paper should
be 8 pages (double spaced and 12pt Times New Roman font) of text, not inclusive
of graphs, tables, maps and photos. You should also draw on outside sources or

*Este programa puede ser objeto de modificación al inicio del periodo académico*

* This syllabus may be subject to change at the beginning of the semester*

concepts as needed, and include references at the end of the document. Students
must have their idea approved by the professor!

Presentation: Students will give a brief 15 minute PowerPoint presentation of their

final paper. The presentation schedule will be determined on a sign-up basis in the
last few weeks of the class. Presentations will be given the last two days of class of
the semester.

Participation- 15%

This grade is based upon the quality of your contributions in class discussions and
group work days and also your daily attendance.

1. Every class students must bring a news article related to what we are
learning. The first fifteen minutes of each class will be spent discussing
articles.
2. During group work days I will assign each group a question related to the
weekly topic. Members must discuss amongst their group members the
question and then present their conclusion to the class.
3. Every once in a while I will ask the students to prepare a short PowerPoint
presentation on an aspect of the daily reading assignment.

All students will be expected to attend and actively participate in each class.
Learning from each other is a critical aspect of this course, as is the demonstration
of strong oral skills. A failure to have read the materials will be considered a failure in
class participation.

Evaluation of Papers:

While I will always strive to be fair in grading papers, I also expect a few things from
my students. All papers must meet the page requirement and should include the
following formats: Times New Roman 12pt font double spaced. Any papers that do
not meet these basic requirements will be docked one full grade.

Late penalty:

Late submission of papers will be penalized with a grade reduction of one FULL
grade for each day the paper is late (in today’s electronic world, this includes
holidays and weekends; there is no excuse). Due dates for outlines and discussions
with the professor on group work are also strict to allow us both to assess your
progress and adjust if needed. This late penalty is high and harsh because your
inability to complete your work will drag down your entire group; you simply must
deliver on time.
*Este programa puede ser objeto de modificación al inicio del periodo académico*

* This syllabus may be subject to change at the beginning of the semester*

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student caught in the act of plagiarism will
receive a “1” for the course and will be reported.

Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism involves two kinds of wrongdoing. Using another person’s ideas,
information, or expressions without acknowledging that person’s work constitutes
intellectual theft. Passing off another person’s ideas, information, or expressions as
your own to get a better grade or gain some other advantage constitutes fraud.

Examples of plagiarism include:

1. Any quotation, rewording, paraphrase, or summary of another person’s words,

thoughts, ideas, opinions, or theories without appropriate acknowledgement.*

2. The presentation in any form of another’s artistic, literary, scientific, or other

creative work as one’s own.

3. Allowing someone else to write one’s paper; copying, buying, or stealing either
in part or in its entirety one’s paper from another source such as a book, an article,
or the Internet.

Class Etiquette:

As a courtesy to me and fellow students, you are expected to follow proper

classroom conduct. If you are observed using your cell phone/blackberry (or any
other electronic device besides a computer for taking class notes), you will be
marked absent. Computers are for taking class notes and to conduct collaborative
group work during discussion sessions only; those observed surfing, chatting, etc. will
not be allowed to bring computers again. Recording of class sessions is not allowed
under any circumstances. Also, if you walk in late (even 1 second late) or leave early
you will be marked absent and will not receive participation points for the day.

Attendance Requirement:

This course requires 75% mandatory attendance, which means that all students are
allowed a maximum of six absences, counted from the date of Remove-Add, which
is noted in the respective academic calendar.

*Este programa puede ser objeto de modificación al inicio del periodo académico*

* This syllabus may be subject to change at the beginning of the semester*