Books on Global Issues, English, and World Citizenship

Jihad vs. McWorld is a unique analysis of the central conflict of our times - the clash between global consumer capitalism and ethnic-religious fundamentalism. McWorld refers to the global spread of capitalism which is dissolving barriers between nations, transforming the world's cultures into a bland uniform market and spreading a creed of MTV, Macintosh and McDonald's. Jihad refers to the ethnic, religious and racial hatreds fragmenting the world into ever-smaller tribal units. This book examines these diametrically opposed forces in detail, shows how both are undermining democracy, and explains how the world is both coming together and splitting apart at the same time. Barber helps make sense of our crazy modern world where Chinese communists pursue Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, where Iranian zealots watch Dynasty on TV, and where Serbian snipers wear Adidas sneakers and listen to Madonna on their Walkmans.

This book, written by a world authority on the English language, presents a lively account of the rise of English from an obscure 5th Century Germanic dialect to a language of international communication spoken by 1.5 billion people around the globe. Crystal attempts to answer three basic questions: What makes a world language? Why is English the leading candidate? and Will it continue to hold that position? He starts by defining what a global language is, explains the reasons why we need one and points out the dangers that a global language entail. He explains in detail the various reasons - historical, political, cultural - that have made English a global language and describes the diverse roles of English in such areas as diplomacy, the mass media, travel and tourism, and international communications. He finishes by discussing the backlash against global English, the US "Official English" debates and the many New Englishes springing up in such nations as India, Singapore and Kenya.

This 400-page handbook is published by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). It brings together in one volume the experience of 40 experts in the teaching of social issues to address such questions as Why should we teach about social issues? How can we do this most effectively? What problems do issues-based teachers face? What resources can help us in this task? The book's 11 sections are: (1) Definitions and Rationale; (2) Reflective Teaching Strategies; (3) Cultural Diversity: (4) Historical Themes; (5) Global Studies and the Environment; (6) Social Sciences; (7) An Issues-Centered Curriculum; (8) Assessment; (9) Teacher Education; (10) Futures Education; and (11) Materials and Resources. Specific topics include designing social issue lesson plans, class discussion methods, teaching social issues to children, and teaching human rights.

This thought-provoking and inspiring book, edited by Joseph Rotblatt - Physics Professor at the University of London, founder of the Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs, and winner of the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize - comprises twelve essays on the theme of world citizenship. The book points to the global issues facing our world and argues that humankind needs to make the final step to world citizenship, just as historically we learned to expand our loyalties from the family to our communities and the nation state. Part 1 outlines the rationale for world citizenship and the interdependence of our global village. Part 2 discusses education for world citizenship through essays on introducing world citizenship into the school curriculum, international exchanges between young people, misinformation and the role of the media, and building a sense of global community through electronic communication such as e-mail and the Internet.

Newsletter #29
Global Issues SIG Newsletter Index

---

www.jalt.org/global/29Holi.htm