CONTEMPORARY WORLD

• "contemporary" (the characteristic of being current, modern, recent)
• "world" (the entirety of existence),
• contemporary world can be defined as the present period, which is characterized by rapid changes and advancements in various aspects of life.
• It represents the modern age in which we currently reside and is often used in discussions concerning global affairs, cultural shifts, technological progress, and various factors that collectively define the current state of the world.
• contemporary world refers to circumstances and ideas of the present age.
• What do we mean by present age?

  The contemporary world is generally considered to have begun in the late 20th century, extending into the 21st century.
• first characteristic of the contemporary world, which is “rapid advancement in technology.”
• what marks the transition into the contemporary period?

  end of the Cold War in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• the second characteristic of the contemporary world; “interconnectedness.
• the end of the Cold War, this period also witnessed the rise of the internet,
• Contemporary issues encompass problems and opportunities that are pertinent to current life and politics.
• Two Competencies for Contemporary Issues

  1. interpreting the problem
  2. takes a position on a contemporary world issue.
• This includes the ability to interpret problems, defined by:

  1. Defining the Problem
  2. Analyzing the Problem
  3. Considering the Problem as a Whole
  4. Critical Self-Assessment
•  Defining the Problem: Identifying the main elements of the problem, including key facts.
• ·       Analyzing the Problem: Examining findings and considering different points of view.
• ·       Considering the Problem as a Whole: interpreting the problem. Such as evaluating the issue on different scales, whether its long-term or short-term impact or its scope of casualties, global or national scope.
• ·        Critical Self-Assessment: just like reflection time, here reflecting on one's thought processes throughout the competency development occurs.
• “Takes a position on a contemporary world issue”: This includes the ways how to express a stance or viewpoint on a current and relevant global problem, topic, or challenge.
• . The second contemporary competency is “Takes a position on a contemporary world issue”:

  1. Examine some points of view on the issue
  2. Consider the Media treatment of the issue
  3. Critically assesses his/her process
  4. Debates the issue
  5. Considers opportunities for social actions
• ·       Examine some points of view on the issue: In addressing a contemporary issue, it's essential to explore diverse viewpoints, understand the values behind them. Identifying common ground and differences among these perspectives lays the foundation for proposing potential solutions. Evaluating the impact of these solutions considers the broader context and ensures a comprehensive approach to the issue.
• ·       Consider the Media treatment of the issue: Examining a contemporary issue involves considering how the media covers it. Recognizing intentional choices made by media outlets and understanding their influence on opinions is crucial. This emphasizes the need for media literacy and a thoughtful approach to interpreting news for a nuanced understanding of the issue.
• ·       Critically assesses his/her process: Reflecting on the process of addressing a contemporary issue involves critical assessment, learning from gained insights, and evaluating strategy effectiveness. Identifying difficulties faced informs potential improvements for a more refined approach in the future.

  3
• ·       Debates the issue: Actively engaging in issue debates, opinions are fact-based, supported by developed arguments. Demonstrating an open mind towards differing perspectives fosters constructive dialogue.
• ·       Considers opportunities for social actions: Exploring opportunities for social action involves recognizing potential actions, identifying relevant contexts or institutions, and creating a focused action plan. This ensures a purposeful contribution to addressing social issues.
• Types of Contemporary Issues

  1. . Environmental issues
  2. . Social and Economic Inequality
  3. Global Health Concerns
  4. . Technological Challenges
  5. . Political and governance issues
  6. . Education
  7. Cultural and Identity Challenges
  8. . Human Rights
  9. Migration and displacement
  10. Economic instability
• Environmental issues

  These are issues that pose a danger to our environment. It can be manmade or natural and is considered serious if our environment takes time to recover and catastrophic it it’s projected to collapse.
• Climate change happens when there are shifts in temperatures and weather patterns
• Deforestation and pollution are evident in our environment.
• Social and Economic Inequality

  Social issues encompass concerns affecting society. How the economy works, grows, and affects the people. These issues are interconnected as they affect each other
• Income Disparity is the difference in salary between two people. This is considered both an economic and social issue because of the unequal distribution of money to society.
• Racial and Gender Inequality. In our gender and society class, we talked about how inequality can be based on gender and race. Before, women didn’t have the same access as men, especially in the workplace. Some employers don’t hire applicants because of their racial and gender standards.
• Global health concerns involve issues that impact or dangers the well-being or health of people worldwide. This may include the availability of medical care
• The pandemic is a global health issue because the health of large people is in danger.
• Access to Healthcare. Some third-world countries lack hospitals and healthcare centers which causes people to receive poor access to healthcare.
• Technological Challenges

  Refers to challenges or problems related to the development, use, and impact of technology. It does not only focus on the things that harm the well-being of the users but also on how the users should properly use the technologies to avoid harm.
• Cybersecurity protects systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.  
• Ethical use of technology includes what not to do while using technology. It is about how to Sensitive and responsible user
• Political issues may include debates, conflicts, or discussions about policies, ideologies, and the exercise of power.
• Governance issues, on the other hand, focus on the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of institutions and decision-making processes within a country or organization.
• Ø  Corruption is the fraudulent act of those people in power which can even be seen through bribery during election.