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Introduction to the Ages of Globalization: Class 1
Provided by: Ages of Globalization |Published on: September 10, 2025
Lesson Plans
9101112AP
Synopsis
The first six classes in the Ages of Globalization program provide a foundation for understanding human history, the drivers of global change, the effects of globalization on the planet, and the goals of sustainability, peace, and empathy.
In this first lesson from the Ages of Globalization course, students will learn about historical and current global issues and conflicts, as well as possible solutions.
Students will read and watch lectures from Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs to prepare them for in-class activities using data, ArcGIS, and other tools to explore the interconnectedness of regions across the globe, population growth trends, and the progress with Sustainable Development Goals in their local community.
The author of the text does an excellent job of defining unfamiliar terms within the text.
As both an author and lecturer, Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs is warm, engaging, and personable. Students will enjoy reading his words and listening to the introductory videos.
Prerequisites
Some topics in this lesson may cause students to feel overwhelmed. Teachers should monitor students and allow for them to process any difficult emotions.
Students should have a basic understanding of recorded history.
To learn more about the entire course, visit the course website.
Differentiation & Implementation
Teachers can implement this resource in a flipped classroom model by giving students time in class and outside of class to read the chapter and watch the videos in preparation for a class discussion. Teachers can use some of the suggested questions and have students provide answers, but may want to come up with a few open-ended questions to encourage more discourse.
Before having students read and watch the videos, teachers may want to define the vocabulary terms provided.
AP Environmental Science classes will find this course particularly relevant to a number of units in the curriculum and would fit nicely into an AP Human Geography course.
To help students explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals more in depth, teachers can use this curriculum guide to find resources appropriate for their students.
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