Week 5 in-class: Modernization

RAP

W5 Rat Modernization

Additional resources for the RAP:

Top Ten Countries that Save the Most

Short summaries of Rostow’s 5 stages: Which characteristic described within each stage best describes the stage?

Does recession change the stage of Modernization? Read and discuss this article: 60 Years of American Economic History Told in 1 Graph

Activities

1. Is it possible for a country to progress in a different way than that described by Rostow? Craft a single-sentence answer and write a one-page defense of your answer. 

2. Which stage is the least necessary in order for a nation to become “modernized”? Why?

A) Traditional society

B) Pre-takeoff

C) Takeoff

D) Drive to maturity

E) Mass consumption

3. What percent of countries follow Rostow’s stages of modernization? Write a one-page defense of your decision.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

4. Consider this article on American exceptionalism:  As Latter-Day Saints, we do believe that America is a special nation that God has a special purpose for (Restoration of the Gospel, etc.). As the Church grows, we may wonder if it is inappropriate or insensitive to talk about America as being special or better than other countries. As a group, craft a single sentence describing how you think this should be treated. (Find the balance between sensitivity and fearlessly embracing doctrine).

5. Relate the last activity to Modernization as described in this article.  Should the U.S. regard itself as exceptional (here, let’s define exceptional as a “role model for other countries”) in the context of Modernization theory? Why?

6. Which of these do you think is most accurately described/classified as a myth? Why?

A) American exceptionalism is exceptional

B) The United States is better than other nations

C) America’s success is due to its special genius

D) The United States is responsible for most of the good in the world

7. Your team has been commissioned by the fictitious organization Global Rethinking Of World Theory (GROWTh)  to identify the country that most epitomizes Rostow’s proposed stages of development. Which country do you choose and why? Use World Bank, CIA and BBC Country Profiles as resources.

A) Greece

B) China

C) Brazil

D) Russia

8. Your team has been commissioned by the fictitious organization Global Rethinking Of World Theory (GROWTh)  to identify the country that most defies Rostow’s proposed stages of development. Which country do you choose and why? Use World Bank, CIA and BBC Country Profiles as resources.

A) Greece

B) China

C) Brazil

D) Russia

9. Consider the National Development Plan of South Africa. To what extent does it sound like South African leaders subscribe to Modernization Theory? Why?

A) Not at all

B) Somewhat

C) Moderately

D) Heavily

10. Consider South Africa’s 14 proposed outcomes.  Which sounds most like an American value (not necessarily outcome, but value)? Why? Write a one-page defense of your answer

  • Which sounds least like an American value (note necessarily outcome, but value)? Why?
    • Write a one-page defense of your answer
  • Does the fact that we compared this plan to American values mean that we (I) subscribe to Modernization Theory? Why?

11. France began a trend to measure national happiness instead of just Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  Your team has $1T to promote either:

A) Just the National Happiness Index

B) Just GDP

  • Decide which option you will support and why. Write a one-page explanation of your position.
  • Does France’s decision to start emphasizing national happiness go with or against Modernization Theory? Explain your answer.

12. South Sudan has the lowest GDP per person per year–just US$222! With your team, spend 30 minutes studying South Sudan and tell us if you think they should (there are other options, but you will choose the best from the options below):

A) Adopt the U.S. and Western Industrialized world’s approach to development

B) Adopt a new model of development but one that fits their situation

C) Keep their current model of development (make no changes)

Potential Harkness problems:

  • Is there a danger in thinking there is a right way for growth to happen?
  •  What role should the U.S. (or Western industrialized nations) play in other countries’ growth (if any at all)?
  • Is the U.S. (and other Western industrialized nations) to blame for crises in other continents? It is often blamed for the mass economic recessions in Latin America in the 1990s and for supplying weapons that are used in genocide/war/terror to African nations. Do we agree?
  • Does recession change the stage (move a country backward)? Consider the article: 60 Years of American Economic History Told in 1 Graph
  • Are Rostow’s stages really valid? Helpful? in the real world?