There are a series of worksheet questions to assist you in analyzing each documentary and to stimulate ideas and information in formulating your overall reflection for this assignment. These are just guiding questions and need not be included in your assignment. It can be argued that globalization is based upon the move from folk to popular culture, yet a common, central human desire to pursue "happiness" or "quality of life". How do you define "happiness"? What does your culture teach you about what you need to do in achieving happiness? Does it involve "being successful" and consumption of resources? The diffusion of popular culture may threaten the survival of traditional folk culture, which often results in conflict. Does one individual's happiness possibly cause another "sadness" or obstacles in their own pursuits? Is this related to economic and political sameness or differences us vs. them? Popular culture may be less responsive to the diversity of local environments and consequently may generate adverse environmental impacts. Is it reasonable to think that each human has certain environmental rights, such as the right to a healthy environment (Green Rights)? Loss of traditional values - is this a requirement of globalizing? Control of the media vs. innovation of diffusion via satellite and internet communication - is the Internet the great globalizing force of our civilization? In a global economy and culture, popular culture appears increasingly uniform... "sameness" Popular culture is less likely than folk culture to be distributed with consideration for physical features of the environment.... The environment seen as a commodity (natural capital) in a globalizing economy Popular culture can significantly modify or control the environment. It is often imposed on the environment rather than rising from it, as with many folk customs. Once you have considered the background notes, viewed the documentary films and considered the background reading, you will have a good sense of the current debate that social scientists are having over the globalization verses localization debate. Clearly, all of these processes have spatial implications for humans and the environment. In addressing this assignment, you are asked to design a reflection paper that outlines each side of the debate over the idea that the world is becoming more globalized vs. the idea that globalization is now in retreat and we see some of the truths about this globalizing world. It would perhaps be best to consider the "sides" of the debate as ends on a continuum, from local to global, as discussed in our class. As a process of human and environmental change, we call these "globalization" and "localization". In your reflection, be sure to bring in the discussion and information presented in the documentaries - the notion of "the economics of happiness", "sustainable happiness" and the important question of environmental rights of all humans to a safe and clean environment. Be sure to leave room for your own personal reflection on the concept of globalization, with a clear demonstration of your geographic perspective.