Politics and Society · 5th Year

Active learning ideas

Identity and Culture in a Globalised World

This final topic explores how globalisation reshapes national and cultural identities. Students reflect on what it means to be 'Irish' in a diverse, interconnected world and examine the concept of 'global citizenship.' The unit addresses the tension between the 'homogenization' of culture (everyone watching the same movies, eating the same food) and the 'hybridization' of culture (new, unique blends of local and global traditions).

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 4, LO 4.7
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 4, LO 4.8

• 25–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 25 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The 'Identity Onion'

Students draw an 'onion' with different layers representing their identities (e.g., Irish, European, Gamer, Musician, Local town). They pair up to discuss which layers are 'local' and which are 'global.' This helps them see that identity is complex and multi-layered in a globalised world.

How does globalisation impact national identity?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 45 min · Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Cultural Fusion in Ireland

Students bring in or find images of 'Cultural Fusion' in modern Ireland (e.g., Irish-language hip hop, an Irish-Indian wedding, a GAA club with players from 10 different countries). They display these and discuss how globalisation can enrich local culture rather than just replacing it.

What does it mean to be a global citizen?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Inquiry Circle
• 40 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Global Citizen's Toolkit

In small groups, students define what 'Global Citizenship' means to them. They must identify three 'skills' (e.g., empathy, media literacy) and three 'actions' (e.g., ethical consuming, staying informed) that a global citizen should have. They create a 'digital poster' to share their toolkit.

How is cultural diversity shaping modern Ireland?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Globalisation will eventually make every country exactly the same.

  While some 'Americanization' happens, many cultures adapt global influences to create something new (hybridization). Peer discussion on 'Glocalization' (global ideas adapted to local tastes) helps students see that local culture is often very resilient.

• You have to choose between being 'patriotic' and being a 'global citizen.'

  These identities can coexist. You can care deeply about your local community and country while also recognizing your responsibility to the wider world. An 'Identity Mapping' exercise helps students see how these roles can complement each other.

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share
• Gallery Walk
• Inquiry Circle