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Contextualization: Introduction

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WORLDHISTORY PROJECT1200/ LESSON 2.3ACTIVITYCONTEXTUALIZATION: INTRODUCTIONUnless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Contextualization: Introduction”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/1PurposeContextualization—exploring the specific time and place in which an event happened—helps you better understand what caused somethingand why it matters.Key informationGreenhouse gas emissionsare heat-trapping gases—such as carbon dioxide and methane—released into the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.Contextualizationinvolves connecting events and processes to the specific circumstances of time and place.•Broad contextrepresents broader themes, trends, or events that are related to the event.Broad context helps us understand long-term causes of an event. •Narrow contextrefers to the themes, trends, or events that are more closely tied in time or place to the event. Narrow contexthelps us see the short-term causes of an event.Process1.Review the chart below and answer the questionsthat follow:Global greenhouse gas emissions201937.1 billion tons202035.1 billion tons•What do you notice about the chart above?
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT1200/ LESSON 2.3ACTIVITYCONTEXTUALIZATION: INTRODUCTION2•What could this data suggest about our progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?2.Read the news headline below and answer the questionsthat follow:•How does this new information change your understanding of the drop in emissions between 2019 and 2020?•Do you thinkthe 2020 drop in emissions is a sign of lasting change? Why or why not?3.Now, look at the chart below and answer the questionsthat follow:
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT1200/ LESSON 2.3ACTIVITYCONTEXTUALIZATION: INTRODUCTION3•What does this chart tell you about overall trends in annual greenhouse gas emissions?
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT1200/ LESSON 2.3ACTIVITYCONTEXTUALIZATION: INTRODUCTION44.Categorize the following statements as either broad or narrow context by checking the appropriate box.Then, place these statements in order,with 1 representingthe broadest context and 5 asthe narrowest.StatementsBroad contextNarrow contextOrder (1–5)For over two centuries, industrialized countries have depended on fossil fuels to power their economies and daily life.In 2020, major global events—including the Olympics and international summits—were canceled or delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The global economy depends heavily on international travel, trade, and commuting.The COVID-19 pandemic led to global lockdowns, travel restrictions,and commuting limitations for the many people who worked and studied from home.As cities expanded in the twentieth century, many places builtroads and neighborhoods in ways that made people rely on cars to get around.5.Write one or twosentences to answer thisquestion: Why does context matter when interpreting an event?