This document helps you contact resources on the World Wide Web that, thanks to information technology, provide the latest material concerning the World Trade Organization (WTO).  In the process, you also improve your Web search skills, which is always a good thing to do.  I edited this page to help you find some of the most basic information about to the WTO and the many controversies that come with it.  I selected sites that would make a good beginning, but I encourage you to find others.  By the end of this exercise, you will better realize the impact of the new global information economy on almost all societies in general, and on our own in particular.  With a little luck, you will also get a better idea of how this new economy affects your daily life.
 
 
 
 

By the time you've finished with this assignment, you will 
better understand:

• why many people hold extremely intense opinions about the WTO
• why the WTO plays a growing role in world politics
• how the WTO affects your personal lifestyle
• how you, personally, are increasingly connected to different nations on a daily basis, both economically and culturally
• how to write an informative 10 page essay on the WTO, using Web sources, and utilizing the style guide located at: 
• http://webster.commnet.edu/apa/apa_index.htm
• (please check your course syllabus for due date)

I recommend that you organize the material you find into two major groups:

1.)  Material directly related to the  WTO, and 

2.)  Material dealing more broadly with the new global information economy. 

You'll want to have a diskette, or some other means available, so that you can copy and paste materials for your own files.  When in doubt, there's always the trusty paper and pen technology.

Next, please visit the following Web sights.  The descriptions after each title tell you what to expect:

World Trade and Development Center.  This organization is the product of a co-operative arrangement between the World Trade Organization and the World Bank, neither of which are universally popular organizations, but both of which are, nonetheless, quite important in today's international affairs.

Foreign Policy In Focus briefing papers. A site which provides background materials related directly to the World Trade Organization.  Good for getting the political dimensions of the WTO from sources widely recognized as especially competent, whether they're completely without bias is a matter for you to decide.

World Trade Magazine.  A journal devoted to specific problems encountered by nations attempting to compete in the global economy.  This site helps you to better understand the challenges of governments other than those of the major powers, such as the United States, in their efforts to keep apace in world trade.

World Trade Agenda.  An organization based in Geneva, which is the home of the WTO.  This site will update you on the latest and, often, the most controversial issues associated with world trade.  While this organization is business oriented, it also gives you a vivid picture of the conflicts arising between the member governments.

The Fair Trade Federation.  A group that attempts to trade in ways that promote sustainable lifestyles and respect for local cultures.  The Fair Trade Federation will give you a start in researching how non governmental organizations (NGOs) and civic action groups are attempting to affect global politics today.  Be on the look out here for other Web sites.

The following is a checklist of questions you should find helpful in organizing your research: 

1.  Why is the volume of international trade growing?

2.  Who are some of the most active groups involved in world trade issues?

3.  What are some of the most frequently mentioned issues connected to world trade?

When in doubt, you can refer to the course syllabus.

The table below tells you how I evaluate your  performance. 
 

	Failed 0-64	Poor 65-74	Fair 75-84	Good 85-94	Excellent 95 - 100
Stated Objective or Performance	Displays little or no comprehension of concepts of material.  Has, in effect, not followed the style guide.	Displays vague comprehension of concepts of material.  Has poorly followed the style guide.	Displays somewhat clear comprehension of concepts of material.  Has somewhat closely followed the  style guide.	Displays clear comprehension of concepts of material.  Has fairly closely followed the style guide.	Displays clear comprehension of concepts of material, together with an ability to generate original interpretations.  Has very closely followed the style guide.

By the time you have reached this point, you should have a much better understanding of the powerful forces of economic and cultural change at work in the world today.  These forces, as you should be able to see by now, raise emotionally intense issues.  Many people in the world are excited; many others are alarmed. 

At this point, ask yourself what you think about the issues and the groups involved.  Be prepared to come to class and discuss your findings, as well as your opinions based upon your research.  Finally, let me know which additional web sites you found useful and interesting.  My e-mail address is rwhite@loyno.edu.