Welcome to Unit 1. Under this tab you will find information from our classes, links to any Docs, pictures and videos that are relevant.
Here are the Unit 1 Project instructions (including due dates). If you have any questions please feel free to email me or ask me during class.
Sept 7th
Here are the questions we looked at and answered in class today.
In light of the Gangnam Style video (Click here for English lyrics) we watched and discussed in class, here is an interesting article about what is behind the song. And to think it seemed like just another catchy pop song!
Sept 8th
Here are links to 13 different theories that you will find useful when analysing cultures. By the end of the course you should have been exposed to and used most of them.
In the meantime, you will split into 13 groups today and come up with summaries of each theory that can then be shared with the class as a whole through the Google Doc shared with you all through your school gmail accounts.
Conflict Theory Critical Theory
Feminist Theory Functionalist Theory
Rational Choice Theory Social Exchange Theory
Social Learning Theory Social Phenomenological Theory
Sociobiological Theory Structural Strain Theory
Cultural Materialism Symbolic Interactionism Theory
Game Theory
You should also be familiar with the following leading figures in the social sciences:
Surinder Bhardwaj, Franz Boas, bell hooks, Ruth Hubbard, Samuel Huntington, JeeYeun Lee, Lila Abu Lughod, Marshall McLuhan, Margaret Mead, Ziba Mir-Hosseini, Gayle Rubin, Edward Said, Cornel West, Mayfair Mei-yui Yang.
Sept 9th
During the course of the class today we will watch The Danger of a Single Story on TED Talks with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
What I want to know is how this concept ties into or guide your thoughts about your project and, to a greater extent, life itself!
Are there any among us who can honestly say that we don't have a single story of others?
Having admitted that we have single stories of people...why do we do it?
Is it a beneficial practice, or is it detrimental?
You might find this link showing 10 great tips for "searching Google effectively" useful. Some of the suggestions are amazing. You can use your time more effectively.
Sept 12th
First, explain how food is culturally important (ie: more than just what keeps us alive). Discuss in your pods and share with the class.
Sept 13th
Work Period.
Sept 14th
Work Period.
Sept 15th
We will look at Cultural Expression through music today.
Today's prompt: How does time and place affect the impact of cultural expression?
Today's examples are Victorian fashion and slave songs like Follow the Drinking Gourd.
Share your thoughts on the following:
Here is an example of Nepali Rap.
Here is some Kiswahili Rap where they talk about poverty in Tanzania.
Finally, something a little closer to home: Canadian Rap.
Sept 16th
Today, will look briefly at the connections between Culture and Art, Philosophy and Religion.
You will brainstorm the following topics during a group activity.
Outline forms of artistic expression that are particular to the cultures in the class. How does this relate to spiritual/religious beliefs, social structures, values, norms, identities?
Outline forms of philosophical beliefs that are particular to the cultures in the class. How does this relate to health/wellness, social hierarchies, land ownership, education, trade?
Outline forms of religious beliefs that are particular to the cultures in the class. How does this relate to dietary practice, gender roles, sickness, education, pilgrimages?
Connect to your projects.
Sept 19th
Students should respond to the following prompt:
Power relations within specific cultural groups can lead to conflict and misunderstandings. Think of how this might apply to the cultures you have chosen to relate to for the project. Some examples of this from around the world:
- Shadism (among African and Asian peoples);
- The Bedouin (not sure I spelled that right) and other Arabs in Iraq/Saudi region;
- Quebec Francophones and Anglophones;
- Teachers and Students.
Use your brainstorming on this topic to help guide your projects.
Sept 20th
Students should answer the following prompt:
What are the impacts of cultural labels and stereotypes? For example:
“Fresh off the boat”
“Black athlete”
“Muslims are terrorists”
“Asians are smart”
“British people have bad teeth”
“White people are boring”
“Gay men are flamboyant”
“Canadians are polite”
“Homeless people are lazy”
“Women are weaker than men”
Working in random groups, respond to one prompt. Share responses with class at end of period.
Are there any cultural stereotypes that are or have been applied to your perceived culture(s) that have had an impact on you?
Describe these and their impacts and add them to your projects.
What are the impacts of cultural labels and stereotypes? For example:
“Fresh off the boat”
“Black athlete”
“Muslims are terrorists”
“Asians are smart”
“British people have bad teeth”
“White people are boring”
“Gay men are flamboyant”
“Canadians are polite”
“Homeless people are lazy”
“Women are weaker than men”
Working in random groups, respond to one prompt. Share responses with class at end of period.
Are there any cultural stereotypes that are or have been applied to your perceived culture(s) that have had an impact on you?
Describe these and their impacts and add them to your projects.
Sept 21st
Project Work Day. Make sure to bring your devices so you can work effectively!Of the Critical Cultural Issues we have seen and discussed this week, how can we best address and potentially solve them? Choose one of the theories we worked on in week 1 and use it as a foundation for your solution. Once your are done you will have an opportunuty to share your strategy with the class. Be sure to mention the following:
- Your theory, and explain how it was used.
- Which issue you are tackling.
- How you hope to solve the issue
Project Work Day. Make sure to bring your devices so you can work effectively!
Here is a link to the PRESENTATION schedule for next week.
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