Unit 3 - Cultural Expressions

Oct 31st
Here are the specific instructions for the Unit 3 project. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask me in person or by email.

This week we will be looking at The Arts, Philosophy and Religion as they are expressions of the cultures that create them.

Weekly Prompt
C1: In what ways can art, philosophy and religion be used to spread the culture of tribalism or nationalism? (Hint: perhaps define your terms first?)

Weekly Prompt
C2: How does the context of historical events contribute to the wide variety of cultural expression in all societies?

Weekly Prompt
C3 How does the multicultural nature of Canada influence the nature of cultures within Canada?


Today's focus is Art. You will be finding examples of artistic expression from various cultures (You have been given access to this shared document). You may find that the work you do today, or the work of others becomes useful for your projects.



Here is the MIND MAP about Cultural Expressions that may help you find your inspiration.

Nov 1st
In groups, brainstorm answers to the following prompt, add them to the chart paper:
What is required culturally to have/support religion?

Watch the following video on religion - Pastafarianism.

Discuss the following:

1. Is this religion legitimate?
2. Is the fact that it’s a new religion a reason to discriminate against it?
3. Does this help or hinder the religious rights of others? 
4. How is this form of expression linked to (sub)culture?

Nov 2nd
Philosophy - You will be working in groups to decide upon what your ideal society would look like.

Nov 3rd
Chromebooks Work period

Nov 4th
Today we will debrief the Art and philosophy lessons from this week.


Nov 7th
Today we will be working in the Library. I have booked the PCs and the Tables.

Group work - Small Seminar Preparation
Goal: produce a 10 minute presentation on your group’s chosen topic, you will present tomorrow.

• Define Terms, explain the topic.
• Show and explain how TIME and PLACE has influenced this cultural expression.
• Show and explain how one of Social, Economic or Political conditions impacted this cultural expression.
• Compare this cultural expression to something in a different culture

Choose ONE of the following Cultural Expressions (First come, first served)

1. Public vs Private cultural expressions (Fashion - clothes, head coverings, burkinis, Hats at the Royal Ascot)
2. When is it cultural appropriation? (focus on Halloween costumes ex: “I am not a costume”)
3. Cubism and African Art (Is this part of the African Diaspora?)
4. Dream house vs Tiny house (How does this reflect consumerism?)
5. Japanese minimalist movement (Does East meet West?)
6. Graffiti (hurtful, hateful, or cultural artefact?)
7. China’s Cultural Revolution (Did this move forward, or backwards?)

Nov 8th
Presentation of Small Seminars

Nov 9th
Work day

Nov 10th
Today we will be looking at historical context and expressions of emancipation. To highlight this, I'd like you to listen to some Bob Marley songs and read over the lyrics.

Think about these questions while listening:
What do Bob Marley's lyrics reveal about the about the connections between Africa and Jamaica (the Caribbean)?

Can you think of examples of cultural expression that has come out of a hardship faced by a particular group?

 

Redemption Song lyrics

Africa Unite lyrics

Nov 11th

Work period

Nov 14th

Here is a link to a video we will be watching today:

To All the Little Black Girls With Big Names (Dedicated to Quvenzhane' Wallis)

Nov 15th

Work period

Nov 16th

Today we will be relocating to the Cafeteria. We will be looking at a series of videos on chromebooks at a variety of stations. You will be provided with chart paper and markers to record your ideas.

Watch the clips in your small groups. You will be rotating through each station every 10-15 minutes (approximately). After watching their clip, ask students to jot down what they took away from the video on the chart paper/whiteboard.

You should write your thoughts and questions related to the videos on the chart paper. Feel free to answer the questions posed by others.

1. Maori Haka – 2:55 Wedding Ceremony (New Zealand)
2. Dogon Mask – 2:35 dance (Mali)
3. Geisha Dance - 4:11 (Japan)
4. Tattoo - 4:10 Military Tattoo (Scotland)
5. Gathering of Nations - 3:19 (America/Indigenous)
6. Moko Jumbies - 4:20 (Trinidad & Tobago)

Nov 17th

Work period

Nov 18th

PD Day

IGNORE BELOW HERE...

Watch the videos linked below and respond to this question.

• What is the impact of these cultural practices on individuals or groups from a different culture?
• Think about: why these practices evolved, who does them, why do them, why do them in our society, trend-factor, individual vs. group impact, monetary influence/economic gain, etc...

Gunpowder, Coffee and Tea

Task: Look for and analyse the cultural impacts, influences and contributions of the three products looked at today.

Watch the story of coffee in this short video

This video shows the story of tea in the UK. 

Read this article on Gunpowder during class today. (highlight the cultural parts)

Please take this day to work on completing your reflective journals for Unit 3. Most of you have a lot of thinking to do about your ability to complete work in a timely manner. You also need to reflect on the ability to take only the most pertinent information and use it in your projects. The distillation of wisdom is the hardest part!