A Definition of Culture
Let's define culture. What is culture? In your own words, describe this term. Share your response with a partner. Now, let's read about "Cultural Studies." What sticks out for you as important or interesting in this article?
Much of our class will use this technique to brainstorm ideas for stories, poems, plays, films, non-fiction and other writing projects. The fundamental idea of this course is to use our research and responses to a variety of topics to inspire our artistic impulses. Secondly, it is a course that urges the artist to depict him or herself in relation to or as the other. We will be examining power structures and hegemonic cultural groups in relation to each other, using this topic to reach a more universal and engaged POV about our own selves, our own cultures, and the world audience itself.
This course is a literature course, a course in ideas, as well as a practice from which to write and capture authentic voices.
You will be allowed in many cases to make your own path, as you build a writing/project portfolio.
But first, let me introduce to you the field of cultural studies. Let's read.
And respond.
Activity: Alone on an index card, identify the hegemonic group(s) that you feel you belong. Take 2 minutes to explore this. Then: in groups of 3-4 share those aspects of yourself and see if others share this group or "label." Discuss which groups you feel more akin or stronger towards. Try to explain why and engage in a discussion with your peers. Finally, after each member has an opportunity to share and discuss, together answer both questions:
How might you use this information to write an article that would appeal to your "generation"?
How might the article we read help you write an article that would appeal to your parents' generation?
Make a list or mind map of some ideas for an article you might write for these generations.
Respond.
HOMEWORK: Begin reading 1984. As you read find examples of culture:
Much of our class will use this technique to brainstorm ideas for stories, poems, plays, films, non-fiction and other writing projects. The fundamental idea of this course is to use our research and responses to a variety of topics to inspire our artistic impulses. Secondly, it is a course that urges the artist to depict him or herself in relation to or as the other. We will be examining power structures and hegemonic cultural groups in relation to each other, using this topic to reach a more universal and engaged POV about our own selves, our own cultures, and the world audience itself.
This course is a literature course, a course in ideas, as well as a practice from which to write and capture authentic voices.
You will be allowed in many cases to make your own path, as you build a writing/project portfolio.
But first, let me introduce to you the field of cultural studies. Let's read.
And respond.
Activity: Alone on an index card, identify the hegemonic group(s) that you feel you belong. Take 2 minutes to explore this. Then: in groups of 3-4 share those aspects of yourself and see if others share this group or "label." Discuss which groups you feel more akin or stronger towards. Try to explain why and engage in a discussion with your peers. Finally, after each member has an opportunity to share and discuss, together answer both questions:
- 1. What are some characteristics that your generation share?
- 2. Who or what would you define as the voice of your generation?
How might you use this information to write an article that would appeal to your "generation"?
How might the article we read help you write an article that would appeal to your parents' generation?
Make a list or mind map of some ideas for an article you might write for these generations.
Respond.
HOMEWORK: Begin reading 1984. As you read find examples of culture:
- a primary means of subsistence
- a primary family
- a system of kinship
- a set of rules of social conduct
- religion (belief)
- material culture (tools, weapons, clothing)
- forms of art
in the text and be prepared to write and discuss what you find in the narrative.
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