Introduction to Culture: Definition and Activity
Let's define culture. What is culture? In your own words, describe this term. Share your response with a partner. Now, let's read. 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. And read. And respond.
Activity 2: 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:
The Generation Gap: Video
Generation Z
Generation Me: Glen Beck
Are you Gen Z: Video
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.
Culture: What is it?
Culture Scientists and Anthropologists define culture as learned behavior acquired by individuals as members of a social group.
According to Edward Tyler in 1871: culture includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and other capabilities or habits acquired by a group.
Regardless of culture, all cultures include:
Our first writing unit, if you will, covers non-fiction. Please take a look at the information posted above this post regarding tips for writing successful non-fiction. When we get to the lab, you will be able to use this advice in starting your own writing.
Today, let's listen to David Sedaris' essay "Go Carolina." And, of course, respond to this essay in your notes.
INQUIRY: How might his work appeal to a wide audience? If he is not appealing to you, what might he be missing or overlooking as an author that might not appeal to you as a reader? Take a few minutes to consider the question, jot down observations, then share your ideas with the folks sitting around you. Have a short discussion focusing on the idea that authors should know their audiences.
HOMEWORK: Please bring your Sedaris books back with you next class. Write at least a 1-page response from the notes and responses you completed in class.
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. And read. And respond.
Activity 2: 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?
The Generation Gap: Video
Generation Z
Generation Me: Glen Beck
Are you Gen Z: Video
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.
Culture: What is it?
Culture Scientists and Anthropologists define culture as learned behavior acquired by individuals as members of a social group.
According to Edward Tyler in 1871: culture includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and other capabilities or habits acquired by a group.
- Culture is a learned behavior.
- Culture is also used to refer to a highly cultivated person versed in art, philosophy, etc.
- Culture includes insignificant behavior such as behavior traits, etiquette, food habits, as well as refined arts of a society.
- Culture can also be considered as the sum total of human knowledge and acquired behavior of humankind.
- Habits or behavior is generally transmitted from members to the young or outsiders until the outsider is also an insider, part of the group.
Language is a system of verbal and nonverbal symbols used to communicate ideas. The study of these symbols is what is known as semiotics.Taboos: strict mores or behavior that is looked down upon in a culture (usually sexual)
Regardless of culture, all cultures include:
- 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
Our first writing unit, if you will, covers non-fiction. Please take a look at the information posted above this post regarding tips for writing successful non-fiction. When we get to the lab, you will be able to use this advice in starting your own writing.
Today, let's listen to David Sedaris' essay "Go Carolina." And, of course, respond to this essay in your notes.
NOTE: How does the author keep what would be an otherwise private or "boring" topic interesting? How does Sedaris use language, structure (narrative), or character effectively in his writing? Share your ideas with the class.Popular authors often appeal to a generation of readers. As in all things, we must remember our audience. Take David Sedaris, for example.
INQUIRY: How might his work appeal to a wide audience? If he is not appealing to you, what might he be missing or overlooking as an author that might not appeal to you as a reader? Take a few minutes to consider the question, jot down observations, then share your ideas with the folks sitting around you. Have a short discussion focusing on the idea that authors should know their audiences.
HOMEWORK: Please bring your Sedaris books back with you next class. Write at least a 1-page response from the notes and responses you completed in class.
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