Introduction
Hello Class,
When beginning a discussion on cultural diversity, it is important to understand key concepts linked with cultural anthropology. This discipline affects the way in which we view and analyze differences and similarities between our planet's incredibly diverse global communities. A brief description of this discipline is provided below:
"Anthropology that deals with human culture especially with respect to social structure, language, law, politics, religion, magic, art, and technology" (Merriam Webster).
In the tasks to follow, we will explore the complex and captivating subject of cultural variation, and how we as individuals are a product of our society, culture and history.
Task
To gain vital knowledge about concepts related to cultural anthropolgy, I invite you to watch the videos below and follow provided links for further information. Key terms and concepts will be explored and defined to help your understanding. As you go through these websites and videos, please take thorough notes about what you've learned.
The first concept is cultural relativism:
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmvtbnXBoCQ]
Next, watch this video that introduces the idea of ethnocentrism:
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=antnSXwrBnM]
Some final thoughts about cultural anthropology:
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhCruPBvSjQ&list=PL7A94216BEB0D693B]
Process
Now that we've been introduced to the expansive and intriguing discipline of Cultural Anthropology, it's time to think about how these concepts affect our daily lives. Do we see these phenomena play out in our own society? Please follow the instructions below to tease out your thoughts surrounding this complex, but incredibly important, subject:
1. Let's discuss cultural relativism. Choose three different cultures ( i.e. Hispanic, African-American, LGBT, deaf, disabled, female, etc). For each culture, discuss three aspects that differentiate it from your own. For instance, does this culture practice a different religion? What are their views on gender roles at home or in the workplace? How do the men and women dress? What language do they speak? Please choose the most meaningful or profound cultural differences you take note of.
2. Next let's talk about ethnocentrism. Please list three historical examples in which ethnocentrism was displayed by one culture towards another. (i.e. the holocaust). Describe how this is an example of ethnocentrism. Now, give one example of a time you've noticed somebody (names are not necessary) exhibit ethnocentric behavior in your own life. Describe what happened in a complete paragraph. How does this make you feel?
3. Finally, please write a thoughtful essay reflecting on what you've learned today. How do these concepts we explored broaden, modify, or alter your idea of what defines culture. Can you think of ways you might participate differently in your own culture, or regard others differntly, as a result? How can we as a society be mindful and respectful of cultural difference in our daily lives?
Evaluation
Evaluation
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1 Developing |
2 Competent |
3 Exemplary |
Score Earned |
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| Cultural relativism response |
The response inadequately meets the prompt with frequent grammatical and mechanical errors.The student displays an inadequate understanding of subject matter presented. |
The response addresses most aspects of the prompt with minimal grammatical errors. The student displays an adequate understanding of subject matter presented. |
The response fully addresses all aspects of the prompt without grammar or mechanical errors. The student displays a superior understanding of subject matter presented. |
|
|
Ethnocentrism response |
The response inadequately meets the prompt with frequent grammatical and mechanical errors.The student displays an inadequate understanding of subject matter presented. |
The response addresses most aspects of the prompt with minimal grammatical errors. The student displays an adequate understanding of subject matter presented. |
The response fully addresses all aspects of the prompt without grammar or mechanical errors. The student displays a superior understanding of subject matter presented. |
|
|
Reflection paragraph |
The response inadequately meets the prompt with frequent grammatical and mechanical errors.The student displays an inadequate understanding of subject matter presented. |
The response addresses most aspects of the prompt with minimal grammatical errors. The student displays an adequate understanding of subject matter presented. |
The response fully addresses all aspects of the prompt without grammar or mechanical errors. The student displays a superior understanding of subject matter presented. |
|
|
Participation |
The student puts forth little effort towards participation. He/she lacks engagement and does not complete necessary work. |
The student demonstates an adequate degree of participation and engagment with class activity. He/she completes all required work. |
The student displays an exceptional level of engagment with the class activity, and challenges his/her self to go above and beyond to complete assigned work. |
|
Conclusion
Great Job, Everyone!
I hope today's lesson illuminated some important aspects of cultural anthropology. Can everybody see why these studies are crucial to understanding and embracing our complex cultural world? Each day we should strive to broaden our views of what is "normal", "right", and socially acceptable. Remember: these are all relative concepts that are different for people all over the world. We as individuals are all products of our society, culture and history. This makes us special and unique from every person on the planet- but in the sense that we are all different, we are all the same.
Have a wonderful day, class!
