Culture Research

Title: Culture

Author: Sarah White

Grade Level: 9-12

Subject/Content: Social Studies / Geography / Sociology

Summary of Lesson: Students will learn what culture is, define related terms and apply these concepts to a culture other than their own in a research assignment.

Focus Question: What is culture and how do world cultures differ?

Databases(s): Student Resources in Context

Procedures:

• This lesson may be directly integrated with an English class learning to do research or reading multi-cultural literature or a science class exploring the concept of nature versus nurture.  It may also be taught independently in a social studies class exploring world cultures

Steps / Activities by teacher:

• Provide students with background information including the definition of culture and related terms such as culture trait, ethnic appreciation and cultural diffusion
• Provide students with access to Gale databases for research

Steps/Activities by student(s):

• Students will take part in class activities to define culture
• Students will use the databases listed above to research a culture other than their own and identify important aspects of that culture.  Research areas can include customs, music, art, food, where found, adaptation to environment, religion and literature examples
• Students will write up their research using a bulleted outline, display board, traditional research report, role playing presentation or a different format chosen by the teacher

Outcome:  Students will apply their knowledge of culture to the culture they research and analyze.

• Related Activities: Students will research one area of cultural conflict and discuss why cultures have conflict.  Some conflicts studied may include Yugoslavia, Ireland, Rwanda or East Timor

Standard Date: Approved

Content Standard(s):

• Analyze and explain the ways groups, societies and cultures address human needs and concerns
• Apply an understanding of culture as an integrated whole that explains the functions and interactions of language, literature, the arts, traditions, beliefs and values and behavior patterns
• Explain and apply ideas, theories, and modes of inquiry drawn from anthropology and sociology in the examination of persistent issues and social problems
• Explain how language, art, music, belief systems and other cultural elements can facilitate global understanding or misunderstanding
• Explain conditions and motivations that contribute to conflict, cooperation and interdependence among groups, societies and nations

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
  • Define culture and identify characteristics of their own culture
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
  • Analyze a different culture trough research
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
  • Discuss why various cultures often conflict with one another and possible solutions to cultural conflict

Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:

• The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research and improve communications
• The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision making skills and apply these skills to real world situations

ISTE NETS for Students

• Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publication, communication and productivity
• Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem solving and decision making in content learning

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:

• Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
• Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently
• Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively