Reference no: EM133496077

Problem: Form of Cultural Expression

This summative task will evaluate your understanding of cultural expressions, and how they are a reflection of cultural values, ideals, norms, and beliefs.

Task: There are several forms of cultural expression that we have not had an opportunity to talk about in this unit. Using one of these forms of expression, conduct a comparison of three different cultures with respect to how this form differs between them.

Steps:

I. Choose a form of cultural expression (i.e., tip of the iceberg) that we have not yet had an opportunity to study in depth. Some suggestions are:

Holidays/Festivals (i.e., How is Christmas celebrated in different cultures?)
Health & Healing (forms of medicine, origin of illness, mythology, etc.)
Beauty Ideals (tattoos, piercings, ideal body, etc.)
Pregnancy and Childbirth (location, myths/superstitions, medical intervention, etc.)
Child Rearing (post-partum, infants, parenting styles)
Class/Caste System (social hierarchy, gender dominance, spiritual?, economic?)
Marriage Rituals
Death Rituals
Dance/Entertainment
Dating & Courtship (norms, rules, ages)
Manners & Etiquette (appropriate body language, social etiquette, etc.)
Media & Celebrity (i.e., Bollywood, Hollywood, Nollywood)
Sports/Athletics (i.e., martial arts, futbol, cricket, yoga, etc.)
Other? (Check with me first!)

II. Choose three cultures that you wish to compare and contrast (try to choose cultures that you have not already learned about). Ideally, the three cultures will all have different approaches to your topic.

III. Research your cultures with respect to your topic. Ensure that you are using reputable research sources and that you are citing all of your sources using APA format as you work.

When you are researching, look for:

1. What are the usual customs/norms/behaviors (tip of the iceberg)
2. What are the underlying beliefs and values that lead to these different behaviors (beneath the surface)

IV. Present your research.As always, you can present your research in any format you wish, including an essay/report, chart, graphic organizer, slide show (PowerPoint, prezi, powtoon, etc.), video/audio, website/blog, bulletin board (linoit, padlet, etc.), poster/brochure, etc.

V. Reflect on the culture's practice and determine which of the three you most agree with/prefer/can relate to. Explain why you chose this one? What values, norms and beliefs does it reinforce for you? This can be done on a separate document if you wish.