Culture Introduction

Culture is defined as "the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively" (Google).  In other words, culture is US - everything we think, say, do, feel, and create is shaped by culture and, in turn, shapes culture itself.  To understand another person, you must first understand their culture.  There are countless categories that we can explore to understand culture, but here are a few major ones that we will focus on in this class.  These are the categories you will research and post about using the labels in parentheses.

Geography and Environment (Geography and Environment)- The land that the people live in shapes who they are and what kind of society they become.
Sample questions: What are the major geographical features?  What is the climate like?  What animals live there?  What plants grow?

History (History) - Where the people and countries came from plays a huge role in who and what they are today.
Sample questions: How was the country founded?  Who are some major historical figures?  What wars or conflicts have there been?  How long has it been around?  What was it like before the country was founded?

Language and Dialect (Language and Dialect) - Language and dialect are shaped by culture and can even shape the culture itself.
Sample questions: Where did the language come from?  How has it changed over time?  What type of alphabet is used and why?  Why are the sounds different than in English or in other languages?  Is Spanish a Romance language/what are Romance languages?  How is Spanish the same or different in various countries where it is the official language?  What colloquial words are important?  What other languages are spoken in Spanish-speaking countries?  Why do people speak these languages?

Cuisine (Cuisine) - Food is very important in every culture!  It is sometimes considered a universal language.
Sample questions: What are the typical meals people eat every day? What meals are considered traditional?  What types of foods are cooked at celebrations?  Do the foods represent or symbolize anything? How much do people usually eat?  How much nutrition do they get?  Are there any foods that Americans would consider strange or gross?  How are the foods cooked?  Where does it come from?

Art and Literature (Art and Literature) - Art is defined as "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination" (Google).  This includes painting, sculpture, architecture, music, poetry, dance, drama, film, photography, conceptual art, printmaking, and more.  Literature is closely related and so will also be included in this category.
Sample questions: Who are some famous artists and authors?  What are some well-known pieces of art and literature?  What stories do children usually know?  What What are the artists and authors trying to communicate?  What movements have there been?  How freely are artists and authors allowed to express themselves?

Values and Ideology, Social Conventions, and Roles (Values and Norms) - Every society has values and beliefs that are very important to their way of life.
Sample Questions: What values and beliefs are important?  How do people normally interact with family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers? What is the importance of age?  What is typically expected from men, women, and children?  How do people typically greet and say goodbye to one another?

Recreational Activities (Recreational Activities) - What people do for fun helps us to understand cultures better and know what to expect when we visit them.
Sample Questions: What sports do people place?  What social activities do people go to?  Who are some famous athletes?  How much leisure time do people typically have?

Economy (Economy) - The products people make, sell, and buy shape a culture.
Sample questions: What are the main imports and exports of a country?  Do people go to work for someone else or do they work for themselves?  Where are the products sold?  What are working conditions like?  How much money do people make?  What do people usually buy?  Are there things that they make for themselves instead of buying them?  Where does the money come from?  Do tourists visit often?  Are there humanitarian projects going on?

Religion, Holidays, and Other Celebrations (Religion and Celebrations) - Religious practices and holidays are often - but not always - linked together and are major parts of people's lives.
Sample questions: What religions do people belong to? How important is it in their lives?  What do those religions believe?  Where and how often do they worship?  What holidays do people celebrate?  Why are they celebrated?  How are they celebrated?  What symbolism is there?

Miscellaneous: Science, Technology, Pop Culture, Fashion, Politics and Government, etc. (Miscellaneous) - Culture is US - that means everything we do and who we are is shaped by culture.  What other interesting information can you find?
Sample questions: What inventions have been created?  How advanced is the technology in the country?  Which countries are first-, second-, and third-world countries? What type of government is there?  How many people are there and where do they live?  What problems do they face?  What successes have they achieved?  How rich or poor are people?  How diverse are the people?  What is the pollution like?  What are some pop culture icons?  Are there any internet fads or trends?