4. Beliefs and Material 4. Beliefs and Material CultureCulture

BeliefsBeliefsIdeas about the nature of Ideas about the nature of

reality (science, God, gods, reality (science, God, gods, etc)etc)They are true to us, but the They are true to us, but the basis is our faith in them. basis is our faith in them. They are often un-provable.They are often un-provable.These are often a catalyst These are often a catalyst of controversy in society! of controversy in society! (never talk about religion or (never talk about religion or politics :})politics :})

Nonmaterial vs. Material Nonmaterial vs. Material CultureCultureNonNon- ideas, beliefs, values, - ideas, beliefs, values,

knowledge - anything non-knowledge - anything non-tangible - of a culturetangible - of a culture

MaterialMaterial- tangible aspects of - tangible aspects of culturecultureMeaning is often not from the Meaning is often not from the object, but from the culture object, but from the culture belief surrounding itbelief surrounding itBooks, buildings, furniture, signs, Books, buildings, furniture, signs, clothing, etc…clothing, etc…

This is the only thing This is the only thing archaeologists have to study!archaeologists have to study!

Analyze the material and Analyze the material and nonmaterial aspects of this nonmaterial aspects of this

culture:culture:

Ideal vs. Real CultureIdeal vs. Real Culture

Ideal Culture includes Ideal Culture includes the guidelines we claim the guidelines we claim to acceptto accept

Real Culture describes Real Culture describes how we actually behavehow we actually behave

Rally RobinRally Robin

How does American ideal culture How does American ideal culture differ from its real culture?differ from its real culture?

Possible topics to consider:Possible topics to consider:HonestyHonestyFreedomFreedomEqualityEqualityDemocracyDemocracy

Archaeology ProjectArchaeology ProjectAncient art is often studied to provide Ancient art is often studied to provide

info on the culture.info on the culture.Step 1: Draw a hieroglyphic (story in Step 1: Draw a hieroglyphic (story in

pictures of a made up culture- 5 pictures of a made up culture- 5 min)min)

Step 2: Trade your hieroglyphic w/ a Step 2: Trade your hieroglyphic w/ a neighbor.neighbor.

Step 3: W/O talking to the artist, Step 3: W/O talking to the artist, determine everything you can about determine everything you can about the culture (beliefs, values, rules of the culture (beliefs, values, rules of conduct, material objects, language)conduct, material objects, language)