Introduction to Culture

Outline

Bell-ringer “The Gods Must Be Crazy” Reflection on culture Defining culture Components of culture

Bell-ringer: What is culture?

How would you define culture? If you had a name for your culture, what

would it be? Ex: American, Midwestern-American, German-

American What are the different parts of culture? What is the most important part of culture to

you?

“The Gods Must Be Crazy” clip

“Gods Must Be Crazy” T Chart 5 cultural examples 5 cultural examples

Bushman Civilized

Discussing “The Gods Must Be Crazy” Did you like the clip? How do you think the “bushman” culture compared

to the “civilized” culture? How does this clip demonstrate cultural exchange? Does technological advancement lead to a better

life? Theoretical perspectives

Symbolic interaction Functional analysis Conflict theory

Defining culture

Culture can be defined as: “the language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and even material objects that are passed from one generation to the next.”

Culture ≠ society.

Culture

Culture adapts to the environment Culture is learned Culture can change Culture influences our behavior

Components of culture

Material culture Tangible, human-made objects Jewelry, art, buildings, weapons, machines, eating

utensils, hairstyles, clothing, and so on

“Dying Gaul” – Roman art “Mohawk” hairstyle

Components of culture

Nonmaterial culture A group’s way of thinking Beliefs, values, other assumptions about the world

Zeus – Greek god Buddha

Nonmaterial culture

Cognitive component Acquiring knowledge and understanding the world Knowledge, beliefs

Normative component Deriving from the standard norm Norms, values

Symbolic component Representing through symbols Language

Rosetta Stone

Six aspects of culture

Government and international relations Resources and economics Religion and spiritual beliefs Learning and technology Family life, community, and society Arts and crafts

Reflection on culture

Can we observe culture? How? What do you think are the most important

aspects of culture? Can you think of an example where culture

has changed over time?

Government and international relations A society’s particular style of government How a society relates to other societies

British Parliament

Resources and economics

Natural resources Goods produced Monetary system

Chinese currency

Religion and spiritual beliefs

Religious beliefs Beliefs about an afterlife, life on earth Strictness of adherence to beliefs

Tibetan monks The Hajj in Mecca

Learning and technology

Education School system Curricula Technologies at school and at home

SmartBoard in a classroom

Family, life, community, and society Groups

How important are groups? Living together Daily customs Holidays

Arts and crafts

Types of art Handmade goods Written and creative works

An example of African art “Ulysses” by James Joyce

Justin Bieber

MF Doom