| MUSIC/ART PRESENTATION | BIOGRAPHY |
| CULTURAL EXPERIENCE | MOVIE REACTIONS |
| WHAT CULTURE MEANS TO ME PAPER | GRADING |
BOOK REVIEW (20 points)
In class, we will research books written by Native American, Asian-American,
African American, and Hispanic/Chicano/Mexican American authors on the
internet. You will create a list of five books that you would be
interested in reading; include the author’s name and a one sentence statement
on why you think this book would interest you. You must turn in the
name of the book you will read for your book review by Friday, March 30.
On Saturday, April 14, turn in a two to three page reaction to your book. Did you like this book? Why or why not? Would you recommend it to a friend? What was the author’s approach or attitude towards his or her culture? What did you learn about the author’s culture from this book? If this book is about your culture, what do you think about the portrayal? If not, how does this culture compare/contrast to yours?
Be prepared to discuss your book review with others in class on Saturday, April 14.
REPORT ON MUSIC OR ART
(15 points)
Present a ten minute report with audio-visual aids about a cultural
music style or art form on Saturday, March 31. You will be graded
on the amount of research you did on your topic and the quality of your
audio-visual aids.
BIOGRAPHY (Paper: 10
points; Poster: 5 points)
Research the life of a writer, artist, musician, or humanitarian from
one of the four cultural groups we are studying and write a two page paper
with references on your famous person. Address the following questions:
what culture does this person represent? What contributions did this
person make to our understanding of culture in general and his/her personal
culture? Be sure to include important dates and names of recognized
works. Be prepared to give me the name of your autobiography
no later than Saturday, March 31.
For class on Saturday, April 7, bring a poster presentation of your person. The following must be included on your poster: the name of your biography, important dates in his/her life, a picture (if possible), names and dates of important works, and a list of what you consider this person’s important accomplishments and contributions to culture are.
CULTURAL
EXPERIENCE (10 points)
Attend a play, performance, concert, talk, or other presentation OR
visit the Tucson Museum of Art, the Arizona Historical Society, the Arizona
State Museum, or other museum exhibit that represents a culture different
from your own. Write a one page paper describing the event or exhibit
and what you learned about culture from this experience. Bring your
paper and be prepared to discuss your experience in class on Friday April
13.
MOVIE REACTIONS (5 points
each for 20 points)
We will watch four full-length movies during class: Powwow Highway;
The Piano Lesson; Like Water for Chocolate; and The Joy Luck Club.
Write your reaction to that movie. What kinds of questions did it
raise for you about the culture portrayed? What stories, myths, or
legends did the movie contain? What did you learn about the culture
portrayed in this movie? How does this culture compare with your
own? Reactions are due within one week of viewing the movie.
NOTE: A reaction is your response to the movie, not a movie synopsis.
WHAT CULTURE MEANS
TO ME PAPER (20 points)
Write a paper on what culture means to you. What is your definition
of culture? How does our culture influence who we are? How
do people express their cultures? What role do stories, customs, celebrations
and songs play in our cultures and why? Use your personal experiences as
well as references to the presentations, videos, films, and books, and
discussions you’ve experienced in class. Three to four pages, due
in class on Friday April 13.
TOTAL: 100 points
GRADING
A: 90 – 100 points; B: 80 – 89 points; C: 70 – 79 points; D:
60 – 69 points; less than 60 points is a failing grade.
| COURSE SYLLABUS | CLASS SCHEDULE |
