Introduction
Elements of Culture
Culture is a huge topic of study for sociologists. Culture exists anywhere humans exist, and no two cultures are exactly the same. We've started talking about culture in another lesson and discussed its combination of elements that, together, form a people's unique way of life. Now we are going to take a closer look at those elements, specifically symbols, language, values, and norms. Remember that these elements look different across cultures, and many change with time as a society evolves.
Task
You are a high-school teacher and you have to write a handout to help your students to achieve the following learning objectives:
- Understand how values and beliefs differ from norms
- Explain the significance of symbols and language to a culture
- Explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
- Discuss the role of social control within culture
You are going to work in pairs.
To discover how to become the perfect teacher you have always wanted to be, go on to the next page! :)
Process
FIRST STEP
Work in pairs
Read the following articles and watch the suggested videos to help you writing a handout for your students:
1) Understand how values and beliefs differ from norms
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-norms-and-vs-values/
2) Explain the significance of symbols and language to a culture
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/sociology/culture-and-societies…
(you can have a look at the transcription)
3) Explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
https://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CC0…
4) Discuss the role of social control within culture
http://www.preservearticles.com/201102224105/what-is-the-importance-of-…
http://study.com/academy/lesson/types-of-social-control-customs-laws-wa…
SECOND STEP
Work in pairs
Write your handouts (one for every point) and add some images
THIRD STEP
Now work alone!
Answer to the following questions and post them in the class blog
- What do you think of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? Do you agree or disagree with it? Cite examples or research to support your point of view.
- How do you think your culture would exist if there were no such thing as a social “norm”? Do you think chaos would ensue or relative peace could be kept? Explain.
FOURTH STEP
Ask and answer your partner the following questions:
1. Can you tell me one or two new thing you learned?
2. What was particularly difficult?
3. Where you surprised by anything?
4. What more would you like to find out?
LAST STEP
Let’s work all together!
Use your virtual class (www.padlet.com [2]) to share your answers to the previous questions.
Congratulations! You have finished!
Evaluation
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Evaluation Rubric |
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Conclusion
Now you should know that a culture consists of many elements, such as the values and beliefs of its society. Culture is also governed by norms, including laws, mores, and folkways. The symbols and language of a society are key to developing and conveying culture.
And you have to think that "There's a flip side to everything,"; it is important to help secure successful intercultural communication.
Credits
I would like to thank OpenStax college, because I used "Introduction to Sociology" as information source to create this webquest (Creative Commons Attribution License)
https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/introduction-to-sociology
Please see the Process section of this webquest for a complite list of websites and media resources.