Topics in Cultural Studies (American InterContinental University )

Unit 1

Greek and Roman cultures share a number of similarities due to the Romans conquering many of the territories previously occupied by the Greeks. However, they also have a variety of difference setting them apart from one another. These similarities and differences extend into their works of art, early forms of governing, education, heroism of military leaders, philosophical and religious beliefs, social structures, and even their literary works, as well as, geographical terrain, economics and trade practices, warfare, imperial expansion, and architecture/monument achievements. When you are conducting your research there may be instance where early Greek and Roman culture were more alike while later Greek and Roman cultures greatly differed. Please note if a particular aspects being compared was in the early or late stages of the cultures development.

Part 1:

Using the provided Word Document to compare (find similar) and contrast (find different) distinguishing elements or features of the Greek and Roman cultures. For each line on the table, indicate, whether you are listing a similarity or a difference. If desired, include illustrative and significant examples of the various features similar and different about each culture. Please fill in all 10 lines within the table, each row will expand as you type in your information.

Part 2:

In the same word document answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each:

1) How did the Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean cultures contribute to Greeks' sense of themselves?

2) What is a polis and how did polies shape Greek culture?

3) What was imperial Rome?

4) What values were retained from the Etruscans and Roman republic roots?

Unit 2

While early scholarly and philosophical manuscripts were in Greek. However, by the 5th century CE - and onward - language was mainly spread by conquests, trades, religious affiliations, technological advancements or entertainment. (Gascoigne, 2001). For example, as the geographic territory under Roman control grew, the use of Latin as a common language also spread. In areas under Roman control, Latin was the spoken and written language of the courts and commerce, as well as the language of the Christian church. As the Roman Empire expanded, Latin served as a common language that allowed for people of diverse linguistic backgrounds to be able to communicate.

Onward and by the early 14th century, the trend toward the use of vernacular language had spread throughout most of Europe. As monarchies throughout the region began to consolidate, the use of vernacular languages contributed to an increasing nationalism, or feeling of pride in one's own nation, and in this case among people of similar linguistic backgrounds. People began to feel more connected to local leaders than they did to influences from afar. These sociopolitical shifts, along with the development of moveable type (the printing press), helped to ensure the success of the vernacular languages during the Renaissance.

Assignment:

The goal of this assignment is to research and report on the origins of vernacular language, and its spread. While also providing evidence of Latin's influence on all Western languages.

· Choose one native language spoken in Europe, discuss the origins of the vernacular language and describe how the language spread.

· As a whole, in what ways has Latin influences Western language development?

Prepare a 2-page essay answering the questions stated above in APA format.

Unit 3 Group Project

Compare and contrast the legacies of cultural syncretism in Africa and the Americas with the resistance to cultural change Westerners encountered in China and India. What cultural factors caused the differences in outcomes? What legacies have the differences in types of encounters and degrees of cultural change left today? Had syncretism not occurred in the Americas, how might modern culture be different? If cultural syncretism had taken root during early encounters in China or India, how might they be different today?

Each member of the group will accept a research role and a writing role within the creation of the project. These roles will be posted to the Small Group Discussion Board area. The substantive participation in the research and writing process by each member will be evident in the small group discussion board area. One cohesive, final document, 3-4 pages in length

Unit 4

Throughout this course a number of cultural ideas have been discussed from art and music to architecture and literature. We have also learned about how philosophy and religions have shaped our laws and economics. Each of the before mentioned entities can combine to create a unique culture. Another integral part making any given culture unique is its artifacts. In our current day and age artifacts of our own culture and other cultures surround us everywhere. In fact, the many cultural artifacts we live amongst have deep roots. Many times the roots of an artifact are so deeply engrained in our culture we do not necessarily understand where they originate.

Assignment

Write 3-4 pages (not including the title and reference pages) after selecting a single cultural artifact you believe best represents the culture in which you live today. Addresses the below points from the perspective of someone trained in the Humanities and include a minimum of 3 references. You may also include an image or excerpt of your cultural artifact. Respond to the following:

· Present a detailed description of the artifact, and analyze in detail how the artifact relates to the values and beliefs of the culture.

· Investigate and evaluate the deep cultural roots of your artifact.

· What historical roots allowed your artifact to come into being?

· Which cultural periods might have influenced its overall development as we see it today?

· How do you anticipate this artifact being passed to future generations?

· What kinds of evolutions might it undergo as culture changes?

Please submit your assignment.

Unit 5 Individual Project

Cultural perspective based on social, political and economic status can, in reality, be thought of as a theory of why a person from a certain cultural background will behave or react in a particular manner. These theories are used to explain the cultural identity of an individual in simplistic terms. These differences are further utilized to quickly pass judgment on another person without getting to know who they on a personal level. In short, we use cultural generalities in order to place an individual into a "box".

When the theories of cultural perspective are combined with the philosophies used to create a "social contract" more complex patterns within a society emerge. This is because a "social contract" is created between the people and their governing body. It incorporates the certainty that the governing body only exists to serve the will of the people, and the people are the source of all political power enjoyed by the governing body.

Library Research Assignment:

Understanding a culture is not as easy as characterizing it based on common behaviors. In fact, a culture can be defined in a multitude of ways. One way is by examining how the people interact with their governing body. The goal of this assignment is to choose one culture and explore its "social contracts".

· Describe the chosen culture in terms of it social, political and economic structure.

· Explain how this cultures development has been effects by it "social contract" over time.