Welcome!Welcome!

Introduction to American Society

International Academic Alliance

July 17th and 18th, 2012

Introduction to American Society

International Academic Alliance

July 17th and 18th, 2012

Workshop GoalsLearn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Talk about how Chinese culture influences you as an individual and

student

Learn what it means to be a global citizen

Learn how thinking and acting as a global citizen can help you avoid

culture shock and live successfully in the United States

Workshop GoalsLearn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Talk about how Chinese culture influences you as an individual and

student

Learn what it means to be a global citizen

Learn how thinking and acting as a global citizen can help you avoid

culture shock and live successfully in the United States

Session 1 Goals

Learn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Session 1 Goals

Learn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Session 1 AgendaSession 1 Agenda Introductions and Opening (20 minutes)

What is culture? (20 minutes)

American history: competing values (45 minutes)

Break (15 minutes)

American government (25 minutes)

American schools (25 minutes)

American social life (25 minutes)

Cultural Mapping (45 minutes)

Closing Thoughts (20 minutes)

Introductions and Opening (20 minutes)

What is culture? (20 minutes)

American history: competing values (45 minutes)

Break (15 minutes)

American government (25 minutes)

American schools (25 minutes)

American social life (25 minutes)

Cultural Mapping (45 minutes)

Closing Thoughts (20 minutes)

Share with the person sitting next to you…

Share with the person sitting next to you…

What is culture?

Where do we see culture in daily life?

Where do we see culture in school?

What is culture?

Where do we see culture in daily life?

Where do we see culture in school?

Culture is…Culture is……beliefs and practices based on common affiliation, shared customs and common

language and history…

…beliefs and practices based on common affiliation, shared customs and common

language and history…

Culture is…Culture is…

Norms-rules of social behavior (shaking hands)

Values-What is most important (family)

Beliefs- What people think is true (the world is round

Symbols-Images or objects (flag)

Norms-rules of social behavior (shaking hands)

Values-What is most important (family)

Beliefs- What people think is true (the world is round

Symbols-Images or objects (flag)

Culture can be found in…Culture can be found in…

Food and Dress

Media (newspapers, television, radio, Internet)

Society (friends, colleagues, peers)

Institutions (schools, government, businesses)

Families

Individual people (you and me!)

Food and Dress

Media (newspapers, television, radio, Internet)

Society (friends, colleagues, peers)

Institutions (schools, government, businesses)

Families

Individual people (you and me!)

What do you know about American culture?

What do you know about American culture?

•Norms-embracing each other, encouraging others- no smoking in public

places, split bills, tipping. Talking about entertainments (sports, music

movies)

•Values –heroism, ,money/wealth, freedom, law, human rights, love,

dreams, health, personality, independence

•Beliefs-different political parties, different religions, Christianity,

•Symbols-English language, Statue of Liberty , Uncle Sam, Slim Shady

(Eminem) NBA, turkey, hotdogs, White House

•Norms-embracing each other, encouraging others- no smoking in public

places, split bills, tipping. Talking about entertainments (sports, music

movies)

•Values –heroism, ,money/wealth, freedom, law, human rights, love,

dreams, health, personality, independence

•Beliefs-different political parties, different religions, Christianity,

•Symbols-English language, Statue of Liberty , Uncle Sam, Slim Shady

(Eminem) NBA, turkey, hotdogs, White House

Culture is shaped by…Culture is shaped by… History

Economics

Social Groups

Individuals

History

Economics

Social Groups

Individuals

American History: Competing Values

American History: Competing Values

FreedomFreedom Equality

American History: Competing Values

American History: Competing Values

DiversityDiversity Unity

American History: Competing Values

American History: Competing Values

CompetitionCompetition Fairness

RevolutionRevolution

Freedom of religion Local rule Rebellion against monarchy (king and

queen) Decentralized power Search for identity (what is America?)

Freedom of religion Local rule Rebellion against monarchy (king and

queen) Decentralized power Search for identity (what is America?)

ConstitutionConstitution

Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness Federalist system Adams versus Jefferson

Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness Federalist system Adams versus Jefferson

Civil WarCivil War

Slavery North vs. South Economic development versus

equality

Slavery North vs. South Economic development versus

equality

Industrial RevolutionIndustrial Revolution

Capitalism as dominant economic systemAssembly lineUniform factory productionPoor working conditions

Capitalism as dominant economic systemAssembly lineUniform factory productionPoor working conditions

Great DepressionGreat DepressionStock Market CrashNew Deal=Great SocietyMore government services Public safety net

Stock Market CrashNew Deal=Great SocietyMore government services Public safety net

Fights for EqualityFights for Equality

Economic well-being Women’s movement Civil Rights movement and race

riots Hippies, freedom of expression

Economic well-being Women’s movement Civil Rights movement and race

riots Hippies, freedom of expression

Global EconomyGlobal Economy Increased technology International trade September 11th

Multi-culturalism Competition between nations “Rich” and “poor” countries

Increased technology International trade September 11th

Multi-culturalism Competition between nations “Rich” and “poor” countries

How is American culture shaped by American history? Norms

You should always respect other’s opinions It is okay to disagree

Values Material wealth-the “American dream” Friendly neighbor-you should help other Americans

Beliefs All people should have an equal chance to succeed Hard work=Success

Symbols The Statue of Liberty The Bald Eagle World Trade Center Stars and Stripes

How is American culture shaped by American history? Norms

You should always respect other’s opinions It is okay to disagree

Values Material wealth-the “American dream” Friendly neighbor-you should help other Americans

Beliefs All people should have an equal chance to succeed Hard work=Success

Symbols The Statue of Liberty The Bald Eagle World Trade Center Stars and Stripes

BreakBreak

American Government Today

American Government Today

Brain Pop government video

What should government do and not do?

Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party

Brain Pop government video

What should government do and not do?

Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party

How does American government show values?How does American government show values?

• Freedom and Equality

• Diversity and Unity

• Competition and Fairness

• Freedom and Equality

• Diversity and Unity

• Competition and Fairness

American Education TodayAmerican Education Today Federal and state regulations Standardized testing Public and charter schools How to educate different groups of

students (rich, poor, from different countries, students with special needs)

Federal and state regulations Standardized testing Public and charter schools How to educate different groups of

students (rich, poor, from different countries, students with special needs)

The College LifeThe College Life

Entrance exams Freedom of schedule Choice of classes Independence from family Party culture

Entrance exams Freedom of schedule Choice of classes Independence from family Party culture

How does American education show values?How does American education show values?

• Freedom and Equality• Diversity and Unity• Competition and Fairness

• Freedom and Equality• Diversity and Unity• Competition and Fairness

American Social Life TodayAmerican Social Life Today Casual friendships- “acquaintances” Very rich and very poor groups Different cultures in different neighborhoods Individualism-”Be yourself,” “find yourself” Casual dress and behavior, culture of fun Personal space

Casual friendships- “acquaintances” Very rich and very poor groups Different cultures in different neighborhoods Individualism-”Be yourself,” “find yourself” Casual dress and behavior, culture of fun Personal space

How does American social life show values?How does American social life show values?

• Freedom and Equality• Diversity and Unity• Competition and Fairness

• Freedom and Equality• Diversity and Unity• Competition and Fairness

Historical Maps: Create a poster that includes the main periods in American history and their important events. Remember to show:

Revolution Constitution Civil War Industrial Revolution Depression Fights for Equality Global Economy

Social Maps: Create a poster that includes how we see American culture and values in :

Government Schools Social Life

Historical Maps: Create a poster that includes the main periods in American history and their important events. Remember to show:

Revolution Constitution Civil War Industrial Revolution Depression Fights for Equality Global Economy

Social Maps: Create a poster that includes how we see American culture and values in :

Government Schools Social Life

3, 2, 1, Done!3, 2, 1, Done!

Share three new things you learned today.

Share two things you want to share with someone when you go back to China.

Share one reason it is important to know about American history, society, and culture.

Share three new things you learned today.

Share two things you want to share with someone when you go back to China.

Share one reason it is important to know about American history, society, and culture.

Workshop GoalsLearn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Talk about how Chinese culture influences you as an individual and

student

Learn what it means to be a global citizen

Learn how thinking and acting as a global citizen can help you avoid

culture shock and live successfully in the United States

Workshop GoalsLearn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Talk about how Chinese culture influences you as an individual and

student

Learn what it means to be a global citizen

Learn how thinking and acting as a global citizen can help you avoid

culture shock and live successfully in the United States

Session 1 Goals

Learn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Session 1 Goals

Learn about American history and values

Learn how America’s history has shaped its culture

Learn how American culture can be seen today in American government,

schools, and society

Session 1 AgendaSession 1 Agenda Introductions and Opening (20 minutes)

What is culture? (20 minutes)

American history: competing values (45 minutes)

Break (15 minutes)

American government (25 minutes)

American schools (25 minutes)

American social life (25 minutes)

Cultural Mapping (45 minutes)

Closing Thoughts (20 minutes)

Introductions and Opening (20 minutes)

What is culture? (20 minutes)

American history: competing values (45 minutes)

Break (15 minutes)

American government (25 minutes)

American schools (25 minutes)

American social life (25 minutes)

Cultural Mapping (45 minutes)

Closing Thoughts (20 minutes)

Share with the person sitting next to you…

Share with the person sitting next to you…

What is culture?

Where do we see culture in daily life?

Where do we see culture in school?

What is culture?

Where do we see culture in daily life?

Where do we see culture in school?

Culture is…Culture is……beliefs and practices based on common affiliation, shared customs and common

language and history…

…beliefs and practices based on common affiliation, shared customs and common

language and history…

Culture is…Culture is…

Norms-rules of social behavior (shaking hands)

Values-What is most important (family)

Beliefs- What people think is true (the world is round

Symbols-Images or objects (flag)

Norms-rules of social behavior (shaking hands)

Values-What is most important (family)

Beliefs- What people think is true (the world is round

Symbols-Images or objects (flag)

Culture can be found in…Culture can be found in…

Food and Dress

Media (newspapers, television, radio, Internet)

Society (friends, colleagues, peers)

Institutions (schools, government, businesses)

Families

Individual people (you and me!)

Food and Dress

Media (newspapers, television, radio, Internet)

Society (friends, colleagues, peers)

Institutions (schools, government, businesses)

Families

Individual people (you and me!)

What do you know about American culture?

What do you know about American culture?

•Norms-embracing each other, encouraging others- no smoking in public

places, split bills, tipping. Talking about entertainments (sports, music

movies)

•Values –heroism, ,money/wealth, freedom, law, human rights, love,

dreams, health, personality, independence

•Beliefs-different political parties, different religions, Christianity,

•Symbols-English language, Statue of Liberty , Uncle Sam, Slim Shady

(Eminem) NBA, turkey, hotdogs, White House

•Norms-embracing each other, encouraging others- no smoking in public

places, split bills, tipping. Talking about entertainments (sports, music

movies)

•Values –heroism, ,money/wealth, freedom, law, human rights, love,

dreams, health, personality, independence

•Beliefs-different political parties, different religions, Christianity,

•Symbols-English language, Statue of Liberty , Uncle Sam, Slim Shady

(Eminem) NBA, turkey, hotdogs, White House

Session 2 GoalsSession 2 Goals

Talk about how Chinese culture influences you as an individual

and student

Learn what it means to be a global citizen

Learn how thinking and acting as a global citizen can help you

overcome culture shock and live successfully in the United

States

Talk about how Chinese culture influences you as an individual

and student

Learn what it means to be a global citizen

Learn how thinking and acting as a global citizen can help you

overcome culture shock and live successfully in the United

States

Session 2 AgendaSession 2 Agenda

Session Opening (20 minutes)

What it means to be Chinese (20 minutes)

Culture Shock (35 minutes)

Chinese and American Stereotypes (30 minutes)

Break (15 minutes)

Global Citizenship (30 minutes)

China and America: Connecting Cultures (50 minutes)

Closing Thoughts (20 minutes)

Session Opening (20 minutes)

What it means to be Chinese (20 minutes)

Culture Shock (35 minutes)

Chinese and American Stereotypes (30 minutes)

Break (15 minutes)

Global Citizenship (30 minutes)

China and America: Connecting Cultures (50 minutes)

Closing Thoughts (20 minutes)

Share with the person sitting next to you….Share with the person sitting next to you….

Why did you choose the object that you chose?

How does your object show Chinese history, government, education, or social life?

Why did you choose the object that you chose?

How does your object show Chinese history, government, education, or social life?

Chinese Culture Norms-shaking hands, take care of elders and

young people

Values -family, group, farming, honesty, modesty

Beliefs –good luck, Confucianism, tradition is important

Symbols-silk, rice,

Chinese Culture Norms-shaking hands, take care of elders and

young people

Values -family, group, farming, honesty, modesty

Beliefs –good luck, Confucianism, tradition is important

Symbols-silk, rice,

Choose a picture that shows something about who you are as a person. Be ready to share your

thought.

Choose a picture that shows something about who you are as a person. Be ready to share your

thought.

How does my culture affect…How does my culture affect…

What I do?

What I think?

What I believe?

What I do?

What I think?

What I believe?

Culture Shock Cartoon

How is this video like moving to a new country to live? Culture Shock Part 1 and 2 What might be difficult for you if you move to the United States?

What can you do to make your life in the United States easier?

Culture Shock Cartoon

How is this video like moving to a new country to live? Culture Shock Part 1 and 2 What might be difficult for you if you move to the United States?

What can you do to make your life in the United States easier?

What is a Stereotype?What is a Stereotype?

…a fixed, over-generalized belief about a particular group or class of people”… (Cardwell, 1996)

…a fixed, over-generalized belief about a particular group or class of people”… (Cardwell, 1996)

Stereotypes about ChinaStereotypes about China Chinese women are either “china dolls” or

“dragon ladies” Chinese people only interact with other

Chinese people Chinese people are only obsessed with

working-no fun Chinese people are just like other Asians

(Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese)

Chinese women are either “china dolls” or “dragon ladies”

Chinese people only interact with other Chinese people

Chinese people are only obsessed with working-no fun

Chinese people are just like other Asians (Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese)

Stereotypes about the U.S.Stereotypes about the U.S.

Americans are fat Americans don’t know about other

cultures Americans only care about making

money Americans talk too much Americans are loud and rude

Americans are fat Americans don’t know about other

cultures Americans only care about making

money Americans talk too much Americans are loud and rude

Moving Past StereotypesMoving Past Stereotypes Cultural stereotypes arise from

cultural differences; differences in norms, values, beliefs, and symbols can cause us to have a simple view of another group. Thinking about where behavior comes from can help us move past a simple view of other groups.

Cultural stereotypes arise from cultural differences; differences in norms, values, beliefs, and symbols can cause us to have a simple view of another group. Thinking about where behavior comes from can help us move past a simple view of other groups.

Stereotypes about ChinaStereotypes about China

Chinese women have a variety of personalities Chinese people highly value community and social

harmony Chinese people have an incredible work ethic but also

like to enjoy themselves Chinese people have a unique history and culture that

is still changing today There is nothing that is true about ALL Chinese people!

Chinese women have a variety of personalities Chinese people highly value community and social

harmony Chinese people have an incredible work ethic but also

like to enjoy themselves Chinese people have a unique history and culture that

is still changing today There is nothing that is true about ALL Chinese people!

The Truth

Stereotypes about the U.S.Stereotypes about the U.S. Americans live a fast-paced lifestyle; this means some eat more

fast food, but many are quite healthy American schools emphasize teaching Literacy over teaching

Social Studies Americans value financial independence but not all are obsessed

with being rich Americans may feel if they are being silent, they are being

“boring” to the person they are with It is not an American norm to be quiet in public and Americans

have a more casual culture- they reject some traditional manners There is nothing that is true about ALL Americans!

Americans live a fast-paced lifestyle; this means some eat more fast food, but many are quite healthy

American schools emphasize teaching Literacy over teaching Social Studies

Americans value financial independence but not all are obsessed with being rich

Americans may feel if they are being silent, they are being “boring” to the person they are with

It is not an American norm to be quiet in public and Americans have a more casual culture- they reject some traditional manners

There is nothing that is true about ALL Americans!

The Truth

Global CitizenshipGlobal Citizenship

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.“

What are some ways the world has

become more connected today?

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.“

What are some ways the world has

become more connected today?

What is a citizen?What is a citizen?

A person who understands and acts on issues on a global level

Someone who understands the world and his or her place in the world

A person who believes that all cultures have value

A person who “gives back” to the world

A person who understands and acts on issues on a global level

Someone who understands the world and his or her place in the world

A person who believes that all cultures have value

A person who “gives back” to the world

global

How does a global citizen think?How does a global citizen think?

Wants to investigate the world beyond his or her immediate environment

Recognizes his or her own and others’ point of view

Communicates effectively with many different types of people

Wants to make the world better

Wants to investigate the world beyond his or her immediate environment

Recognizes his or her own and others’ point of view

Communicates effectively with many different types of people

Wants to make the world better

What does a global citizen do?What does a global citizen do?

Sees what is behind others’ actions Shares his or her own beliefs and

listens to others’ thoughts and beliefs Recognizes appropriate behavior in

many different situations Identifies issues and takes action

Sees what is behind others’ actions Shares his or her own beliefs and

listens to others’ thoughts and beliefs Recognizes appropriate behavior in

many different situations Identifies issues and takes action

Being a Global Citizen is Important Because…Being a Global Citizen is Important Because… It helps you understand new situations –

Example It helps you recognize the value in other

people from other cultures It can help you move past stereotypes and

be open to new ideas It helps you take action to make the world

better

It helps you understand new situations – Example

It helps you recognize the value in other people from other cultures

It can help you move past stereotypes and be open to new ideas

It helps you take action to make the world better

China and America: Connecting CulturesChina and America: Connecting Cultures

Student Experiences

American Handshake

American Culture Jeopardy!

Student Experiences

American Handshake

American Culture Jeopardy!

ClosingClosing

Write: One thing you want to remember

about American culture (pink paper) One thing you want to remember

about your culture (yellow paper) One thing you learned from your visit

here (blue paper)

Write: One thing you want to remember

about American culture (pink paper) One thing you want to remember

about your culture (yellow paper) One thing you learned from your visit

here (blue paper)