What does it mean to be an

American?2011 Fulbright Introduction

Project

Every country has cultural attributes.

cul·ture \kəl-chər\:the pattern of knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, materials, and social traits of a group

:the characteristic features of everyday existence shared by people

:the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices

What is American Culture?

• What values, hobbies, and materials define you?

• Which groups do you belong to?

• Why would you define your preferences as “American”?

The Melting Pot

A common metaphor to explain the phenomenon of multi-culture in America.

Your assignment Working in a small group, prepare a

presentation that explores seven cultural markers

Focus on as many commonalities within the group

Occasionally highlight interesting differences among members

Food Entertainment Family Friendships/relationships/marriages Values/beliefs Work Education Holidays/celebrations Births Deaths

Cultural Markers

Arizona Culture?•Is Arizona culture different from American culture?•What aspects of your life have been particularly influenced by the Arizona climate?

What cultural markers are specific to your family? Your friends?

(Scholars refer to very small cultures or groups as discourses).

Mode of presentation One group poster

Requirements Each section should have verbal and

textual representation; these are not the same. In other words, if you read from the poster, you get credit for only one of these two requirements.

Each section should also have pictorial representation. Your images should be vivid, engaging, and relevant. Be creative. None of these guys:

Key to success No canned answers! Be creative! Share your passions! If you’re involved in a

club, sport, or hobby, feel free to make it theme of your presentation.

Ex: Baseball: food at games, celebrations for special games, legacy of great players who have passed…

A B C D

Contributions The whole group routinely provides useful ideas.

Group members usually provides useful ideas.

Some group members provided useful ideas.

Group rarely provided useful ideas when participating.

Quality of Work

Provides work of the highest quality.

Provides good quality work. Work is mediocre at best. Provides work that usually needs to be redone by others to ensure quality.

Time Routinely uses time well throughout the project to ensure things get done on time.

Usually uses time well. Group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities of one member.

Procrastinated, but finished project on time. Adjustments were made for a single person.

Rarely gets things done by the deadlines AND group has to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities.

Problem-solving

Actively looks for and suggests solutions to problems.

Refines solutions suggested by others.

Does not suggest or refine solutions.

Does not try to solve problems.

Pride Work reflects the group’s best efforts.

No spelling or grammar errors.

Work reflects a good effort.

One spelling or grammar error.

Work reflects some effort.

Conventional errors impede effectiveness.

Work reflects very little effort.

Many conventional errors exist.

Due dates• Due for credit: Friday, August 5th in class.

All sections must be complete for full credit.

• Presentations begin at the bell on Monday, August 8.