ELEMENTS OF CULTURE
With your table discuss the definition of culture. What does it mean? What does it include? Discuss and be ready to share your group’s definition of culture. You can write it out if you want but it is not required. Be specific. WHAT MAKES A CULTURE?
The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. The set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic. CULTURE
CUSTOMS Art Music Dance Food Games Entertainment Clothing
LANGUAGE Oral – spoken language Written – alphabet, symbols, Literature – poetry, fables, myths Body language
VALUES AND RELIGION Gods Marriage After life Value of life Roles of male and female members Religious rites and customs Heroes Holidays
GOVERNMENT AND LAW Types of leaders Democratic Dictatorship Laws Rules
SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS Types of homes Types of family units Dating and marriage practices Family order Class systems Education Division of labor
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Location – continent, country, surrounding areas Physical features – mountains, rivers, etc. Climate – weather, seasons Plants and animals Natural resources – minerals, water, fuel
ECONOMICS Jobs Currency System of exchange Economic level
TECHNOLOGY Shelter construction Mode of food gathering Modes of travel Tools Irrigation
As we learn about different cultures we will examine these basic elements.