1. 1. Explore resources (conduct informal research) on the mythology, religion, ancient and modern traditions of various Asian cultures. 2. Explain or demonstrate the defining characteristics of both informational texts and literary texts; identify the similarities and differences. (e.g., Complete a Venn diagram or Frayer models) 3. Discuss how Asian literature both draws on and questions cultural traditions 4. Use technology to create a presentation 5. Produce a clear, original, specific thesis statement; Organize textual evidence (concrete details) to support thesis; Use precise language, avoiding casual language and clichés; Use appropriate transitions to organize paragraphs.

2. RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RI.9-10.2: Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text. RI.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone COMMON CORE STANDARDS

3. Culture is the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.

4. SURVEY!

5. The second layer of culture that may be part of your identity is a subculture. In complex, diverse societies in which people have come from many different parts of the world, they often retain much of their original cultural traditions. As a result, they are likely to be part of an identifiable subculture in their new society. Ex: We are all Americans, but in this country we have African-Americans which may share more similar traits together than we do with Vietnamese- Americans. SUBCULTURE

6. WHEN CULTURES CLASH

7. Culture is a powerful human tool for survival, but it is a fragile phenomenon. It is constantly changing and easily lost because it exists only in our minds. Our written languages, governments, buildings, and other man-made things are merely the products of culture. They are not culture in themselves. THINGS TO REMEMBER

8. Let’s look at a video that shares differences in the culture or schools of thought of the East (Asian countries) and the West (America). In your notes, jot down at least 4 complete comparisons that stand out to you. Try to vary them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fFbmg8UL8w EAST VS. WEST Now, take each of your four comparisons, and write explanations for each (this is based on your interpretation. Be ready to discuss.

9. Write a personal belief statement for “your” culture. What statement would you make about your beliefs that would explain to anyone “your” culture. It can be simple: “People are responsible for their own destiny and should consider others in their decisions” Or More complex: “Life is given as a gift, and should be treated as such, and I should leave life so it is worthy to be given again” Or More specific: “I believe people should be nice to and responsible for each other. I believe a person’s word should be true. I believe that people should have fun. I believe that judgment of the outside is unnecessary, and that everyone should judge their characters instead. I believe in a higher power.” ASSIGNMENT