What is culture?

Brainstorm… When you think of the word “culture” what comes to mind?

Definition Culture is a system of beliefs, values, and assumptions about life that guide behavior and are shared by a group of people. It includes customs, language, and material artifacts. These are transmitted from generation to generation, rarely with explicit instructions.

Aspects of culture Language Music Dances Foods Social norms (manners) Clothing Family Holidays and ceremonies

Specific beliefs about major life events Birth Child rearing (how to raise a child) Rites of passage (Sweet 16, Bar Mitzvah or Quinceañera) Marriage Death

Turning all of this into a thesis statement Essential question: In what ways is the ___________ culture unique and valuable to American society? First, choose a culture. Second, use part of the question to write your thesis statement.

Research questions Look back at all of the aspects/beliefs of culture. Choose 7-10 and turn them into questions that you will use to guide your research.

Sample questions Topic = marriage Questions: How do Italians view marriage? OR What are Italian marriage customs? Topic = language Questions: What language is traditionally spoken in the Hispanic culture?

Controversy/Discrimination The paper requires some sort of counter-argument. I suggest that for that section you focus on discrimination against the culture. Don’t forget to write at least one question about that.