1. American Society & Culture
Spring 2014 Term

2. Today, we will... Get to know each other a little.
Talk about our understanding of culture and how to study culture.
Briefly discuss my expectations for you this term.

3. Getting Started A little about me... Contacting me
Nametags & attendance sheets
A little about this class...
Questions?

4. Questions for Discussion:
What is culture? With your partner, try to write a short definition in your own words, according to your own understanding.
Why are you interested in American society & culture?
When you think of American culture & society, what do you think of?

5. A Definition of Culture
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 passed from generation to generation, rarely with explicit instructions.

6. Principles of Culture Keep an open mind.
eg. The Blind Men & The Elephant

7. Principles of Culture
Culture is about the group, but it does not perfectly describe every individual.
Some parts of culture are outward and obvious; others are inward and hidden.
Exploration: The culture iceberg

8. Last Things...
KSL Chart
Course Information: Grading, Textbooks, Other Materials, Etc.