Our Cultural Norms

You are being asked to take a look in the proverbial mirror and analyze your own perceptions of normative behaviors and belief systems that have been passed down through your cultural filter.

• Present personal examples of when you realized that your idea of “normal” (e.g. familial or cultural norms, traditions, and customs) differed from how “normal” is perceived by others.

• Describe how your norms, traditions, and customs differed from others’.

• Explain the origins of your norms, traditions, and customs. For instance, if you are presenting a story about how your family celebrates a “Festivus” of sorts, then you will need to discuss how that tradition came to be a part of your family’s rituals.

• Reference and cite outside resources in APA format.

You can complete this assignment one of two different ways the options are listed below.  Also please contact me prior to signing the agreement, if any questions concerning the assignment exist.

Option 1: Write a paper that illustrates the example(s) you are presenting.

Requirements: This must be a minimum 500 word paper, double-spaced, and in 12-point font.  Include images for visual support and appeal.  (attached is an example of this assignment option.)

Option 2: Construct a presentation that illustrates the example(s) you are presenting.

Requirements: The presentation must include 10-15 slides in a PowerPoint or Keynote format that includes both text and images.

• A Reference List should be included with each assignment.

• Minimum word/slide/page requirements do not include the title and reference pages.
• Include at least 2 course terms to demonstrate your understanding of course concepts. (from list below)

1. Bricolage
2. Determinism
3. Cognitive Relativism
4. Mechanical Solidarity
5. Collective Effervescence
6. Collective Identity
7. Consciousness of Kind
8. Collective Representations
9. Cultural Construction

 (The Objective of this assignment)

• Gain a greater understanding of the commonalities and differences across cultures.

• Gain greater understanding of the different components of culture (behavioral norms and belief systems) and social changes within and between societies across time.

• Become familiar with the prevailing theories in the anthropological and sociological disciplines.

• Increase ability to analyze and evaluate information in order to improve critical thinking skills.