Assignment 1: Discussion

During this second module, we focus upon the concept of culture and all its components. After you have read the reading assignment and lectures for this module, please respond to all parts of the discussion by the due date assigned.

1. The sociologist, Robin Williams Jr., originally created a list of ten central values in American culture in 1970. 

• How do you believe this list might be different if it were created today?
• Which values do you believe have changed since this list was originally made? Why?
• Please use examples to illustrate how these values have changed using the media, social policy, politics, or otherwise.

2. What are five symbols important to American culture?  Are they important to you?  How and why? 

3. What problems arise from excessive ethnocentrism?