ELEMENTS

OF

CULTURE

With your table discuss the definition of culture. What does it mean? What does it include?

Discuss and be ready to share your group’s definition of culture. You can write it out if you want but it is not required.

Be specific.

WHAT MAKES A CULTURE?

The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.

The set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic.

CULTURE

CUSTOMS • Art

• Music

• Dance

• Food

• Games

• Entertainment

• Clothing

LANGUAGE

Oral – spoken language

Written – alphabet, symbols,

Literature – poetry, fables, myths

Body language

VALUES AND RELIGION

Gods

Marriage

After life

Value of life

Roles of male and female members

Religious rites and customs

Heroes

Holidays

GOVERNMENT AND LAW

Types of leaders

Democratic

Dictatorship

Laws

Rules

SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

Types of homes

Types of family units

Dating and marriage practices

Family order

Class systems

Education

Division of labor

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Location – continent, country, surrounding areas

Physical features – mountains, rivers, etc.

Climate – weather, seasons

Plants and animals

Natural resources – minerals, water, fuel

ECONOMICS

Jobs

Currency

System of exchange

Economic level

TECHNOLOGY

Shelter construction

Mode of food gathering

Modes of travel

Tools

Irrigation

As we learn about different cultures we will examine these basic elements.