Culture

The student understands the similarities and differences within and among cultures in various world societies. The student is expected to:

Define culture and the common traits that unify a culture region;

Identify and describe common traits that define cultures;

Define a multicultural society and consider both the positive and negative qualities of multiculturalism;

Analyze the experiences and evaluate the contributions of diverse groups to multicultural societies;

Analyze the similarities and differences among various world societies;

Identify and explain examples of conflict and cooperation between and among cultures.

The student understands that all societies have basic institutions in common even though the characteristics of these institutions may differ. The student is expected to:

Identify institutions basic to all societies, including government, economic, educational, and religious institutions;

Compare characteristics of institutions in various contemporary societies;

Analyze the efforts and activities institutions use to sustain themselves over time such as the development of an informed citizenry through education and the use of monumental architecture by religious institutions.

The student understands relationships that exist among world cultures. The student is expected to:

Identify and describe how culture traits such as trade, travel, and war spread;

Identify and describe factors that influence cultural change such as improved communication, transportation, and economic development;

Evaluate the impact of improved communication technology among cultures;

Identify and define the impact of cultural diffusion on individuals and world societies;

Identify examples of positive and negative effects of cultural diffusion.

The student understands the relationship that exists between the arts and the societies in which they are produced. The student is expected to:

Explain the relationships that exist between societies and their architecture, art, music, and literature;

Relate ways in which contemporary expressions of culture have been influenced by the past;

Describe ways in which contemporary issues influence creative expressions;

Identify examples of art, music, and literature that have transcended the boundaries of societies and convey universal themes such as religion, justice, and the passage of time.

The student understands the relationships among religion, philosophy, and culture. The student is expected to:

Explain the relationship among religious ideas, philosophical ideas, and cultures;

Explain the significance of religious holidays and observances such as Christmas, Easter, Ramadan, the annual hajj, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, and Vaisakhi in various contemporary societies.