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Post Info TOPIC: Assignment #6: Global Connections
mre

Date:
Assignment #6: Global Connections


Building global connections requires an understanding of various cultures.  It requires that Americans reach out to learn more about different languages, music, beliefs, rituals, pastimes, food, history and more.  These assignments will help you as students in America learn more about other people around the world. 

Step #1
: Finish any of the previous assignments that have not been completed yet.

Step #2
:  Choosing a nation, school and partner can be easily done by going to www.epals.com and logging in with your username and password.  Once there, click Find a Classroom to search for a school with which to connect.   

Step #3
: You can learn more about the country you chose from the following locations: www.wikipedia.org (articles about the culture of each country just type your countrys name and culture) and http://www.travelblog.org/, (blogs from travelers to various countries - just choose your region and then navigate to your country).  Describe the country that you would like to build student connections with by focusing on their culture, history, religions, and more.  Then write down ten aspects of culture from the country you selected and post it to the forum. [50 points] 

Step #4
: Defining cultre is often dfficult.  Culture can refer to how we live our lives, what common characteristics we share with others in our communities (history, language, religion, etc.) or culture can describe the values and beliefs that individuals have.  Examine your own culture.  Identify ten aspects of your own culture.  Consider your own cultural identity, how it is manifested and viewed, what it means to you, etc.  Do the same forthe country you have selected as well (describe 10 aspects of their culture).  Post your findings on the forum here in this thread. [40 points] 

Step #5
: Respond to another students post concerning your thoughts on 1) the nation and culture they are choosing or 2) their examples of individual culture. [10 points] 

Homework Assignment #1: Check out the website http://www.1000journals.com/index.php?view=Home and imagine that while walking in the hallway at school, someone just handed you a book.  The hallway is crowded and you dont notice who slipped this into the books you were carrying before they are gone.  It looks like a journal, but youre not sure.  Getting to class, you sit down at your desk and open it, noticing that the teacher is taking attendance.  The journal looks like its been made by dozens, maybe hundreds of people.  Theres a note in the beginning explaining that this journal is meant to be read, added to, and then given to a stranger.  Its goal is to make its way about the world and then go back to its owner, whose address is written on the inside cover.  It has some amazing entries, captivates you with its words and images, and then you pick up the pen Assignment: Choose 10 pages from the scanned entries on the webpage from random journals and describe the authors message (and your impression of their cultural background) in your own words.


Homework Assignment #2
:  One of the best ways to learn another culture is to learn the language of various people.  Consider learning how to say I love you in many different languages around the world by visiting the following sites: http://www.columbia.edu/~sss31/rainbow/i-love-you.html, http://www.worldpath.net/~hiker/iloveyou.html and http://www.wgbh.org/webcasts/ (for audio examples, click on I love you in middle of the page).  You can also practice counting from one to ten in different languages around the world by clicking here



-- Edited by mre at 16:16, 2008-02-14

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mre

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We are still waiting for my profile to be accepted, but I would like TODAY to take an online poll concerning your choices for continents and then countries.  Can you list first, your preference for a continent (on which to connect to classrooms of students in specific countries) and then we will narrow the search down to the countries themselves.  Thanks.

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mre

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Also, you can do Step #3 today. biggrin

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Anonymous

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Italy, Europe
batman.gif

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Lili D.

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ohh i want to do japan, tokyo since i'm insane with there style ^_^

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Jonathan Carreiro

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Thats me!

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Anonymous

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I want to do our Global Connection with France.  It is a very interesting country.  It was involved in the World Wars.   It is known for its artistic views.  Its known throughout the world as the Fashion Capital of the world.  



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Jimmy

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^^^^^ THATS ME

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brittni

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i pick china, honestly i dont care
weirdface

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brittni

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my fault guys china is in asia

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jham

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The culture of Japan

 

 

The cultureofJapan has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original  culture to its contemporary hybrid culture.

 

 

Japanese language  The Japanese language has played a big role in the Japanese culture. Its spoken mainly in Japan but also in many other countries around the world.

 

Japanese visual arts

 

 

Painting has been an art in Japan for a very long time: the brush is a traditional writing tool, and the extension of that to its use as an artist's tool was probably natural. Native Japanese painting techniques are still in use today, as well as techniques adopted from continental Asia and from the West.There written work can consist of phrases, poems, stories, or even single characters.

 

 ArchitectureJapanese architecture has as long a history as any other aspect of Japanese culture.

 



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brittni

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i pick iceland insteadweirdface

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Kara

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I think Italy would be interesting

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Chris C.

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I wanted to do Brazil because it is a very diverse place. Some other reasons are because it's somewhere I've always wanted to go because the weather is really nice, and so is the beach.

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Krystal

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i'll do the United Kingdombiggrin

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Blaine

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I am choosing Norway



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Anonymous

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I choose to do the Global Connections assignment on Brazil because im am very interested in learning about their culture

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Ezekiel

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I wanted get in contact with a class from Japan I just put down some of the known history and some roles of men and women in olden times.

 

In 1603, a Tokugawa Shogunate (military dictatorship) started a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and a staunch ally of the US.

 

Geisha ("person of the arts") are traditional Japanese artist-entertainers. The word Geiko is also used to describe such persons. Geisha were very common in the 18th and 19th centuries, and are still in existence today, although their numbers are dwindling. English pronunciation ("gee-sha") or the phrase "geisha girl," common during the American occupation of Japan, carry connotations of prostitution, as some young women, desperate for money and calling themselves "geisha," sold themselves to American troops.

 

Samurai is a common term for a warrior in pre-industrial Japan. A more appropriate term is bushi ("war-man") which came into use during the Edo period. However, the term samurai now usually refers to warrior nobility, not, for example, ashigaru or foot soldiers. The samurai with no attachment to a clan or daimyo was called a ronin ("wave-man"). During the era of the rule of the samurai, the earlier term yumitori (bowman) was also used as an honorary title of an accomplished warrior even when swordsmanship had become more important.

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Lili D.

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i guess i'll do greece lol xD

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j tre

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i decided to choose france due to the fact that it sounds very interesting and has alot of history such as going in the world war.And i think learning about the people and france it self will help me better understand france



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Jordan

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Brazil ^ me

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Zach

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Aspects of my own culture
1) Comic books are not a very popular medium in America.
2) Individualism is the core of our social interaction, encouraging people to act more like themselves.
3) The number of different cultures living in the United States is extremely diverse, with people of probably every single nation being represented in the population.
4) Owning your very own car is something that everyone wants to do. As a result, public transportation is only used by the few who can't afford (or simply refuse to own) a car.
5) Our government is a democracy, with strong emphasis being put on how we can initiate swift change in our government.
6) Our country is young, with few nationwide traditions that were exclusively ours at any point in time.
7) Hollywood rules the film market with foreign films being a niche market.
8) Christianity is the dominant religion in our country (though only in an unofficial capacity).
9) Competition is a large part of our culture. The American Dream tells us to strive to be at the top of our field no matter the cost.
10) The United States is a leader in international affairs and a military powerhouse.

Aspects of Japanese culture
1) Comic books are an extremely popular medium with a variety of weekly collaborative magazines targeting different age groups, from children to the elderly.
2) Being a part of the community is emphasized, with individualism being put on the backburner to avoid conflict.
3) Japan's population is almost completely homogenous with only small pockets of immigrants being spread throughout the country.
4) A small, concentrated population makes maintaining a cutting-edge public transportation system a necessity as not everyone needs to own a car.
5) The government is a constitutional monarchy. The imperial family has traditionally been looked at as descendants of the gods.
6) Japan is a long-standing entity with a long history and many traditions which still influence the culture to this day.
7) American-made films are a large part of the film industry in Japan, frequently outperforming even Japan's own films.
8) Bhuddism is the dominant religion, placing no large significance on any particular deity as a religious leader.
9) Competition is only encouraged to a certain extent. Instead, collaboration is encouraged so everyone can benefit from the results.
10) Japan is a geographically and culturally isolated nation, having a history of periods during which little exchange besides business was done with the outside world. Also, Japan (up until very recently) has been forbidden by the US government to have a formal military except in the form of self-defense (hence the Japanese Self-Defense Force) since the end of World War II.

Uh... Is that all I'm required to post? Two of the steps say to post ten aspects of the culture we've selected, but it seemed redundant to post another ten.

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Lili =D

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yeah i think we love love japan ^_^ sweet hehe

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Lili =D

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 1.Japan is a very technologycal place,
Today Japan is one of the world's leaders in the development of new environment-friendly technologies

Japan is one of the leading nations in the fields of scientific research, particularly technology, machinery and biomedical research. Nearly 700,000 researchers share a US$130 billion research and development budget, the third largest in the world.[66] For instance some of Japan's more prominent technological contributions are found in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors and metals

2.Japn is very overcrowed with alot of people that theres bearly any place for grave so they all get buried upside down


3.They are every well clutuled people, they still go by old terditions and new ones

4. they are very big sports fans
    - sumo
    - baseball
    - karate
     -soccer
5. They eat fresh food

6.Because only about 15% of Japan's land is suitable for cultivation,a system of terrace farming is used to build in small areas. This results in one of the world's highest levels of crop yields per unit area.

7. They are so advenced in technology that hond builed there own working robote
8. They are major in movies and comic books

9.Has 10 island and many more unknown

10. is Like newyork but better ^^
   



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Blaine

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TEN Norway Facts from www.wikipedia.org  

 

1. Norwegians celebrate St. Luticas Day on December 13, tradition has the oldest girl in the house gives everyone in her family breakfast in bed. She also lights a wreath with four white candles.   

2. The people of Norway like to eat a bread-like food called lefse. This is basically potatoes and flour. It is common to add butter and sugar or fruit or jam on their lefse.

3. During Christmas, Norwegians like to eat lutefisk which is raw cod fish. They boil the fish in very salty water and eat it.

4. Norwegians like to celebrate many holidays with dancing and food. They dance in Norwegian costumes that have lots of colors on them. They celebrate their national day on May 17 During this day people wear bunad or traditional costumes

5. Classical music by Edvard Grieg, music by Arne Nordheim, and Norwegian black metal is the most common music is Norwegian musical culture.

6. Norway has many great forests and wide mountain plateaus for hiking and camping and extensive coastal areas and rivers for summer recreation.

7. Norways environment allows for extensive outdoor sports and hiking. Almost everyone in Norway skis at its large ski resorts and mountains.

8. Norway's traditional foods include salmon (fresh and cured), herring (pickled or marinated), trout, codfish and other seafood balanced by cheeses, dairy products and t breads. Some Norwegian dishes include lutefisk, smalahove, pinnekjøtt, Krotekaker and fårikål

9. Authors have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, namely Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in 1903, Knut Hamsun in 1920 and Sigrid Undset in 1928 for Kristin Lavransdatter.

10. Playwright Henrik Ibsen is probably the most famous figure in Norwegian literature. Ibsen wrote plays such as Peer Gynt, A Doll's House and The Lady from the Sea.

 



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Zack

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Lili =D wrote:

yeah i think we love love japan ^_^ sweet hehe



Hey, don't lump me in with you. I mean, don't get me wrong; Japan would be an interesting place to live. But I'm interested in traveling to a lot of countries some day to find inspiration for my writing.

 



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Lili

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well i'm not -_- i just tought u did lol well i really would love to travel around the world, not just japan but its one of the most insterting one i know sorry ^^

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Blaine

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STEP #4
Norway
Culture 10 Points
  1. Skiing and other sports play a major role in Norwegian life.
  2. Seafood, especially fish is quite common in Norway cuisine
  3. Literature and books are important in Norway
  4. as well as films and plays.
  5. Norway celebrates St. Luticas Day and Christmas.
  6. Music is common in Norways culture especially black metal
  7. Sports and outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking are common in Norway
  8. All kinds of fish and seafood are abundant in Norway.
  9. On special holidays Norwegians dress in costumes with bright colors.
  10. Norwegian people like to eat different kinds of food. Norwegians like to eat a bread-like food called lefse. The main ingredients used in making lefse are potatoes and flour. People like to eat butter and sugar or fruit or jam on their lefse.

 

American Culture 10 Points
  1. Americans have a love for sports. Baseball and Football are two of the most commonly played and watch sporting events in America.
  2. Food is another important aspect of American life. Fast Food is a common aspect of any American daily life especially, Mc Donalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, and
    Sub Way
    .
  3. Great literature is a part of Americas past, present, and future. This plays a very important role.
  4. Television and Movies are Americas second favorite pastime and with obesity on the rise, it goes hand and hand with the dependency of fast food.
  5. It is tradition in America to have many diverse traditions. Christmas can be celebrated in at least three different ways in America. Hanukah , Christmas, and Kwanza other holidays are common in America especially New Years and Halloween.
  6. Music is very popular in America but it is very diverse. (Rock, rap/hiphop, country/ blue grass, punk, pop, metal, classical)
  7. Sports in America include but not limited to, (baseball, soccer, football, basketball, golf, lacrosse, hockey, martial arts, and sailing)
  8. Americas foods mainly include meat and fish especially, steak, hamburger, and chicken.
  9. America celebrates its independence day on July 4th,  this accompanies barbeques and fireworks.
  10. American Culture is truly a combination of cultures from around the world brought together from immigrants from around the world. America actually is made completely of immigrants besides the Native Americans who actually immigrated form Asia (bearing strait land bridge)


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Anonymous

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Lili =D wrote:

 1.Japan is a very technologycal place,
Today Japan is one of the world's leaders in the development of new environment-friendly technologies

Japan is one of the leading nations in the fields of scientific research, particularly technology, machinery and biomedical research. Nearly 700,000 researchers share a US$130 billion research and development budget, the third largest in the world.[66] For instance some of Japan's more prominent technological contributions are found in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors and metals

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If America is not carful, Japan and China will surpass us in technology and in economical superiority( the latter, i believe has already happened or is very close to happening) :(



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Blaine

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If America is not carful, Japan and China will surpass us in technology and in economical superiority( the latter, i believe has already happened or is very close to happening) :(



              sry i forgot to write in my name.



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Member

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yeah i know but american has problems with money and it need to get more people willing do research ^^

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Liliana x]

James McCoy-Moniz

Date:

Well, I hope I get an e-mail from one of the Taiwanese students. I can talk to them about Ang Lee (a Taiwanese director) and Takeshi Kaneshiro (an ethnically-Japanese Taiwanese-film actor; he was in "House of Flying Daggers" opposite Zhang Ziyi and Andy Lau).



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Anonymous wrote:

I want to do our Global Connection with France.  It is a very interesting country.  It has surrendered in lots of wars.   It is known for its cowardly views.  Its known throughout the world as the forfeit capital of the world.  



Fixed your post up a bit Jimmy.



Joking ofcourse but for srs if I had to pick one country for this project it would probably be Germany... Don't really have a reason.

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Sup
mre


Senior Member

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Posts: 338
Date:

grades updated 3-13-08

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Member

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Lili =D wrote:

yeah i think we love love japan ^_^ sweet hehe



I am going to go to school for Japanese language,
I really like East Asian movies.

Japan's movie industry isn't as strong as its music industry though.
Japan has a flourishing pop music market and nearly all of the hits there are Japanese artists or Korean artists singing in Japanese. Movies, however, from Hollywood-Europe and China are common in Japan.

China has a stronger film industry - but they aren't as music-oriented. Most singers are also synomously actors as well...Zhang Yimou and Gong Li's films together really gave the Chinese film industry international recognition with films like 'Red Sorghum' 'Raise the Red Lantern' 'To Live' 'Qui Je'. and 'Temptress Moon'.



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Where were you? I'll repeat the question...what took you so long?


Member

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10 Aspects of France
1.  Its capital is Paris.  It is considered one of the most interesting citites in all of the world.  It is also known as the fashion capital of the world.  It is said the city stays two months ahead of the U.S. in trends and styles.
2.  France has an estimated population of 60,656,178.  A good part of this population is in cities. 
3.  France's population is considered to be educated.  Almost all of the population can read and write. 
4.  France's form of government is a Republic.  They're main advisor in government would be the Prime Minister.
5.  The French put a high priority on enjoying food.  Many of today's "fancy" and "classy" food dishes served in the U.S. were started in France.  Such as Es Cargo abd crepes.
6.  France is also known to have many smokers.  The percentages read as follows:39% of adult males & 27% of adult females.
7.  France is known for fashion.  This is shown by its establishing of the premier fashion magazine Vogue.  It was created in 1892. 
8.  Most households in France do not own automobiles.  They instead use mass public transportation. 
9.  Were liberated through a revolution.  France revolted for its freedom in the French revolution.
10. France participated in the World War and was an ally of the United States of America. 

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