Cultural Diffusion Project
World Civilization- Flanagan
Cultural diffusion is the exchange of ideas, culture, goods, beliefs, food, weapons etc...from one group of people to another. This concept has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years and has included everything from the wheel to the alphabet to the potato. The reasons people spread or take these things from others throughout history has included very simple concepts such as trade or war. In the modern day trade and warfare still happen but have taken a back seat to things like television and the internet as a way to spread ideas. This project is meant to give students an understanding of how this concept has helped shape the world we live in over the last 8,000 years. There are two components, a group poster to be done in class and an individual writing to be done at home.
1)Over the course of the next several classes, students will be creating a poster within their assigned groups. The poster will represent any ideas, products, concepts etc… throughout history. Each concept must be explained briefly and also include where and when it originated along with a picture. The posters will be done in class but each group member must bring in information to be included from home.
2)The second component of the project is to be done on an individual basis at home. It will include two different parts. Part A is an inventory of examples of cultural diffusion form the students own home. Each student should choose five items from their home and give a rational explanation of why it is an example of cultural diffusion.
Part B is a one page (250 word) description of any product, idea, food, belief etc… from history that represents cultural diffusion. Students should try to choose something that has had a major impact on the world or a large group of people. It can be from any time period ranging from the Neolithic Revolution up until today. Please include sources.
I will also infuse mini lectures and readings into our class next week as a way of introducing some examples. This should provide each student with some important background information to help with the project.
Assigned Thursday November 28th, 2012.
Due dates: Group poster will be due at the end of period on Monday, December 10th.
Individual paper will be due at the beginning of period on same day, 12/10/12.
Posters and papers will be graded on originality, presentation and of course accuracy.
Please see me with any problems or questions.
Mr. Flanagan