Culture Topics (NC Social Studies 7)
Big Idea Questions:






Small Idea Questions:



7th Grade Culture Standards (NC Social Studies)

7.C.1.1 Explain how culture unites and divides modern societies and regions (e.g. enslavement of various peoples, caste system, religious conflict and Social Darwinism). 

The student will understand: 
  • Differing cultural values and belief systems in a society may serve as a source of conflict. 
  • Common values and beliefs may serve to build relationships among various cultural groups. 
  • Cultural groups are more alike than they are different. 
  • Monuments and art treasures make a shared past visible and thus strengthen inter-cultural ties. 
  • Cultural exchange contributes to mutual understanding between societies and peoples which can prevent prejudice and hate. 
  •  Societies and regions may unite around shared principles of ethics. 
 
The student will know: 
  • Instances in which different cultural groups united around issues such as humanitarian efforts, shared religious beliefs, etc. 
  • Instances were cultural groups were in complete opposition to one another such as disputes over belief systems and religious and other cultural practices. 

7.C.1.2 Explain how cultural expressions (e.g. art, literature, architecture and music) influence modern society. 

The student will understand: 
  • Cultural expressions of the past may be reflected in modern society in various ways. 
  • Expressions of culture may bring about political and social change by exposing political and social issues. 
 
For example: After seeing photographs of children who were affected by the dropping of the ---serve as a means of solving conflict: art places society under scrutiny, opens up difficult topics and breaks down stereotypes and taboos. ---cultural activities make people resilient and can help heal the wounds of those traumatized by violent conflict. 
---art enables us to record people’s stories for future generations and thus helps to prevent conflict in the future. 

  • In times of need, cultural expressions such as songs, writings and works of art can be a beacon of hope and comfort. 

For example: The United Nations uses theatre in Kosovo to help people deal with the pain of loss felt during the war in Kosovo (year???). The Center for Children’s Theatre 
Development is working with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo’s Office on Missing 
Persons and Forensics on a theatrical project known as Voices where relatives of Serbian and Albanian people who are still missing take an active role in the writing of history. This helps them deal with the pain inflicted on them by the war. Theatre project participants interview families of the mission person and use these interviews to create scenes in the plan with the hopes of getting the audience to identify collectively rather than individually with what they see on stage. 

  • Conflicting ideas regarding cultural expressions often leads to conflict and suppression. --- the burning of books, the incarceration of writers and artists, the destruction of cultural heritage 
  • Art and culture create space for imagination, dialogue and interpretation. 
---artists are giving shape to reality – searching for alternative solutions and other values – a free society needs cultural innovation – art is also an aim in itself, as a mirror and interpreter of our existence. 
  • Monuments and art treasures make a shared past visible and thus strengthen inter-cultural ties. 
  • Cultural heritage reinforces cultural and historical self-awareness. 
  • Cultural exchange can enrich our lives by inspiring new forms of artistic expression and providing new insights that broaden our horizons. 
  • Expressions of culture can be a means of improving the quality of life of a nation. 

The student will know: 
  • Cultural expressions are generally associated with archives, works of art, places of worship and monuments, but it also exists in less tangible forms: language, music and dance, festivities, rituals and traditional craftsmanship. 
  • Specific instances where cultural expressions of the past were reflected in modern society. 
  • Art and other expressions of culture give people self-respect, belief in the future, and a platform for freedom of speech and expression. 
  • Ways in which the media transform society e.g. keeping people informed, but also the power to persuade people using certain images. 
  • Ways in which cultural expressions can improve quality of life e.g. attracting tourists to a place; cultural projects creating jobs and generating income.