Read the Fine Print

Social Studies

Abstract:: This section encourages objectivity as students are offered information about the historical context for the works of art. The pre-visit activity, Analyzing Political Cartoons, asks students to find and interpret a political cartoon. This exercise continues to encourage students' exploration of symbols as tools for delivering messages, in this case politically and socially motivated ones. The on-site activity, Analyzing Art, asks students to look at a work of art subjectively through a facilitated discussion. Students are then offered contextual information about the work. At this point students are asked to reconsider their opinions about the meaning of the work and whether their opinions have changed given new information. The on-site activity, Object Analysis, asks students to explore a work of art that they think relates to an historical event and to analyze the work for contextual clues. Visit www.pageatatime.org to see more about this collection.

Topics in Culture and Globalization, Fall 2003

Abstract:: The concept of globalization fosters the understanding of the interconnectedness of cultures and societies geographically wide apart; America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Subject scans existing debates over globalization in four continents. Explores how globalization impacts everyday life in the First and Third World; how globalization leads to a common cosmopolitan culture; the emergence of a global youth culture; and religious, social, and political movements that challenge globalization. Materials examined include pop music, advertisements, film posters, and political cartoons. Topic for Spring 2003: Popular Culture in Japan. Taught in English.