Unit Outline
World cultures and civilisations change. But it isn't always wars and other cataclysmic events that cause this. Sometimes, new ideas and ways of thinking have the power to change the world. Examining the symbolism of cultures can therefore tell us alot about how ideas and values change over time.
The European Renaissance starting in the 14th century, is a classic example of how cultural ideas and forms of expression can change over time, and how these forms of expression can convey meanings about the values and ideas of a society. This unit will therefore inquiry into Renaissance Italy as a case study of cultural expression in the past, before comparing the symbolism of expression to modern day cultures through an investigation into 20th century artists. This will help students to understand how cultural expression can both shape and reflect, the values and beliefs of societies today and in the past.
The European Renaissance starting in the 14th century, is a classic example of how cultural ideas and forms of expression can change over time, and how these forms of expression can convey meanings about the values and ideas of a society. This unit will therefore inquiry into Renaissance Italy as a case study of cultural expression in the past, before comparing the symbolism of expression to modern day cultures through an investigation into 20th century artists. This will help students to understand how cultural expression can both shape and reflect, the values and beliefs of societies today and in the past.
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statement of inquiry
Cultural expression reflects the time, place and space of the artists that created it
global context
Personal and Cultural Expression (Artistry, Craft, Creation, Beauty) - Students will explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
key concept
Time, Place and Space - The intrinsically linked concept of time, place and space refers to the absolute or relative position of people, objects and ideas. Time, place and space focuses on how we construct and use our understanding of location (“where” and “when”).
related concepts
Culture (Geography) - Culture helps shape, define and guide civilizations and individuals and it influences the relationship between them and the environment. Cultures are constituted by learned behaviours and values shared by groups and transmitted through socialization. Geographers study cultural traits of places in terms of language, customs, beliefs, dress, images, music, food and technology. Units that explore the related concept of culture could include issues of cultural diffusion, cultural contestation, and the process of consumerism.
Significance (History) - Significance is a concept of a different nature as it is more clearly related to the craft of the discipline. It refers to the quality of having great value taking into account the historical context. Historical context is the political, social, cultural, and economic setting for a particular idea or event. In order to better understand something from history, we must look at its context—those things that surround it in time and place and that give it its meaning or value. In this way, we can gain, among other things, a sense of how unique or ordinary an event or idea seems to be in comparison to other events and ideas. Symbolism (Philosophy & Religious Studies) - Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbols are the basis of culture. A symbol is an object, word, or action that stands for something else with no natural relationship that is culturally defined. Everything one does throughout their life is based and organized through cultural symbolism. Symbolism is when something represents abstract ideas or concepts. Some good examples of symbols/symbolism would be objects, figures, sounds, and colors. |
1. What and where was the Renaissance?
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The Italian Renaissance is a classic example of an artistic and intellectual movement impacting on culture. This first inquiry therefore examines what, when, and where the Renaissance was before we explore its cultural symbolism in more depth in later lessons.
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2. What influenced artists in the Renaissance?
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Understanding why Renaissance artists used certain symbols and imagery in their art is hard unless we try to imagine what life was like for people in the Renaissance. This requires us to inquire into and understand their values and beliefs, thoughts and feelings.
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3. Who was the ultimate Renaissance 'artist'?
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We are often told how significant Renaissance artists were, but how can we best judge this? This lesson will explore the criteria we can use to judge the significance of famous artists as well as the skills we need to be able to analyse and critique their art works.
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4. How does culture express time and place?
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The 20th century has witnessed huge social and culture changes which can be studied by examining the symbolism found in the artwork of its most famous artists. The 1960s in particular provides a rich case study for examining these cultural changes.
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5-7. Assessment: Artists, Culture, & Expression
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This end of unit inquiry asks students to investigate the work of a 20th century artist of their choice, and to examine why that artist was so significant. They will then prepare speeches on how those artists have reflected the culture of their time and place better than any others.
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8. Reflection: How is my own culture expressed?
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Each of us exist within communities which have their own unique cultures and forms of expression. Reflecting on what influences our own culture, ideas and values can help us to understand the uniqueness of our own time, place, and spaces.
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