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.
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. |