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Internet Connection
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1

Nonverbal communication is an important element in all cultures. Through gestures and body language, we can express ideas and feelings. As with all elements of culture though, specific forms of nonverbal communication differ among different groups. Visit http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Performing_Arts/Dance/Folk_and_Traditional/ to sample the meanings and forms of dances in differing groups. Choose three of the groups listed on the homepage. Then link to websites dedicated to their folk or traditional forms of dance. For each, answer the following questions:
  1. Does the name of the dance itself hold any special meaning?
  2. What purposes/functions does the dance serve for members of the group?
  3. What is the history or origin of the dance?
  4. Is the dance still performed today? Is it performed at a specific time of year or under certain conditions?
  5. What symbolism and gestures do the dancers use? What ideas and feelings do they try to express?
  6. What similarities and differences among the three groups and dances do you see?
  7. Why would it be good for a social scientist studying dance forms in different cultures to keep in mind the concepts of cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, and culture shock?
2

Museums Around the World (http://icom.museum/vlmp/world.html) has a list of countries and their museums. This site allows the public to access information about different countries through these museums. Click on "South Africa" and click on the "Robben Island Museum." Explore the site and be sure to check out the panoramic view of the island. Click on "Brief History."
  1. What was the primary use of Robben Island?
  2. Who were some of the people imprisoned on the island?
  3. What else was Robben Island used for?
    Return to the Museums Around the World homepage. Click on "Bulgaria," and then on "National Museum of History."Click on "Virtual Tour" and then on "Hall 9."
  4. Who were the first settlers in Bulgaria?
    Look at some of the artifacts in this hall.
  5. Which ones did you find the most interesting? Why?
    Click on "Hall 18."
  6. What did you learn about the First Bulgarian Kingdom?
    Look at some of the artifacts in this hall.
  7. Which ones did you like the most? Why?
3

The introduction to Chapter 2 introduces you to the country of Bhutan, the last country in the world to legalize television. Bhutan has only one homegrown television and radio station. Explore the following site to learn more about the country of Bhutan and its mass media: http://www.bbs.com.bt/index.htm. Link to "Bhutan" and then to "Images" to better understand how geographically isolated the country is and why the mass media are limited. You will see a series of mini-slides depicting both the country and the people who inhabit Bhutan. Next, link to "About BBS." This will allow you to read a brief history of radio and television in Bhutan.
  1. When did radio broadcasting start in Bhutan? When did this first station operate, and how long was it on the air? When is FM service expected to cover the whole country?
    Click on "Programmes" and link to "Television Schedule."
  2. Which kind of programming (news, documentary, etc.) occurrs most often during the week?
  3. Compare the programs offered on BBS to those of a local channel in your community. In what ways are they different or similar?
    Click on "Home" and link to "Thimphu Top Ten." This will connect you to the English Radio Show that plays the latest music in town. Scan the Top 10 list.
  4. How many of the songs are familiar to you?
  5. Were you surprised to find that the Top 10 music list contained many songs that are, or were, popular in the United States? Explain.
  6. The Bhutanese rely heavily on spoken stories to teach cultural values. There is concern that as sitcoms and action films become more popular, this transmission will become more fragile. List at least two racial or ethnic groups living in the United States and explain how their cultural values may be compromised by the mass media in our country.
4

Amish.net (http://Amish.net/lifestyle.asp) helps the public to understand the Amish lifestyle. Read the article "The Amish Lifestyle" and answer the following questions:
  1. What is the primary language of the Amish?
  2. How many Amish live in North America?
  3. What are the several groups of Amish?
  4. What is the importance of family to the Amish?
  5. Read Amish Life FAQs. What is the term used for Amish adolescents who "sow their wild oats"?
  6. How do the Amish deal with children who have special needs?
  7. What do Amish children do during the day?
  8. Why do Amish children choose to remain in the Amish community when they reach adulthood?





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