Question Description
Im studying for my Social Science class and need an explanation.
Assignment 3: Cultural Activity Report
Due Week 10
As a way of experiencing the Humanities beyond your classroom, computer, and
textbook, you are asked to do a certain type of cultural activity that fits
well with our course and then report on your experience. Your instructor will
require you to propose an activity and get instructor approval before you do it
and report on it (students should look for any instructions in that respect).
Every effort should be made to ensure that this is a hands-on experience (not a
virtual one), that this activity fits the HUM 112 class well, and that the
activity is of sufficient quality for this university course. The two (2) key
types of activities are a museum visit or a performance. Note:
This must not be a report on the same activity (and certainly not the same
report) as done for another class, like HUM 111. For instance, one might go to
the same museum as done for HUM 111, but this HUM 112 report will focus on
entirely different works and displays.
- Visit a museum or gallery exhibition or attend a theater, dance, or musical
performance before the end of Week 10. The activity (museum or performance)
should have content that fits our course well. Have fun doing this. - Write a two to three (2-3) page report (500-750 words) that describes your
experience.
-
- Clearly identify the event location, date attended, the attendees, and your
initial reaction upon arriving at the event. - Provide specific information and a description of at least two (2)
pieces. - Provide a summary of the event and describe your overall reaction after
attending the event. - Use at least the class text as a reference (additional sources are fine, not
necessary unless required by your content). Your report should include
connections you make between things observed in your activity and things learned
in the course and text.
- Clearly identify the event location, date attended, the attendees, and your
Note: Submit your cultural activity choice to the instructor
for approval before the end of Week 5 (earlier is even better). Look for
guidance from the instructor for how or where to make your proposal. You may
also seek advice from your instructor (provide your town / state or zip code)
for a good activity in your general area.
Visiting a Museum
- It makes sense to approach a museum the way a seasoned traveler approaches
visiting a city for the first time. Find out what is available to see. In the
museum, find out what sort of exhibitions are currently housed in the museum and
start with the exhibits that interest you. - If there is a travelling exhibition, its always a good idea to see it while
you have the chance. Then, if you have time, you can look at other things in the
museum. - Every effort should be made ahead of time to identify a museum that has
items and works one can easily connect to our HUM 112 class and book. Since HUM
112 covers from 1600 AD to the present, it makes more sense to focus on items
from this time frame. In general, museums with fine arts work better than
history museums. - Any questions about whether a museum-visit activity fits the course and
assignment well enough will be decided by the instructor when the student seeks
approval for the activity. Any alternative activity outside the normal ones
listed here, such as for those limited by disability or distance, will be
determined by the instructor. Normally, we do not expect students to travel over
an hour to get to an approved activity. - Make notes as you go through the museum and accept any handouts or pamphlets
that the museum staff gives you. While you should not quote anything from the
printed material when you do your report, the handouts may help to refresh your
memory later. - The quality of your experience is not measured by the amount of time you
spend in the galleries or the number of works of art that you actually see. The
most rewarding experiences can come from finding two or three (2 or 3) pieces of
art or exhibits which intrigue you and then considering those works in leisurely
contemplation. Most museums have benches where you can sit and study a
particular piece. - If you are having a difficult time deciding which pieces to write about, ask
yourself these questions: (1) If the museum you are visiting suddenly caught
fire, which two (2) pieces of art or exhibits would you most want to see saved
from the fire? (2) Why would you choose those two (2) particular pieces?
Attending a Performance
- Check your local colleges to see if there are any free or low-cost
performances or student recitals. Student performances are generally of almost
the same quality as professional performances, but typically cost much less.
However, performances of high school level or lower will not meet this
requirement. - Try to do a quality performance that fits the class subject matter well.
Sorrybut this is not for pop music or rock music, rap, country music,
gospel music, comedy routines, your kid’s dance recital, your international
friend’s wedding, high school plays, renaissance fairs, etc. Instead, think of
college level or professional recitals, string quartets, symphony orchestras,
opera, jazz, some stage dramas, etc. - Any questions about whether a performance activity fits the course and
assignment well enough will be decided by the instructor when the student seeks
approval for an activity. Any alternative activity outside the normal ones
listed here, such as for those limited by disability or distance, will be
determined by the instructor. Normally, we do not expect students to travel over
an hour to get to an approved activity. - Unlike visiting a museum, where you can wear almost anything, people
attending performances are often expected to dress up a bit. - Take a pen or pencil with you and accept the program you are offered by the
usher; you will probably want to take notes on it during or after the
performance. - Turn off your cell phone before entering the auditorium. Do not use your
phone to record the music or to take pictures or videos. To play it safe, turn
the phone off. - Most long musical performances have at least one (1) intermission. If the
lights start blinking, it is the sign that the performance is about to
begin. - Look for very specific things (such as a particular piece of music or the
way certain instruments sounded at a specific time) which tend to stand out as
either enjoyable or not enjoyable. Be sure to take notes of the things which you
find enjoyable as well as the things which are not enjoyable.
Note: If a student is unable to attend a cultural event in
person due to circumstances beyond the students control, then the instructor
will recommend an alternate event / activity for the student to attend online.
The virtual event / activity is usually only for students who, due to their
physical location, cannot possibly attend an event / activity in person;
typically, these students are stationed overseas or have no means of
transportation. Experience shows most museums and activities are modest in
cost and manageable for students, and you will often see students from other
universities there on similar course projects. If you are facing financial
hardship, keep in mind that many museums have a free day each week and
performance discounts are often available for students and veterans, among
others. Feel free to ask your instructor to help with finding low-cost
options. If you believe that you have a legitimate reason for attending a
virtual activity, you must contact the instructor no later than Week 5 for
your request to be considered.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
- Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format.
Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
(Note: Students can find APA style materials located in the
course shell for reference) - Include a cover page containing the tile of the assignment, the students
name, the professors name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and
the reference page are not included in the required assignment page
length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment
are:
- Explain the importance of situating a societys cultural and artistic
expressions within a historical context. - Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and
socio-economic forces on social, cultural, and artistic expressions. - Use technology and information resources to research issues in the study of
world cultures. - Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper writing
mechanics