Module 1 Journal Assignment (25 points) Purpose The word “Culture” often means different things to different people. Some view it as referring to the creative arts (music, opera, literature, ballet, etc). Other people think of “culture” as referring to a set of traditions from a particular ethnicity or nationality (Latin Culture, Black Culture, Native American Culture, French Culture, etc). While these elements are certainly expressions of certain types of culture, they only tell part of the story. Our text book defines culture as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man [humankind] as a member of society.” But the book goes on to state that “Throughout human history, cultures have always been changing, merging, overlapping, and in flux, and that is likely more true today than ever before. Globalization, mass media, the Internet, the international entertainment industry, world travel, and other forces of modernity make if difficult if not impossible to draw a clear line in the sand distinguishing one culture from another, musically or otherwise.” Add to that, within larger cultures there are also micro-cultures or subcultures, smaller groups within a larger culture with their own shared beliefs, values, and traditions. For example someone from Spain may be part of the Spanish culture. But they also may be more specifically a Muslim living in Granada. So they may also have another group of traditions that are different from a Spaniard who is Catholic and grew up in Barcelona. I am an American. I was born in Ohio. But I have also lived in Chicago, Phoenix, and Indianapolis. Three cities with very different cultures. Further, my father’s family is from Mexico, so I was also raised with many Mexican traditions, although my mother’s family is of Anglo-European descent and has been in the United States for many generations. I am in my mid-forties and very much a member of the Gen X generation which likely gives me a different perspective and experience than my students who are younger than me, but also from some of my colleagues who may be as much as 20 years older than me. I am a trained classical musician which is certainly a subculture of its own with a certain set of musical values. But I also grew up as a very dedicated heavy metal fan and surrounded myself with other metal heads who had a shared aesthetic and cultural value. I could go on and consider specifics regarding my political, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identification. All of these subcultures mix together to create the “complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, (and) custom” that is my culture. All of this impacts my musical preferences as well. And it impacts the way I express myself musically, both as a musician and lover of music. Sometimes in ways that I am not even aware of. Your assignment for this journal is to examine your own culture and how it impacts your personal musical expectations, assumptions, preferences, likes, and dislikes. Module 1 Journal (See the rubric at the bottom of the page for expectations) 1. What are some of the cultures that you identify with? List as many as you like. Are there some aspects of your culture that are more important to you than others? 2. How do you see these cultures reflected in your musical preferences? If you are musician yourself, how do you see these cultures reflected in the music you write, compose, or perform? 3. Of the musical examples in this module, which did I enjoy the most? Why? What elements of my culture or background draw me to these examples? Please reference the name of the piece(s) as well as the PL/Track number. For example, A Minha Menina (PL 1-4) (Recordings of the musical examples referenced in the book can be found in the Spotify Playlists linked in the Reading/Listening Assignment) 4. Of the musical examples in this module, which did I enjoy the least? Why? What elements of these examples conflict with the musical values of my culture? Please reference the name of the piece(s) as well as the PL/Track number. For example, A Minha Menina (PL 1-4) (Recordings of the musical examples referenced in the book can be found in the Spotify Playlists linked in the Reading/Listening Assignment) 5. Other thoughts or comments about Module 1. This is your chance to expand on areas you found particularly interesting, confusing, challenging, surprising, etc. (You must discuss something. Stating “nothing” is not an acceptable answer.) Responses should be thoughtful, well written, and detailed. In general, avoid one sentence responses. Each response is worth 5 points. Your response thoroughly addresses the question, demonstrating that you have read, listened to, understood, and reflected upon the material. You 5 use specific examples from the reading/listening to express your ideas. Your writing is organized, free of spelling and grammar mistakes, and clearly expresses a thoughtful and intelligent perspective. Your responses address the question. Your response hints toward understanding but falls short of demonstrating that you have read, 4 listened to, and reflected upon the material. Grammar and spelling may be average or slightly above average. Your responses answer the question but nothing else. Overall, your response lacks depth and fails to show that you read or understood the 2-3 material. Statements appear unrelated to each other. Grammar and spelling may also be below average and thus obscure your meaning. 1 Shows little or no understanding of material. 0 Did not complete