Culture and Ethnic S

How has Folklore Shaped the
Culture of your chosen country? (Italy)
Academic Level : Bachelor
Paper details
800 Word Essay (bibliography doesn’t count)
Cited in Chicago/Turabian style only
The county I have chosen is Italy
Objective: Students will explore the culture of their chosen region/country by looking at myths which
express people’s values, beliefs and traditions. Myths
are generational oral tales and anecdotes Students will gain an appreciation for the stories that
explain things that people have questioned over
time.
Standards:
RST.11-12.1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts,
attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the
WHST.11-12.1a. Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s),
distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically
sequences the claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
WHST.11-12.8. Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using
advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the
specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow
of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for
citation.
Understandings:
Students will come to understand that myths from around the world often use the same themes to
express commonly held views
Students will learn why there are differences in myths and what they teach us
about the cultures they represent
Students will learn that geographical formations play some of the largest contextual roles in
developing myths.
Essential Questions:
Why study mythology?
How do different cultures explain the beginning of the world, the origin of man or
natural events (storms, flooding, etc.)?
What unique cultural traits are revealed in myths?
Are there universal (anthropological) elements of culture that transcend regional differences?
Knowledge Shown:
The purpose of myths is to explain, inform and entertain.
Differences in myths reflect the uniqueness of the geographic location of each
culture.
Skills Gained:
Identify the structure and purpose of selected myths.
Explain the similarities between myths from different geographic locations.
Research the origins of myths that are presented.
Create an original myth which will include a structure and purpose.
Preferred language style  Simple (Easy vocabulary, simple grammar constructions)