Choose your favorite short answer question from the worksheets in weeks 2 and 3 and develop it into a draft e-ssay of at least four hundred words. Here are the t opic options:
What does the term “cultural universals” mean? What are some examples of cultural universals? Can you think of any cultural universals that take different forms in different cultures?
Do you agree with the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that language shapes our perception of ourselves and of our reality? Why or why not? For example, does language impact how we think about gender, race, and/or ethnicity? If so, how so? If not, why not?
What are values? How do values differ from norms? Do you think there are a shared set of core values that Americans share? Why or why not? Try and support your opinion by discussing some concrete examples from your culture.
Explain the concept of culture shock by imagining that a person who lived in the United States in the 1860s time traveled to the United States of today. What are some aspects of American culture that might shock this visitor? Are there any aspects of American culture that might not be surprising?
What does “socialization” mean? Why is the family considered by most sociologists and psychologists to be the most important agent of socialization? Do you agree? What do you think are some other significant agents of socialization?
Do you think human beings are a product of nature, nurture, or both? How so? Try and develop your response with some concrete ex maples .
Why does Carol Gilligan think that gender impacts social and moral development? Do you agree? Why or why not? What about other aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, disability, and/or socio-economic class? Try and develop your response with some concrete examples.
Consider the four main psychological and sociological theories of human development and socialization. Which do you find the most compelling, and why? Be sure to briefly explain the theory you chose in your response. No plagiarism
