Task: SAC Overview
Purpose: To familiarise students with concepts and methodologies of the entire course
Due: 28th June (Thurs Wk. 10)
Instructions: Bring your laptops to class each lesson. Complete this word document task sheet,
save as a PDF and email to Miss Morgan at: cipimorgan@gmail.com (by 3:10 pm!)
You will need to use a number of resources for this task
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Heinemann Textbook (in Rm 25 cupboard - Good for checking concept definitions!)
SAC Wikispace: http://missmorganlghs.wikispaces.com/
Research Methodologies - a glossary of terms
http://scansw.com.au/sc_pages/sc_soccultwld/sc_meth_glossary.html
Bibliography annotations
I suggest the following sites:
The Open University - "Society" page: http://www.open.edu/openlearn/society
Sydney Morning Herald – use the search engine: www.smh.com.au
Google Books
Model bibliography annotation:
Dumbest Generation, the: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our
Future (Or, Don’t Trust Anyone under 30) by Mark Bauerlein, Published by Penguin Books (2008)
This text, which concluded surveys undertaken by Bauerlein about the changing attitudes of young
Americans and reading habits, was extremely useful in providing the influence technology has had
on Generation Y. It was bias in the fact that Bauerlein greatly argued the negative impacts of
technology; however surveys undertaken by Americans were useful. However, the text was based on
American adolescent studies so could not be used greatly to support my argument with Australian
Generation Y’ers
*The references should be accurate and include publication/production details. For each internet site,
the URL and the most recent date the site was visited should be included, along with a short
annotation on its usefulness to the topic you are investigating.
Intercultural Communications
communication identity
stereotypes
customs
mores
values
acculturation
enculturation
globalisation
cultural
relativism
change
conflict
cooperation
cultural heritage
multiculturalism
cultural transmission
continuity
cultural diversity
1. Define 3 of the concepts from above.
2. "Since we are all trapped in language (a system of meanings connected with signs and
symbols) how we understand things is also caught up in that system (language)... Ultimately
we are all trapped in language and we acquire our culture through language... to understand
culture, you must understand the structures that function within culture and the underlying
patterns that shape it." (Sociology: A Graphic Guide, p115)
In your own words, state your understanding of the above quote and explain how these
ideas relate to persons communicating cross-culturally.
3. Choose a society that could be compared with Australian society in terms of communication.
Justify your choice of country. (Explain how it is comparable to Australia and how this
comparison could relate to 3 or more of the topic concepts from the list above.)
4. Bibliography annotation: Select a secondary resource that relates to either the society you
chose for the last question, or makes cultural comparisons between your chosen society and
Australia. (See model annotated bibliography on page 1 of this task)
Source details:
Annotation:
Continuity & Change
continuity
change
values
tradition
globalisation
beliefs
identity
industrialisation
modernisation
institutions
heritage
conflict
empowerment
cooperation
social and cultural literacy
directions
strategies for change
westernisation
scenarios for future
5. Define 3 of the concepts from above.
6. "There is probably no period in human history when a sense of change, a challenge to all that
seemed permanent, was not experienced – and largely as an unwelcome disruption. Change
may have been in the form of political upheaval – a move from despotic rule to democracy,
for instance; or social instability – the shift in women’s and men’s roles with regards
domestic responsibilities; or economic influence – the rise of global trade and international
markets. Each, however, is also evidence of human creativity – our ability to live in new and
different times."
Dr Wendy Maples
In your own words, state your understanding of the above quote and explain how these
ideas relate to continuity and change in today’s world.
7. Choose a society that that has experienced continuity or change. Justify your choice of
country. (Explain how it has experienced continuity/change and how it could relate to 3 or
more of the topic concepts from the list above.)
8. Bibliography annotation: Select a secondary resource that relates to continuity or change in
the society you chose (See model annotated bibliography on page 1 of this task)
Source details:
Annotation:
Popular Culture
access
ideology
socialisation conflict change
consumption
globalisation
institutional power continuity
self-influence
mythology
identity
media
9. Define 3 of the concepts from above.
10. Choose one of the suggested readings from the Popular Culture page on Wikispaces. In your
own words, state your understanding of the main ideas from the reading.
11. Choose an example of popular culture. Justify your choice of popular culture. (You will need
to look at the textbook outline of what makes a popular culture. Explain how the culture you
have chosen could be considered a popular culture.)
12. Bibliography annotation: Select a secondary resource that relates to the popular culture you
chose (See model annotated bibliography on page 1 of this task)
Source details:
Annotation:
PIP
1. Conduct an interview with a Yr 12 SAC student about undertaking the PIP. (Revisit your
notes on how to do an interview! Include around 10 questions.)
Interview transcript:
13. Summarise the findings of your interview. (What did you learn about doing the PIP?)
14. Look through the PIP resources on the Wiki homepage. Discuss a theme that interests you as
a possible area for your PIP research. State some possible research QUESTIONS.
15. Bibliography annotation: Select a secondary resource that relates to the PIP theme you
chose (See model annotated bibliography on page 1 of this task)
Source details:
Annotation:
END OF TASK