Elements of Culture Instructions-Mr. Nicholas

Here are your instructions for the assignment, in case the time we spent at the end of class wasn’t sufficient to explain what I am looking for.

Choose one or more of the elements of culture that were listed on the board, the list includes the following elements: food, language, literature, movies, music, dance, television, theatre, sports, video games, school, family, friends, fashion, religion. If there is another element that you think would fit this list that you want to write about please do so. If you are unsure, email me and I can let you know what I think. I will try to check my email a few times both Saturday and Sunday. If you have any general questions about the assignment, feel free to ask via email as well.

The main thing is that this is your impression of what the element(s) you choose means to you. How does it impact your life, and how does it add to your experience of the world. Explain what it is and why it matters to you, why you enjoy it or why it is important to you.
There are no right or wrong answers for this assignment, as with much of the writing that you will do for our class. Do not stress about getting it perfect, especially on your first try. While you will be assessed on what you write, one assignment will not make or break your grade, and I don’t expect perfection. So take it easy, think about what you want to say, and then start writing, trust that the right words will come as you begin the process. Just as when you perform a piece of music, or a dance, or a play, you have to trust yourself and get into the moment without worrying about things beyond your control, such as how the audience will react, or how your teacher will respond.

As far as your assessment does go, I am looking for the content and quality of your ideas, the style with which you present them, and the fundamentals, such as spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. I am grading you then as follows, three parts content, two parts style, and one part fundamentals.

I look forward to reading your columns and to discussing your ideas next week in class. Happy writing!

Mr.Nicholas