Summary: First, we had a course orientation, and you learned what you would be able to do by the end of the course from the syllabus page in Manaba. Then, we studied and discussed the layers of diversity of a person’s identity/personality, language, and culture. You also learned more about your classmates and me.

English 3.4/7.8 IBIL (Inquiry-Based Interactive Learning) Extending Level: Identity, Language, and Culture Syllabus

How will my grade be calculated for the Spring Semester?

• Homework 40%         
• Cycle 1 Project: My Layers of Identity 20%
• Cycle 2 Project: My Layers of Language 20%
• Class Participation 20% 

The Diversity Wheel That Shapes Identity

Following the orientation, we worked on the communication framework and standards below in pairs and used the questions in worksheet two, “Everyone Has a Culture/Everyone is Different.”

Features of Culture Statements: 

• No one is exactly like me.
• I have many things in common with the members of my family and community.
• Every person in the world needs some of the same things I need.

Features of Culture Questions:

• Celebrations: What kinds of celebrations are important in your family? In your country?
• Greetings: How do you generally greet people you don’t know?
• Beliefs about hospitality: How do you show hospitality in your community? In your school? In your home?
• The role of family: Is there a particular age at which you celebrate an important event in your life with your family or community?
• Attitudes about personal space and privacy: How important do you feel it is to have your own space and privacy?

Framework and Standards: 
Everyone has a culture(s). It shapes how we see ourselves, others, and the world. 

Essential questions: 

• How does culture shape the way we see ourselves, others, and the world?
• How does my culture shape me?
• Why is it important to understand culture?

Lesson adapted from Peace Corps: Features of Culture

Class 01 Homework on Your Identity and Culture: 

Please take notes related to the question prompts in this link: Worksheet #2: Your Identity: Everyone Has a Culture–Everyone is Different, in your own words, with at least two pages of notes. You can include information about yourself that is unique to you, not related to the questions. Worksheet #1: Features of Culture has 30 themes related to your unique identity.

 Making colorful drawings about yourself and your identity will be very helpful. You can also upload photos of yourself to share with the class. Here are some Samples of Note-Taking at Chuo University Law to show how you can draw, take notes, and insert images and photos. This homework is due by midnight on Sunday, the day before Class 02.

Homework Sample #1

Homework Sample #2