Written Assignment on Systems of Representation
Written Assignment on Systems of Representation
Important to know for this course:
Systems of Representation
1. According to a “social constructionist” perspective, we only make meaning of the material world through specific cultural contexts. This takes place in part through the language systems (be they writing, speech, or images) that we use. Hence, the material world only has meaning, and only can be “seen” by us, through these systems of representation. This means that the world is not simply reflected back to us through systems of representation, but that we actually construct the meaning of the material world through these systems (p.12-13).
Sturken, Marita, and Lisa Cartwright. “Practices of Looking:Images, Power, and Politics” in
Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. New York: Oxford University Press,
2009. Print.
2. Class Discussion
DIVERSITY: cultures, opinions identities, genders, educational levels,
ideologies/religions, values/social practices, socio-economic levels, family
structure, able-bodiedness, mental health, language usage
EQUITY: same opportunities, educational accommodations, gender
expectations, ageism
INCLUSION: acceptance, recognition of diversity, tolerance, validation,
empathy
Readings:
1. (We will solve any submission problems you’re having at the beginning of class.)
1. “Techniques of the Body” Marcel Mauss (1934) – p. 1-5 (Numbered 70-74)
Mauss_Marcel_1935_1973_
Stonewall Uprising : Chapter One
Shown in class
Paris is Burning- the remastered version is available on Netflix
Click to load this video in a new window.
Answer Preview………………
My first impression of Mauss’s explanation of body techniques made me question if his ideas apply in the present times (Mauss, 1973). This is because his theory dates back in the 1930s. According to Mauss, the human’s body is composed of different techniques. These techniques include the activities human beings do from their childhood to adulthood (Sturken & Lisa, 2009). These activities vary from one culture to another. Some of the activities Mauss lists include climbing, drinking, running, washing, and sleeping (Sturken & Lisa, 2009). He believes human beings obtain these body techniques through training as well as education. He argues that………………
APA 687 words