CU LT U R A L S PA CE S PLACING CULTURE & CULTURAL SPACE ‘Culture, by definition, is rooted in place with a reciprocal relationship between people and place ‘Culture: ”Place tilled’ in Middle English ‘Colere : ‘to inhabit, care for, till, worship’ in Latin ‘In the context of globalization, what is the relationship between culture and place? ‘Culture is both placed and displaced CULTURAL SPACES ‘Cultural space shapes verbal and nonverbal communicative practices ‘Ex. Classrooms, church, bar, library ‘Communicative practices in these spaces reveal meanings in/about the space ‘Communicative practices include: ‘The languages, accents, slang, dress, artifacts, architectural design, the behaviors and patterns of interaction, the stories, the discourses and histories ‘Globalization changes the way we understand cultural spaces PLACE, CULTURAL SPACE, IDENTITY ‘Stereotypes, assumptions, and judgments are associated with cities, towns, and neighborhoods. ‘People use cultural space to create avowed and ascribed identities. -Avowed identity: The way we see, label, and make meaning about ourselves. -Ascribed identity: The way others may view, name, and describe us and our group. Examples of how avowed and ascribed identities may conflict? -Michelle’s mother is African American and her father is White. She identifies as biracial. However, people in the United States identify her as Black. The designation of Black as her identity is an ascribed identity. -Miles, who is half Mexican American and half White American, has very light brown skin. He was raised in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood, and he identifies himself as Mexican American. However, his friends regard him as ‘White’ because of his fair skin. His ‘Mexican American’ identity is avowed identity. If ascribed and avowed identities don’t match up, it can cause friction. CASE STUDY: HIP HOP CULTURE ‘Back in the Day: South Bronx -Black and Puerto Rican youth created forms of cultural expression to reclaim their belonging to place, such as the streets, neighborhoods, and cities ‘Introduction to hip hop culture ‘Going Commercial: -Attracted a wide range of audience, including the White youth. -Commercialization and commodification -Gained both criticism and praise for its controversial lyrics and messages. ‘Going Global: -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i23NEQEFpgQ -Appropriation: ‘Borrowing,’ ‘mishandling,’ and/or ‘stealing’ across the world CULTURAL SPACE, POWER, & COMMUNICATION ‘Throughout history and today, space has been used to establish, exert and maintain power and control ‘Power is signified, constructed and regulated through size, shape, access, containment and segregation of space ‘Examples in the following slides HOSTILE ARCHITECTURE ‘https://laist.com/2017/10/26/h ostile_architecture.php MOUNT RUSHMORE ‘https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/a mericanexperience/features/ rushmore-sioux/ SEGREGATED CULTURAL SPACE ‘Cultural spaces that are segregated based on socio-economic, racial, ethnic, sexual, political and/or religious differences. ‘Examples: -The reservation system imposed on Native Americans. -The Jim Crow laws (1865-1960s) that segregated Blacks. -The isolation of Japanese Americans during WWII. -Schools today are re-segregated to the same level as in 1970s -In Hurricane Katrina, low-income, working class neighborhoods were hit the hardest -Gated communities CONTESTED CULTURAL SPACE -Cultural space where people with unequal control and access to resources engage in oppositional and confrontational strategies of resistance and/or contestation ‘Examples: -Chinese immigrants who came to the U.S. to work from the 1850s onward were forced to live in isolated ethnic enclaves known as Chinatowns in large cities such as San Francisco and New York -Occupy Wall Street; Occupy Oakland; Occupy Boston, etc. CONTESTED CULTURAL SPACE -Boyle Heights -art galleries (PSSST) vs anti-gentrification activists -In a joint statement about PSSST’s closure, Boyle Heights Alliance Against Artwashing and Displacement and Defend Boyle Heights say the neighborhoods needs basic community amenities, like a laundromat and an affordable grocery store, not art galleries. ‘Why was there funding for a 501(c)3 to run a gallery to attract new people to Boyle Heights, but not for services for the existing community?’ they ask. HYBRID CULTURAL SPACE -The intersection of intercultural communication practices that construct meanings in, through and about particular places within a context of relations of power. -Challenges definitions of culture, cultural space, and identity -Can be sites of resistance ‘Examples: -McDonald’s in any country -Wal-Mart, Starbucks and other American companies are mixed into local cultural spaces around the world HYBRID CULTURAL SPACE AS SITE OF INTERCULTURAL NEGOTIATION ‘Hybrid cultural spaces as innovative and creative spaces where people constantly adapt to, negotiate with and improvise between multiple cultural frameworks. ‘Example: -Cultural space of ‘home’ experienced by Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S. -Immigrants create hybrid cultural space to creatively maintain their relationship to their culture and tradition. HYBRID CULTURAL SPACE AS SITE OF RESISTANCE ‘Hybrid cultural spaces where people challenge stable, territorial, and static definitions of culture, cultural spaces and cultural identities. ‘Example: -Asian Indian immigrants create hybrid cultural space as a form of resistance to the dominant American culture. -Hybrid cultural space allows them to avoid total assimilation and a loss of their own culture. HYBRID CULTURAL SPACES AS SITES OF TRANSFORMATION ‘Hegemonic structures are negotiated and reconfigured through hybridization of culture, cultural space, and identity. ‘Example: -Chicana feminist Gloria Anzaldua uses the notion of ‘borderlands’ to transform the experience of cultural marginalization into a space of oppositional and liberatory identity.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.