Choose an artifact and then analyze it (in 2–3 pages) using the four steps provided for
analyzing artifacts. Build your problem-solving skills by following the steps to analyze
cultural artifacts and articulate your own self- and social awareness by looking at the
experiences of yours and others.
The calling of the humanities is to make us truly human in the best sense of the word.
–J. Irwin Miller, Industrialist
What makes humans human? Part of the answer lies in the very different ways we
express ourselves and our experiences (through art, architecture, music, religion,
literature, and more). With over 7.6 billion people on planet Earth, understanding how
those expressions connect and distinguish us from one another is a critical part of
becoming better citizens of the world (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.).
Just a few generations ago, the odds of people interacting from completely different
backgrounds or communities were small. But in today’s digital world, we have instant
access to communities and cultures unlike our own. As we all come together to live,
work, and share experiences, it is becoming even more important that we understand
our perspectives and the perspectives of others so that we can all collaborate when
facing complex issues.
In this course, you’ll explore how different cultures and groups demonstrate their unique
perspectives on what it means to be human. As you do, you’ll discover how broadening
your perspective will help you better collaborate with others and solve problems in
today’s global world. Overall, you’ll develop three skills that will help you adapt to a
global world. They are:
• Problem-solving: As you examine the art, literature, and music of other cultures,
you’ll use critical thinking to frame problems, explain other people’s viewpoints,
and create solutions informed by diverse and ethical perspectives.
• Relationship building: While learning about cultures across different time periods,
you will discover that even the earliest humans understood the importance of
working with others.
• Self-awareness and social awareness: Recognizing your thoughts, emotions, and
intentions is a uniquely human trait, which is why it is fundamental to the study of
humanities. By managing your responses to unfamiliar experiences and being open
to new perspectives, you will better understand the people you encounter in your
personal and professional life.
As you use these skills together, you’ll become better equipped to build collaborative
relationships and solve diverse problems in a global workplace. You’ll also gain the
awareness you need to recognize how social and cultural differences may impact the
ways you interact with others.
In this assessment, you’ll learn more about the benefits of studying humanities and
discover how you can strengthen your problem-solving, relationship-building, and self-
and social-awareness skills in this course and beyond.
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
–Wayne Dyer, author, and motivational speaker
Tacos or lasagna. Sushi or curry. Pickles or kimchi. The foods we were exposed to as kids—
by our families, communities, religions, and geographical locations—shape our
preferences as adults. And it’s not just about food. Our backgrounds influence the
perspectives we have on music, literature, television, art, and more. By acknowledging
this influence, we become better able to consider how the perspectives of others with
different cultural backgrounds might also differ from our own.
In this assessment, you will also strengthen your problem-solving and self- and social-
awareness skills by exploring strategies that will help you examine artifacts from other
cultures more objectively. Being able to recognize how perspectives affect the way we
see the world will also help you better understand other points of view so you can tackle
the challenges you face at home, work, and school and make the best decisions for your
future.
Changing your perspectives will not only transform you but also the whole world.
–Ji-Hae Park, violinist
Who was your favorite musician when you were a child? Are you still a fan of that artist
today? You may still be an avid admirer, or you may cringe at the music you used to love.
Either way, your perspective of that artist has probably changed over time. Your
perspectives on music, art, culture, and more are constantly evolving as you grow, meet
new people, have new experiences, travel, and learn more about the world around you.
Lastly, in this assessment, you will also continue to strengthen your problem-solving
skills as you examine the personal and cultural experiences that influence the choices
you make. You’ll also hone your self- and social-awareness skills by learning how to
manage your reactions to things that may initially surprise you. As you explore more
about your perspectives and how they are influenced by your experiences, you’ll be
better able to consider new perspectives, look at cultural artifacts objectively, and
navigate through difficult issues at work or with friends.
Now get ready to explore other cultures, broaden your perspective, and discover what
makes humans human.
References
BrainyQuote. (n.d.). Ji-Hae Park quotes.
BrainyQuote. (n.d.). J. Irwin Miller quotes.
BrainyQuote. (n.d.). Wayne Dyer quotes.
Throughout the assessments in this course, you will have opportunities to analyze
cultural artifacts and/or works of art. A cultural artifact is something created by human
beings reflective of their society, such as an article of clothing or ancient pottery. A work
of art refers to something created by an artist (amateur or professional), such as a
painting, sculpture, film, poem, or photograph. You are encouraged to choose something
meaningful to you. You can select cultural artifacts or works of art of interest to you in
general. The optional text for this course, Exploring Cultures, also has many works of art
and artifacts that you may select.
For this assessment, you will write a 2–3 page paper that analyzes your artifact using the
strategies you’ve learned in this course. By using these strategies, you’ll:
• Practice your problem-solving and self/social-awareness skills as you consider how
your personal experiences and perspective influence your analysis of artifacts that
illustrate diverse and ethical perspectives.
• Be better equipped with information to help you make more objective and
informed decisions.
• Solve complex problems and think through situations related to diversity and
ethics.
As you follow these steps to analyze a cultural artifact or work of art, you are actively
practicing the process of thinking through a problem and breaking it down into its parts.
Additionally, self-awareness, social awareness, and articulation are critical in navigating
the workplace and working with others, whether at work or home. This assessment will
leverage what you have learned about the human experience to help you understand
what perspectives you hold and how they affect the decisions you make.
For this assessment, first, choose a cultural artifact or work of art, and then, in 2–3 pages
of writing, analyze it using the strategies you’ve learned from the provided resources.
1. Start by writing an introductory paragraph that describes which artifact you chose.
a. Provide a brief description of the artifact itself, including identifying details such as
the type of artifact, the artist or musician, when it was created, and the materials
used.
b. Explain why you chose this artifact. In other words, what about the artifact appeals
to you?
2. Describe the historical and artistic contexts of the artifact or work of art.
a. Describe the historical context, such as the time period, the place, and the reasons
the artist might have had for creating the artifact.
b. Describe the artistic context, such as the visual and aural techniques and symbols.
Include reasons that explain why these techniques were used.
i. Consider how the artistic context was shaped by the historical context at the time
the artifact was created.
3. Explain the cultural values conveyed through the artifact or work of art.
a. Identify two cultural values that you believe the artist was trying to convey
through the artifact or work of art.
b. Explain how these cultural values are portrayed, reflected, or demonstrated in the
artifact.
i. For example, how might an anti-war song from the late 1960s or early 1970s
portray or reflect American culture at that time? Similarly, how might a French
Impressionist painting reflect beliefs about modern life in the second half of the
19th century?
4. Reflect on the way culture shapes your perspective and impacts the decisions you
make about the meaning of the cultural artifact or work of art.
a. Relate the artist’s cultural values to your own. Examine the similarities or
differences that you see between your cultural values and the artist’s cultural
values.
b. Explain how your cultural perspective shaped your response and connection with
the artifact or work of art.
5. Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of
grammar, usage, mechanics, citations, and formatting.
our submission should meet the following requirements:
• Length: 2–3 pages of text, in addition to a title page and reference page.
• Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that
detract from the overall message.
• Formatting: Format your submission according to APA style, with a title page,
double spacing, and a reference page.
• Citations: Cite at least two sources; these can be course materials, library sources,
or credible internet sources. Cite sources according to APA rules. Review Evidence
and APA for more information on how to cite your sources.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the
following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
• Competency 1: Analyze personal cultural bias.
o Describe the artifact or work of art and its personal appeal.
• Competency 3: Analyze cultural differences and similarities of people globally.
o Explain the cultural values conveyed through the artifact or work of art.
• Competency 4: Analyze the role of culture and artistic expression in human
thought and behavior.
o Describe the historical and artistic contexts of the artifact or work of art.
o Reflect on the way culture shapes perspective and impacts decisions made about
the meaning of the cultural artifact or work of art.
• Competency 5: Address the assignment purpose in a well-organized text,
incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
o Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of
grammar, usage, mechanics, citations, and formatting.
- References
