Yokohama Boomtown Curriculum, Lesson 03

Yokohama, Crossroads of Culture:
A Look at Cultural Transmission

Handout 03-A | Printer-friendly PDF file | Printer-friendly Word doc

Identifying Examples of Cultural Transmission

Many of the woodblock prints have several examples of cultural transmission within them. Your task is to look carefully at your woodblock prints and note as many examples of cultural transmission relevant to your category as possible. Be sure to consider the transmission of culture in different directions—from Western nations to Japan, and from Japan to Western peoples in Yokohama.

First, circle the category of cultural transmission that your group is researching. You will only be looking for examples of cultural transmission for this category.

• Technology and transportation
• Industry and commerce
• Dress
• Manners and customs
• Everyday goods, materials, and food
• Entertainment, arts, and leisure activity

For each example of cultural transmission you find, complete the following questions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the title of the picture and what is the date, if known?

2. Describe what is being transmitted from one group to another.

3. Whose cultures or countries are represented?

4. Who is absorbing or learning this new aspect of culture and from whom?

5. Which of the following most accurately represents how people are learning about the other culture:

 A. People are learning by observing the other culture.
 B. People are learning by working or working for people from another culture.
 C. People are learning by interacting through trade or social interaction.
 D. People are learning about another culture by viewing the woodblock print.

6. Is the transfer of this cultural behavior or characteristic taking place in a specific setting or context—for example, as part of a business, a pastime, or other event or occasion?

7. Where is this example located within the picture (e.g., upper right, middle, lower left)?



Lesson developed by Lynn Parisi.

• Table of Contents | Lessons:

• 01
  • Handout 01-A
  • Handout 01-B
  •  
• 02
  • Handout 02-A
  • Handout 02-B
  •  
• 03
  • Handout 03-A
  • Handout 03-B
  • Handout 03-C
  •  
• 04
  • Student Directions
  • Handout 04-A
  •  
• 05
  • Handout 05-A
  • Lesson Five Mini-database
  •  
• 06
  • Supplemental Art Analysis Page
  • Handout 06-A
  • Handout 06-B
  • Handout 06-C
  •  
• 07
  • Handout 07-A
  • Practice Exercise
  •  

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