Culture and Society: Analysis and Perspectives
Study of Culture
1. Two examples: subculture, counterculture, socialization process, cultural backwardness, cultural relativism, social mores, social customs, and traditions.
Subculture: Hippies exemplify a subculture with unique living rules that don’t conflict with wider society.
Counterculture: Anarchists, with norms and values opposing ideal culture, represent a counterculture in constant conflict.
Socialization Process: A person migrating to a new country gradually incorporates new cultural norms
Read MoreVenezuelan Culture: A Fusion of Traditions and Modernity
Venezuelan Culture: A Blend of Influences
Venezuelan culture is a rich tapestry woven from Indigenous, African, and Spanish threads. The first two were diverse, varying by tribe. Acculturation and assimilation led to a unique Venezuelan identity, similar to Latin America but with distinct differences. Indigenous influence is mainly seen in vocabulary and gastronomy, while African heritage is evident in music, particularly drum-based rhythms. The Spanish colonial era left a significant mark, especially
Renaissance and Scientific Revolution: Transition to Modern Thought
Renaissance and Scientific Revolution
General Features
Krashen’s Monitor Model: Five Hypotheses of Second Language Acquisition
Recent Psychological Theories of SLA (1)
Krashen’s Monitor Model
This is an innatist theory of SLA, greatly influencing SL teaching practice. Krashen’s theory (1982) was originally called ‘the Monitor Model,’ constituted by five hypotheses:
- Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
- Monitor Hypothesis
- Natural Order Hypothesis
- Input Hypothesis
- Affective Hypothesis
1. The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
According to Krashen, adult L2 learners develop knowledge of an L2 via: (a) acquisition and (b) learning.
(a)
Read MoreGlobal Publics, Trade, and International Relations Concepts
Global Publics
Global publics are non-rivalrous and inclusive. Non-rivalry means one person’s use doesn’t diminish another’s. Inclusiveness means no one can be excluded from using them. A true global public good (GPG) is virtually universal, benefiting humanity globally. Examples include world peace and environmental preservation.
Prisoner’s Dilemma
The pursuit of self-interest doesn’t always benefit everyone, sometimes leading to the worst possible outcome.
Harmony vs. Conflict
Harmony
Countries pursuing
Read MoreFoundations of Marxism: Alienation, Historical Materialism, and Class Struggle
Block III (Marx): The Genesis of Marxism
The German Classical Philosophy: Marx was deeply influenced by Hegel’s dialectical method of analysis. However, Marx, along with other Left Hegelians like Feuerbach, reacted against Hegel’s idealism by postulating materialism. Marx adapted Hegel’s dialectic as a framework for understanding reality, including human practice, but from a materialistic perspective.
The English Political Economy: Marx critiqued the classical capitalist economy theories of Adam Smith
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