Short paper based on the documentary – “Where to invade next?”
Your task:
Watch “Where to invade next” and read chapter 3 (Culture). Also review material regarding chapter 3 posted on CANVAS. Your task is to analyze this documentary and write a short essay. Michael Moore visits nine countries. In each country he picks up one value to examine difference between American society and the country he was visiting. For example, in Norway, prison system was based on the value of “rehabilitation” (not revenge). This value guides every aspect of incarceration. Use the concepts presented in chapter 3 to write this paper. Please make sure that the following prompts are addressed in your paper.
Prompts:
1.Define the concept of culture (use the textbook definition) and discuss how this documentary has explored the concept of culture (5 points)
Define the concept of Value (use the textbook definition). In each country visited in the documentary, one value is discussed. Your task is to compare and contrast values of the following two countries with corresponding values in the US — for example prison system in the US as compared to Norway(20 points)
Country 1- Iceland
Country 2- Portugal
3.Give examples of the following concepts (Use textbook for definitions) – (15 points)
a.Material culture and non-material culture in Germany (give definitions and examples of these concepts)
b.Symbols in France (give definition and example of the concept)
c. Formal and informal norms in Tunisia (give definitions and examples of these concepts)
4. If you were to bring values related to education in Finland back to the US, will it work? Explain why it will/ or why it will not work(5 points)
5. Conclude the analysis by using the concept of “cultural relativism” – is it fair for Michael Moore to judge American society by standards of other culture? (5 points)
Guidelines for a 4-5-page double spaced(Minimum) paper : Rubric for grading
Introduction: Start with the concept of culture and clearly state how you are going to use this documentary to understand cultural differences between US and other countries. Please be focused on the concept of culture (not politics or any other aspect). Please do not copy and paste summary – it will not work because your focus must be on culture.
2.Body of the paper: prompts 2-4
3.Conclusion: prompt 5
Make sure that the short paper is well written. Pay attention to language, spelling and grammar.
