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MUSC 109: Paul Kikuchi- Discussion

Context

Keywords: Discussion, Culture, Music

Skills/Outcomes: Culture-focused self-reflection

Timeline within Course: This discussion is part of unit 3, which is the first unit that we study the music and culture of a particular region (the first two modules are more introductory).

How does this fit into the course: This discussion in many ways serves as an analytical foundation for following modules. It gets students thinking about their own cultural cosmology while also giving them a chance to peek inside cultural cosmologies that are likely very different than what they know. It's looking both inwards and outwards.

Why does this work well: Students are excited to share about their culture and their view of the world (and their place in the world). They are also able to dialogue about content that is often shocking but also fascinating such as ritualistic skin cutting and cannibalism. They also enjoy searching for a song from the region to share with their classmates.

Teaching Tips: Create a space where students feel free to share about themselves. They need to know that if their cosmology is based on the Bible or on the Koran, with no connection to animism/totemism whatsoever that's totally fine. Same goes if they are atheists with no particular spiritual practice or connection.

Content

Animism/Totemism Reflection Discussion

Assignment Purpose:

As we learned from our learning module this week, many people living in Oceania have strong connections to the natural world and to their ancestors. This discussion is an opportunity to reflect upon the animistic and totemistic belief systems (cosmologies) present in many cultures throughout Oceania, compare and contrast those beliefs with your own cultural cosmology, and dialogue with your classmates.

Task:

Part 1: Initial Post (Due Thursday, Week 3) - Post to the discussion forum (50 word minimum) about your impressions of the animistic and totemistic belief systems we studied this week, comparing them to your own cultural cosmology. Please include answers to the following questions in your initial post (include the questions first, then your answers below):

What was one example of cultural cosmology that you found interesting this week? Use at least (1) quote from our course materials.
What is the connection, if any, to animism and totemism in your own cosmology (belief systems)?
Do you find a spiritual connection to the natural world?
Are there certain places or things that are spiritual to you?
What makes up your own cosmology?
Anything else you'd like to share?

Part 2: Song Sharing

Find a song from Oceania that you like and want to share with the class. This could be anything, traditional to pop, ancient to contemporary. Embed your song from YouTube into your discussion post. If you need help embedding your song, watch this video. Below your song, include the following information
- Artist/band name
- Country of origin
- Year the song was produced
- How did you find this song?
- What drew you to this song/what do you like about it?

Part 3: Classmate Responses (Due Sunday, Week 3) - Make (2) additional posts to the discussion forum, with a focus on creating dialogue. If possible, create conversations that can have some back and forth in-depth discussion. Your responses should:

Address your classmate/s by name and end with your name
Reference something specific about the post/thread you are responding to
Be respectful and kind, even if you may disagree