As a cultural anthropologist, your job is to research as much as you can about the customs, beliefs, rituals, and history of the culture you are observing. Working with one of your colleagues, determine which topic you would like to research. Your initial findings must include an evaluation of your sources and a summary of the information you have found (see my Iranian customs examples).
- Be sure to develop a research question related to your topic.
- Post your findings on our class web site.
- Due by Friday, December 02
Who is Georgia O’Keefe?
“Biography.” – Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. 2011 Georgia O’Keefe Museum. Web. 03 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluation: This info does come from her museum’s website so it should be reliable. The only issue is that there is no author or published date.
Summary: Georgia O’Keefe was born November 15, 1887 in Sun Prairie Wisconsin. She quickly became great in the arts at home taking lessons. After high school she started to pursue the arts by going to several colleges to find the art she loved. Author Wesley Dow helped her find the art about ideas and feelings with lines, color, and a Japanese system of lights and darks (noton). Alfred Steiglitz, who she married in 1924, promoted O’Keefe to be recognized by her art. Later she moved to New Mexico and started painting stunning vistas and landscape from there. She made it her home and also did pencil, water color, and clay there. The great artist died 1986 at 98 years old.
Bibliography/Citation
“America in the Second World War [ushistory.org].” Ushistory.org. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluations of Source
This website is very useful. It covers not only world war 2 and not to mention world war 1, but it talks more about the historical events that are circled around these two periods in more depth. This site is being developed through collaborative partnerships.
Summary of Source
The fear of an Axis victory drove production levels to new heights during World War II. To help motivate American workers the U.S. Government commissioned posters such as this.
For the second time in the 20th century, the United States became involved in a devastating world conflict.The mobilization effort of the government in World War II eclipsed even that of World War I. With major operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, American industries literally fueled two wars simultaneously. The social and economic consequences were profound. The Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the industrial North was accelerated. New opportunities opened for women. Americans finally enjoyed a standard of living higher than the pre-Depression years.
But the war effort also had a darker side. Civil liberties were compromised, particularly for the 110,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly uprooted from their West Coast homes to be sent to remote relocation camps.
An atomic blast produces a distinctive “mushroom cloud.” Developed by a top-secret U.S. government program dubbed the “Manhattan Project,” the atomic bomb proved to be the weapon that ended World War II.
In both Europe and Asia, the Axis powers had established a firm foothold prior to American entry into the conflict. Slowly, but surely the Allies closed the ring on Nazi Germany after turning points at El Alamein and Stalingrad. Once Italy quit the Axis and the Allies landed successfully at Normandy, it was only a matter of time before the Nazi machine was smashed. Similar failures marked the early war in the Pacific, as the Japanese captured the Philippines. But once Japanese offensive capabilities were damaged at Midway, the United States “island hopped” its way to the Japanese mainland.
Japan had an advance pledge of support from Hitler in the event of war with the United States.
Research Question: What are the traditional plant Bless Me Ultima and what are the uses of the herbs?
Foundation, Inc.,, Wikipedia. “Anemopsis.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.
Ketchen, Diana. “The Osha Herb and Its Natural Health Benefits.” Natural Health and Herbal Remedies. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.
Evaluations of the source: This website is maintained by Foundation, Inc.,, Wikipedia. The article “Anemopsis.” is from Foundation, Inc.,, Wikipedia. There was not a date for this website . I think this information is reliable because it talks about the traditional plant herb la yerba del manso and uses of the herb. Also the website below it is maintained by Ketchen, Diana. The article “The Osha Herb and Its Natural Health Benefits” is by Ketchen, Diana. This information is reliable because it talks about the traditional plant herb osha and the uses of the herb.
Summary of content: The traditional plants in Bless Me Ultima, are the la yerba del manso or the calming herb but the la yerba del manso is used for inflammation of the mucous membranes, swollen gums, sore throat, tea, and rheumatic. The osha is also a traditional plant herb in Bless Me Ultima, and it is used for bronchitis, cold, irritating coughs, pneumonia, influenza, fevers, sinusitis, pharyngitis, toothache, rhinitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, upset stomach, nausea with vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, gastrointestinal discomfort, and skin wounds.
What is Paganism?
“Paganism.” Spirituality – AllAboutSpirituality.org. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluation of source: I believe that this information is reliable to my Anthropology research on Paganism because it tells me what a lot about paganism is and from what I read from the text. This site was made from .org but it looks very reliable to me. (Published date unknown)
Summary of content: Paganism is the belief in the gods and goddesses of nature and Earth. As a result people had gods and goddesses of all aspects of nature from forest to seas and rivers. An example of paganism is the ancient Roman and Greek gods.
What are Hmong animism rituals about?
Lee, Gary Yia. “CULTURE AND ADAPTATION:HMONG REFUGEES IN AUSTRALIA.” WWW Hmong Homepage. 1976. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluation of source: This website is maintained by Gary Yia Lee, who is a Ph. D in anthropology in Australia. He also works for the government in Australia too. There is no date but a year. The year is 1976-1683. I feel that this site is reliable because I my dad in a shaman and facts about it was true through my experiences.
Summary of Content: Hmong animism ritual is that they offer things to the ancestral spirits to so that they would protect the family members’ physical and spiritual welfare. They offer paper money for the ancestral spirits so that they can use it in the spirit’s world. They also offer animals such as pigs, chickens and cows for the ancestral spirits in return for protecting the family from illness or sickness. They do soul-calling. It’s a ritual that they only do for the sick people who fall ill all a sudden and no medicine can cure it. Basically one person where all black, blind folded himself or herself, sat on a bench and says some rituals. One person has to hit a drum while that person is doing the ritual. Another person say behind the person who do the ritual when he or she get up on the bench and jump while saying some ritual. The person who is blind folded went to the spirit’s world to find the sick person’s soul. To make the sick person’s soul he or she have bring that person’s soul back.
Why does creation myths occur?
Lindsey Murtagh “Common Elements in Creation Myths” Teacher at high school Latin course.
Jerry Bergman “The Origin of Creation Myths” No occupation.
Evaluating the source: This information was presented by Lindsey Murtagh for one site and for the other was by a person by Jerry Bergman. There is no date on this and how recent is was, but we think that the information is accurate and precise on creation myths.
Summary of Content: Myths occur because they tell us how earth came to how it is now. Myths influence the way people think of the world and their place and surrounding. Every culture has their own stories and myths about birth, gods, talking animals, and even golden carps, LOL. Certain myths can teach us moral principles, folktales, a heroes journey, a sculpture of a tradition, or refer to creation. Sometimes most myths tell us of birth , representing the idea of a new life or the begining of a new life in earth.
What are some rituals that Catholics practice?
Citation:
“The Seven Catholic Sacraments | Seasonal Feature | American Catholic.” American Catholic: Franciscan Media: Catholic News Magazine Books Videos. Franciscan Friars, June 1996. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluation of the Source:
This web site is very relevant because it relates directly to the topic that we are researching. There is no publication date so we don’t know how old the site is. Also, this web site can be reliable in a way because it has the name of the organization. The information is representative because it is unbiased yet it is just stating the facts.
Summary:
Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Eucharist
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
Reconciliation
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Marriage
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.
Holy Orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
Anointing of the Sick
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
What is Hero’s Journey.?
Works Cited
Vogler, Christopher. “Hero’s Journey.” Storytech Literary Consulting. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .
The Hero’s Journey is a pattern of narrative identified by the American scholar Joseph Campbell that appears in drama, storytelling, myth, religious ritual, and psychological development. It describes the typical adventure of the archetype known as The Hero, the person who goes out and achieves great deeds on behalf of the group, tribe, or civilization
What is the Hero’s Journey?
“Campbell: Hero’s Journey.” Test Page for Apache Installation. Clemson University. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluation of Source: This source has an unknown author but it’s from Clemson University. This is reliable because many other pictures of this cycle of the Hero’s Journey are similar.
Contents: You will see the cycle of the Hero’s Journey. The cycle begins with the separation, then to the initiation, and the final step of the return.
Campbell: Hero’s Journey
Citation Page
How likely is it for people to be affected with Post –Traumatic stress disorder?
MacKenzie, Debora. “Trauma of War Hits Troops Years Later.” New Scientist 187.2514 (2005): 6. MAS Ultra – School Edition. Web. 1 Dec. 2011.
Evaluations of source: “This article focuses on a study related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). What is now known as PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, was called shell shock back in the days of the World War I. Sufferers has harrowing flashbacks, and alternate between emotional numbness and outbursts of rage, guilt and depression. What is less well known is that PTSD can trigger physical as well as psychological ill health. And as the U.S. agonizes over how long its soldiers should stay in Iraq, New Scientist has pieced together evidence showing that veterans will be paying the price of combat for decades to come.”
Content: Last year, a study by US army scientists at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, concluded that some 18 per cent of US veterans from Iraq could be affected by PTSD, which would translate to around 60,000 people so far (The New England Journal of Medicine, vol 351, p 13). And the more firefights Iraq veterans experienced, the more likely they were to have PTSD.
How did Anaya’s life influence his writing of Bless Me Ultima?
“Biography of Anaya.” Pennsylvania State University. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. <http://hypermedia.educ.psu.edu/k-12/ultima/biog.htm>.
Evaluations of the source: This web site is maintained by Jamie Meyers, who is associated with Pennsylvania State University’s Curriculum and Instruction Department. There is no publication date, yet given the source of the information, I feel that the information is reliable and representative.
Summary of content: Born October 30, 1937 to Rafaelita Mares and Martin Anaya, Rudolfo Anaya had vivid memories of his childhood. He was told how La Grande (a curandera) helped with his birth, and how he crawled toward the pencil and paper, choosing education over the life of a vaquero or farmer. His father was a vaquero, a rancher to roam the llano; his mother’s family were farmers working sunup to sundown. In addition to his parents, his family consisted of him, 4 sisters and 2 brothers who spent his childhood fighting in W.W.II. His childhood was surrounded by sisters, and the neighboring Chavez brothers. With the Chavez boys he would swim, fish (in lakes with beautiful golden carp), fight and swear like animals. Rudolfo grew very close to an aunt who lived with them, and who died during his childhood. One of the most tragic instances in his life occurred when he was swimming: he dived into a pool of water and fractured his neck. Over many years he was able to regain his movement. Anaya went on to college at the University of New Mexico. It was a depressing time for him, and from the influence of his freshman English course, began to write poetry and novels which he would later burn. Eventually college ended and Anaya married, and was strongly encouraged by his wife to write. He followed her suggestion and started his 7 year journey to write Bless Me, Ultima. After being refused publication by countless publishers, a group of Chicanos at the University of California at Berkeley published his book. Immediately it won the Premio Quinto Sol Award for the best book published by a Chicano in 1972. Since then Anaya has traveled to give speeches about his book and life, and has continued writing and teaching English.
Research question: What is a curandera and their practices?
Pinkola Estés, Clarissa. “The Pope and La Curandera, the Healer.” National Catholic Reporter. 09 Aug. 2010. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluation of source: “Since this information is from an interview seems like a reliable source, even without a publisher or sponsor. It provides all the other information needed for the citation.”
Summary of content: A curandera is a healer or a shaman. Their practices are holy and they have sacred prayers, and hands-on touch, similar to the monks and nuns. Their healing practices are called “curanderismo” and it involves Jesús y Maria. It is a spiritual practice that heals the spirit, soul, mind, and body.
What are creation myths?
Doyle, Bernard. “Creation Myths.” Encyclopedia Mythica: Mythology, Folklore, and Religion. MMIX Encyclopedia Mythica, 03 Mar. 1997. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .
Evaluations of the source: This website is maintained by the MMIX Encyclopedia Mythica. The article “Creation Myths” was written by Bernard Doyle. The publication date is December 27, 1998. We feel that the information is reliable because it explains the purpose of creation myths and why they exist.
Summary of content: One way of approaching creation myths is to outline some of the themes that commonly occur in them. It should be noted at the outset however, that these themes or motifs are the creation of modern scholars of myths and mythology, not the people who created the myths in the first place. While they are useful and can provide us with a great deal of insight, individual creation myths cannot be expected to conform rigidly to a single modern stereotype. Rather, any one creation myth will have several thematic features to a greater or lesser degree. This is the rule rather than the exception. This article will attempt to deal with some of the main themes occurring in creation myths.