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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

What masks reveal

http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=310

A lesson plan for Grade 7 English Language Arts, Visual Arts Education, and Social Studies

Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities

About this resource

Appropriate grades
7
Provider
National Endowment for the Humanities

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In this lesson, students explore the cultural significance of masks by investigating the role they play in ceremonies and on special occasions in societies from widely separated regions of the world. They then reflect on masking behavior in American society, such as at Halloween and in the circus.

The goals of this lesson are:

  • to become aware of the social purpose and significance of cultural artifacts such as masks
  • to recognize the influence that stereotyping can have on one's response to artifacts of a different culture or society
  • to explore connections between cultures and societies—including American society—relating to their use of masks

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Visual Arts Education (2001)

Grade 7

  • Goal 5: The learner will understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
    • Objective 5.01: Identify the history, purpose and functions of visual arts in various cultures.
    • Objective 5.03: Describe relationships of works of art to one another in terms of history, aesthetics, and cultural/ethnic groups.
    • Objective 5.06: Explore the aesthetic diversity of various cultures.

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 7

  • Goal 11: The learner will recognize the common characteristics of different cultures in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
    • Objective 11.01: Identify the concepts associated with culture such as language, religion, family, and ethnic identity, and analyze how they can link and separate societies.
    • Objective 11.02: Examine the basic needs and wants of all human beings and assess the influence of factors such as environment, values, and beliefs in creating different cultural responses.
    • Objective 11.03: Compare characteristics of political, economic, religious, and social institutions of selected cultures and evaluate their similarities and differences.
  • Goal 12: The learner will assess the influence of major religions, ethical beliefs, and values on cultures in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
    • Objective 12.01: Examine the major belief systems in selected regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, and analyze their impact on cultural values, practices, and institutions.
    • Objective 12.02: Describe the relationship between and cultural values of selected societies of Africa, Asia, and Australia and their art, architecture, music, and literature, and assess their significance in contemporary culture.

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 7

  • Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
    • Objective 1.02: Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
      • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
      • summarizing the characteristics of expressive works.
      • determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
      • making connections between works, self and related topics.
      • comparing and/or contrasting information.
      • drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
      • determining the main idea and/or significance of events.
      • generating a learning log or journal.
      • maintaining an annotated list of works read/viewed.
      • creating an artistic interpretation that connects self and/or society to the selection.
      • constructing and presenting book/media reviews.
    • Objective 1.03: Interact in group settings by:
      • responding appropriately to comments and questions.
      • offering personal opinions confidently without dominating.
      • giving appropriate reasons that support opinions.
      • soliciting and respecting another person's opinion.
  • Goal 2: The learner will synthesize and use information from a variety of sources.
    • Objective 2.02: Use multiple sources of print and non-print information in designing and developing informational materials (such as brochures, newsletters and informercials) through:
      • identifying and using appropriate primary and secondary sources.
      • comparing, contrasting, and evaluating information from different sources about the same topic.
      • evaluating information for extraneous details, inconsistencies, relevant facts, and organization.