This Learning Topic proposes to explore the concept
of human culture. Culture is not easily defined, nor is there a consensus
among scholars, philosophers and polititicians (nor, probably, among the
rest of us) as to what exactly the concept should include. We hope, here,
to outline some of the broad-ranging debates which have gone on about the
concept of culture during the past century. Furthermore, we hope to offer
some insight into what the culture debate means in our own lives and to
provide some examples of how cultural meanings are formed, maintained, and
changed.
Please recognize that, at present, these pages focus on the concept of culture
as it has been articulated in Western scientific and philosophical traditions.
The English word "culture" is similar to words in other Romance
languages, and indeed the concept has a similar history in many Western
countries. In other parts of the world, however, the elements of learned
behaviors and meanings systems which we identify as representing something
called "culture" might not be grouped together the same way. Consequently,
the definitions and discussions of culture which we've collected here are
all from Western sources. In contrast, the Western concept of culture can
be applied to or exemplified by any human society, and therefore many of
our examples and illustrations focus on non-Western peoples.
The hypertextual layout of these pages offers you, the reader, an opportunity
to explore them in any order you choose -- and we encourage you to take
advantage of the medium. Nevertheless, a brief conceptual orientation to
the layout might be helpful: First, our "baseline
definition of culture" suggests a possible definition of culture;
remember, how we define culture has both political and social consequences,
so read our definition carefully and consider whether or not you agree with
us. The "important definitions/discussions of culture" which follow
explore the culture debate in more detail, developing some of the debate's
historically significant perspectives. Next, the "Galleries
of Student Hypertexts: Interpretations of Culture" section provides
a space for WSU students to contribute their own hypertextual explorations
and interpretations of culture; in addition to student-authored hypertexts,
you'll find an array of hypertextual models which demonstrate strategies
for analyzing the play of cultural meanings in the real world -- for example,
the way in which different manners of kissing are elements of a larger system
of cultural meaning. Throughout these pages, you'll find links to a glossary
of important terms. You'll also come across varioius links
to other culture-related sites on the Web; if you get lost exploring
an external link, use your browser's "back" or "history"
function to get you back here again. And before you leave, be sure to check
out the "pithy
'quotations on culture,'" a section which lightheartedly suggests
the jangling discord that marks the culture debate.
At the bottom of this and every page in the site, you'll find a link to
the authors' email address which allows you to give
feedback, point out typographical errors, and/or make suggestions to the
authors and custodians of this learning topic. Read on and enjoy!
go back to the top of this pageAuthors: Eric Miraglia, Dept. of English/Student
Advising and Learning Center Dr. Richard Law, Director, General Education Peg Collins, Information Technology, Learning Systems Group
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