Christmas in Japan: A Cultural Investigation
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How does globalization shape the unique celebration of Christmas in Japan, and what can we learn about cultural adaptation by comparing it to Christmas traditions in the United States?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do cultural traditions influence holiday celebrations?
- What are the similarities and differences between Christmas celebrations in Japan and the United States?
- How do different cultures adapt and adopt foreign traditions?
- What can we learn about Japanese culture through its celebration of Christmas?
- How does globalization affect cultural traditions like Christmas?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to compare and contrast Christmas celebrations in Japan and the United States.
- Students will be able to explain how globalization influences cultural traditions.
- Students will be able to analyze the adaptation of foreign traditions in Japanese culture.
- Students will be able to describe unique aspects of Japanese culture through the lens of Christmas celebrations.
Cultural Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'Christmas Confessions' - A Silent Debate
Students enter class to find anonymous 'confessions' about surprising or confusing Christmas traditions in Japan. They must analyze these to identify cultural differences and form initial questions, sparking debate without direct instruction.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Cultural Snapshot: Initial Observations
Students begin by documenting their existing understanding and initial observations about Christmas traditions in both the United States and Japan. This activity sets a baseline for their knowledge and helps them identify areas for further investigation.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative list and paragraph highlighting initial perceptions of Christmas traditions in the US and Japan.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCUL.I.1 - Establishes a foundation for understanding cultural practices and perspectives related to holidays.Cultural Mirror: Comparative Analysis
Students compare and contrast their research findings with their own Christmas traditions in the United States. This activity encourages critical thinking about cultural adaptation and the influence of globalization.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA Venn diagram and comparative paragraph analyzing similarities and differences between Christmas traditions in Japan and the United States, with a reflection on the role of globalization.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCUL.I.1 - Describes similarities and differences in practices, products, and perspectives used across cultures to understand one’s own and others’ ways of thinking.Global Perspective: Presentation of Findings
Students synthesize their research, analysis, and reflections into a final presentation. They will share their insights with the class, demonstrating their understanding of cultural adaptation and the unique celebration of Christmas in Japan.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-organized and informative presentation that synthesizes research, analysis, and reflections on Christmas in Japan, demonstrating an understanding of cultural adaptation and globalization.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCUL.I.1 - Synthesizes understanding of cultural practices, products, and perspectives, and communicates insights effectively.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCultural Crossroads: Christmas in Japan Portfolio Rubric
Initial Observations & Understanding
Demonstrates the student's baseline understanding and initial perceptions of Christmas traditions in the United States and Japan. Focuses on the clarity and thoughtfulness of initial comparisons.Comparative Documentation
Quality and thoroughness of the initial list and paragraph comparing US and Japanese Christmas traditions.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful comparison of US and Japanese Christmas traditions, identifying nuanced similarities and differences with exceptional clarity and detail.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate comparison of US and Japanese Christmas traditions, identifying key similarities and differences with sufficient detail.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic comparison of US and Japanese Christmas traditions, identifying some similarities and differences with limited detail.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a minimal or incomplete comparison of US and Japanese Christmas traditions, struggling to identify clear similarities and differences.
Comparative Analysis & Reflection
Demonstrates the student's ability to critically analyze and compare Christmas traditions, and reflect on the influence of globalization.Venn Diagram Accuracy
Accuracy and clarity of the Venn diagram comparing and contrasting Christmas traditions.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a highly accurate and insightful Venn diagram that demonstrates a deep understanding of the similarities and differences between Christmas traditions, with well-chosen and specific examples.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates an accurate and clear Venn diagram that effectively compares and contrasts Christmas traditions, with relevant examples.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a partially accurate Venn diagram that identifies some similarities and differences between Christmas traditions, but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates an incomplete or inaccurate Venn diagram that struggles to effectively compare and contrast Christmas traditions.
Globalization Reflection
Depth and insightfulness of the paragraph reflecting on the impact of globalization on Christmas traditions.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a profound and insightful reflection on the multifaceted impact of globalization on Christmas traditions, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of cultural exchange and adaptation.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a thoughtful and well-reasoned reflection on the impact of globalization on Christmas traditions, demonstrating a clear understanding of cultural exchange.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic reflection on the impact of globalization on Christmas traditions, but may lack depth or specific examples.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a minimal or superficial reflection on the impact of globalization on Christmas traditions, struggling to connect globalization to cultural change.
Presentation & Synthesis
Demonstrates the student's ability to synthesize research, analysis, and reflections into a clear and engaging presentation.Organization & Clarity
Organization and clarity of the presentation, including the use of visual aids.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a highly organized and exceptionally clear presentation, using visual aids creatively and effectively to enhance understanding and engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers a well-organized and clear presentation, using visual aids effectively to support key points.
Developing
2 PointsDelivers a somewhat disorganized presentation, with visual aids that may be distracting or not fully supportive of the content.
Beginning
1 PointsDelivers a disorganized and unclear presentation, with minimal or ineffective visual aids.
Insightful Communication
Effectiveness in communicating findings and insights, and engaging in discussion.
Exemplary
4 PointsCommunicates findings and insights with exceptional clarity, enthusiasm, and depth, fostering engaging and thought-provoking discussion with the class.
Proficient
3 PointsCommunicates findings and insights clearly and effectively, engaging in meaningful discussion with the class.
Developing
2 PointsCommunicates findings and insights with some difficulty, struggling to fully engage the class in discussion.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to communicate findings and insights effectively, failing to engage the class in meaningful discussion.