Grade 11: Cultural Contexts

Prescribed Learning Outcomes

It is expected that students will:

• apply knowledge of characteristic Punjabi games, sports, crafts, customs, or celebrations to plan and implement a cultural event
• analyse the effects that knowing about Punjabi language and culture might have on various aspects of their lives
• demonstrate an appreciation of Punjabi language and culture and its place in local and global communities
• analyse the significance of particular Punjabi customs, celebrations, and festivals

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Foundations in other grades click on an icon below.

Suggested Instructional Strategies

Students can make observations about aspects of their own lives by reflecting on their increased knowledge of Punjabi culture and traditions.

• Select one or more myths from India and one or more from another culture (e.g., Chinese, Greek, Aboriginal). Selected myths should deal with humans and their relationship with the environment, at least implicitly. After reading the stories, encourage students to:
  • identify symbolism and discuss the messages of each story
  • discuss what the original purpose of each story might have been and comment on its contemporary relevance
  • point out common ideas and elements in the various stories
  • suggest ideas for characters, plot, and so on for a new myth that expresses contemporary attitudes to the environment
• Students may enjoy working in groups to:
  • write a script for a myth they have studied or created and present it as a play
  • design and incorporate costumes, sets, and masks
  • perform their play for an audience of peers, parents, or community members
• Have students research the growth of the Punjabi populations in BC communities and conduct a demographic analysis of the population. Specifically, students could identify:
  • numbers of people in the local Punjabi community
  • dates of arrival in the community
  • countries of origin of people who speak Punjabi
  Students could use computer graphic software to tabulate and display the data gathered.
• Extend the demographic analysis by looking at the patterns of migration of Punjabi populations from India to BC and other parts of the world (when, how many, factors that encouraged the migrations).

Suggested Assessment Strategies

Students in Punjabi 11 can demonstrate their appreciation of Punjabi language and culture through a variety of classroom and community assignments. They can also develop their own projects to show their understanding of the role of culture in their lives, their communities, and the world.

• When students work with Punjabi myths, focus assessment on the extent to which they are able to:
  • retell key events in their own words
  • make connections between the myths and other aspects of the culture
  • discuss the significance of key themes or lessons
  • compare Punjabi myths with those from other cultures
• To assess a demographic research activity, consider the extent to which students:
  • locate relevant information about people of Punjabi origin
  • provide detailed and accurate interpretations of the data they collect
  • develop logical conclusions about the place of Punjabi language and culture in the local community
• Form groups and ask students to demonstrate their understanding of the impact of Punjabi language and culture by preparing an oral, musical, or dramatic presentation (e.g., a panel, a series of role plays, a short play, a song). Ensure that students know how their work will be assessed and what criteria will be used. (Students can use the same criteria for peer assessment.) For example, teachers might focus on the extent of:
  • accurate interpretations and references to Punjabi language and culture
  • specific and detailed references to the current or potential impact of Punjabi language and culture on students' lives
  • relevant and appropriate references to the role of Punjabi, locally and globally
  • resourcefulness in presenting information that adds to their classmates' appreciation of Punjabi

Recommended Learning Resources

Print Material

• Canadian Sikhs: History, Religion and Culture of Sikhs In North America
• Encyclopaedia Of Sikh Religion And Culture
• Golden Temple
• Harimander Sahib (Golden Temple)
• Punjabis in Canada
• The Sikh Canadians
• The Sikhs

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