Cross+Cultural+Comparisons+Unit+Plan

=**__Cross Cultural Comparisons__** =

3.1 Identify similarities and differences in the purposes of art created in selected cultures. Note: This lesson also addresses Standard 1: Artistic Perception.
 * Standard addressed:**


 * Grade level:** 9-12


 * Length/Duration:** Approximately 12 class sessions


 * Concept:** Understanding the role and development of Los Angeles murals in reflecting different cultural values.

In this lesson, students are introduced to two different murals: El Nuevo Fuego by the East Los Streetcapers and Early California by James Redmond. These two culturally distinct art pieces will be analyzed by the class and the instructor for similarities and differences. The lesson will also introduce artistic terms such as light, shadow, shape, line, form, and color.
 * Overview:**

Understanding the role and development of murals in Los Angeles, accepting similarities and differences of how art is used in different cultures. Murals: //* Early California by James Redmond Compton Post Office, 101 S. Willowbrook Avenue, Compton//
 * Concept:**
 * //El Nuevo Fuego by the East Los Streetscapers (Wall in Parking Lot at 242 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012)//

Students will - 1. Compare and contrast two area murals, • El Nuevo Fuego by the East Los Streetscapers and Early California by James Redmond in terms of the cultural symbols, elements, and principles used and community values and meanings expressed. (Y charts) 2. Work collaboratively in small groups to conduct a comparative analysis of Early California. 3. Using their completed Y charts, write a 5-paragraph essay that discusses how their own lives are similar to/different from the 2 murals. 4. Using their essay, plan and execute a watercolor painting that reflects an important cultural moment in their own lives.
 * Objectives:**

1. Writing paper 2. Pencil 3. Projector 4. Photocopies/posters of murals 5. Watercolor paper 6. Brushes 7. Computer/online access 8. Watercolor paint
 * Materials:**

__//Days 1-2//__ The teacher introduces El Nuevo Fuego by the East Los Streetscapers to the class in a PowerPoint presentation, also passing around a poster for closer, hands on experience with the art piece. The teacher and students discuss the history of the East Los Streetscapers, their background, education, other works, and love for art. The teacher directs students’ attention the techniques, elements, and principles used in the mural and discusses with the class how they contribute to the meaning and message of the mural. The teacher and students identify and discuss cultural symbols within the mural that emphasize values in the community.
 * Procedures:**

//__Day 3__// Students form groups of four and following the teacher’s model used for El Nuevo Fuego, will work collaboratively to analyze the second mural, Early California by James Redmond. In particular, they will identify cultural symbols and their meanings and discuss the ways in which this mural reflects the cultural values of the community.

//__Day 4__// All students will construct their own Y-chart. In the Y-chart, the “left arm” of the Y must be filled out with five characteristics of El Nuevo Fuego mural. The “right arm” of the Y chart must be filled out with five characteristics of the Early California mural. The “stump” of the Y must be separated into two sections, one labeled “similarities” and the other labeled “differences.” To conduct this group comparative analyses using the “Y chart,” members of each group must cooperate to find and label three similarities and three differences between the two murals.

//__Days 5-7__// Students will reflect on their own cultural values and write a 5-paragraph essay in which they illustrate how their lives reflect similarities and differences with the previously analyzed murals. All essays must have an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In developing their essays, students may wish to consider guiding questions such as: -What do these murals mean to me and my life? -How are the message of the murals similar to/different from my own cultural beliefs? -In what ways are these murals similar to/different from the cultural values of my own community?

//__Days 8-10__// Preparations for watercolor: Using their essays, students will begin planning for their watercolor paintings. These painting are intended to reflect an important moment in their lives. Students must consider the cultural symbols, community themes, elements, and principles that will be used to portray this important moment and its meaning. They may wish to consider guiding questions such as: -What colors, lines, shapes, textures, space will reflect this important moment in my life and its meaning to me? -How will these elements be arranged in what kind of a composition? --What is the mood of the painting and what elements and principles must be used to reflect it?

//__Days 11 – 12__// Complete paintings and:
 * Conclusion:**
 * Clean up work areas and put away art materials.
 * Quickly review Y-chart
 * Display the essays and art pieces together.
 * Observe and discuss how the essay and art pieces complement each other and express the student’s’culture.

Distilling what was learned using exit tickets Students must present 3 exit tickets prior to exiting the door. - Ticket 1: In one sentence, the student must explain the value and importance of murals. -Ticket 2: In one sentence, the student must describe how elements, principles, and symbols are used to reflect cultural values. -Ticket 3: In one sentence, the student must describe what s/he has learned about his/ her own life in the community. Examples of Exit Ticket A) El Nuevo Fuego is an example of a mural that emphasizes the idea of community empowerment. B) Murals contribute to our society by increasing awareness of different cultures and their surroundings by communicating to our everyday life.
 * Evaluation/Assessment:**

Murals Similarities Differences Culture Values Light Source Highlight Shadow Shape Form Texture Pattern Density
 * Vocabulary:**

1. El Nuevo Fuego, http://www.publicartinla.com/Downtown/Broadway/victor/fuego1.html 2. Early California, http://www.lamurals.org/MuralFiles/SouthLA/EarlyCal.html 3. Art information/vocabulary 4. Reproductions of artist’s work
 * Resources:**

- Painting Murals Step by Step by Charles Grund - Painting Murals: Images, Ideas and Techniques by Patricia Seligman - Out of the Stream: Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Mural Painting by Luis Urbano Afonso and Vi tor Serrao
 * Optional Readings:**

BY: Gayk Mnatsakanian