African Studies In-Class Exercise

(Do this before viewing “Chantal’s Choice”)

Thursday September 20, 2001

Mary Camaron, DANA HALL SCHOOL

When you have picked up one of these exercise sheets, you may use this class period to conduct your “cultural research” anywhere you wish- in the halls, the Dining Center, etc. Answer the following questions on this sheet and be sure to bring it to class for a homework grade on Friday/Monday (your next class period).

For a description of this video, go to this link, this video may be borrowed through the mail or in person at the African Studies Center. Please contact us to arrange a one-week borrowing by emailing us at Africa@bu.edu or ph phone at 617-353—7303.

A. Watch people standing around in conversation when they are not aware that you are watching. Observe at least three different groups if you can. Try to find students talking with students and students talking with adults. Use the back of this paper and other paper if you need.

1. How close (estimate the inches) do people stand to one another? How far apart are their faces?

2. Do people use gestures as they are talking? Does this vary with the individual? Are there common gestures?

3. Do people look each other in the eyes as they are talking? Do they look down at the ground?

B. Think about a significant decision you have made in the last few weeks. Rank in order of importance the factors listed below as you considered them when you made your decision.

___ what your parents thought

___ what your friends thought

___ the impact on your family (in terms of social status or time or

convenience)

___ the impact on your home town

___what you wanted