This task is about stereotypes, and makes use of the online resource ' Mapping stereotypes' by the artist Yanko Tsvetkov.
Institution reporting the task:
Language of task instructions:
English
Target Group:
Any
Level:
B1
References and acknowledgements:
None
Type:
Comparison & analysis
Estimated Duration:
1 session
Topic:
Intercultural, stereotypes
Tags:
| stereotypes |
|---|
| intercultural |
Acknowledgements:
None
Language Configurations:
Unspecified
Language(s) that the task can be used in:
Any
Dominant language production:
Speaking/listening synchronous
Target Competences:
| Language competence |
|---|
| Intercultural skills |
Specific pedagogical objectives:
| Creation of a friendly, non-threatening atmosphere in the groups |
|---|
| Development of students interest in cultural similarities and differences |
Suggested Communication Tools:
Suggested Resources:
http://alphadesigner.com/mapping-stereotypes/
Instructions:
Pre-task activity
Before engaging in this activity teachers can have a discussion about stereotypes with their classes. Some definitions are here below.
What is a stereotype? A stereotype can be defined as " a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment" (Merriam Webster). Another definition is " cognitive representations of another group that influence one' s feeling about the group (Gudykunst and Kim). It is argued that stereotyping is a natural and universal information processing strategy that helps us make sense of a complex world. The problem with stereotyping is that they are often used to ascribe characteristics to entire groups of people and lead to ethnocentrism, prejudice and discrimination.
National stereotypes have been mapped in a project by Bulgarian artistYankoTvetskov who has createdsatiricalmaps of Europe and the world based on common national stereotypes in his Mapping Stereotypes project.
Depending on the classes involved in the exchange teachers can choose different maps for their classes to look at, eg. for an Italy – US exchange, they could choose " Europe according to Italians" and " the world according to Americans" . Classes discuss the two maps with their teachers and prepare questions for students to discuss with their partners – explanations of some of the stereotypes, whether students agreee with them, how they feel about the stereotypes referred to their own culture, feelings about stereotyping in general.
Task
Students engage in a Skype discussion with their partners and ask each other the questions they have prepared. They also discuss stereotypes in general.
Post -task
Read an interview with the artist who created these maps, YankoTvetskov and write your reflections on his project and the maps. Do you find them humorous? Offensive? Controversial? Do they serve to reinforce stereotypes or can they help us to challenge them? What did you learn by discussing the maps with your partners?
Learner Texts:
None
Document related to the task:
Criteria for Completion:
need to come back to this
Comments and suggestions:
None
Author/copyright:
francesca Helm
