Abstract:

Using the video and accompanying curriculum unit, students will identify several types of traditional and contemporary cuisine, explain how different types of Japanese cuisine reflect aspects of Japan's history, geography, cultural values, and international influence, and analyze two types of fast food--pizza and instant ramen--as examples of cultural transmission and global connections. Module themes include: tradition and change, food as a reflection of cultural values, cultural transmission, borrowing and adapting, and global systems and connections. || For Grades 5-12 || The video contains several shorter segments that can be used individually or together. The teacher's guide contains background essays for the teacher, a video transcript and discussion guide, two complete lesson plans, and a list of relevant Web resources.