ELEMENTS OF CULTURE & CULTURAL PATTERNS IN

TEXASLG 1: Review the elements of culture & Describe the distinctive cultural landscape of Texas AND Compare rural & urban life in Texas.

Criteria for Success: •Students will know the 5 elements of culture

•Students will be able to describe the distinctive culture/landscapes within Texas & how culture has influenced innovation/diffusion

•Students will know the difference btwn rural & urban life in Texas

REVIEW TH

E ELEMEN

TS OF

CULTU

RE

Culture

1. Language

2. Religion

3. Beliefs & Customs

4. Institutions

5. Technology

Culture: total knowledge, attitudes, & behaviors shared by the members of a group. (Culture distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another).

Language: written/spoken communication, one of the most important aspects of culture & may build unity or cause conflict.

Religion: belief in a power (s) more than yourself and is/are regarded as the creator (s) of the universe. Beliefs vary all over the world & may build unity or cause conflict.

Belief & Customs: elements within a culture that people hold in high value & participate in. (roles of family, gender roles, means of expression-art, literature, music, etc.)

Institutions: elements within a culture that are viewed as important to its members identities (museums, schools, churches, etc.).

Technology: different cultures view & use technology in different ways. (The role, importance, availability & use are an expression of cultural views).

BACKGROUND HISTORY OF MODERN TEXAS

1821-Spain gave Stephen F. Austin permission to bring settlers into TX

1821-Mexico wins independence from Spain- here begins the clash between Texans/Americans and Mexico……

Texans associated more with the US, not Mexico (culturally American, not Mexican)-religion, trade, laws, language, separate schools

First Mexican constitution (1824)-leaned more toward state’s rights than federal control-Texans had much greater control over themselves (same thing happened with the American Revolution), idea of Manifest Destiny also came into play

Conflict between Santa Anna (dissolved the Mexican constitution and declared himself dictator)…

Report in 1829: large number of legal and illegal immigrants into Texas. Recommend that Mexico increase military presence in Texas, outlaw any further immigration from the USA and move large numbers of Mexican settlers into the area.

1830: Mexico passed a measure to follow reports suggestions: sent additional troops and cut off further immigration.

Too little, too late: all the new resolution accomplished was to anger those settlers already in Texas and hasten the independence movement (by 1834- Texans outnumber Mexicans 4-1).

Revolution began: (1836)- Come and Take It Alamo, Goliad, San Jacinto Independence gained (1836)-Republic of Texas until 1845-only state that

was ever its own nation

DISTINCTIVE CULTURAL PATTERNS IN TEXAS

http://www.fairfaxbynight.com/map-of-texas-from-bernie/ West TX/Panhandle- small towns, cowboys and oil rigs. Heavy Mexican influence. Most Texans

view the western part of the state as a campground or backyard. Very laid back. Friendly. Conservative. Texas Tech University.

Central TX- Many will tell you that this is the most scenic part of the state.  Heavily settled by German immigrants. Austin is the state capital and is known as the live music capital.  Love of food and food trailers. Add the University of Texas and you've got a vibrant young crowd. More liberal part of the state.

South TX/Gulf Coast-The Texas coast doesn't have the best beaches in the world, but it does have some of the best weather in Texas as the gulf breezes keep it temperate. Location of the Texas’s ports and oil rigs.

East TX-considered more country, the South, the Piney Woods, good ole boys.

Major Cities:  North TX/Dallas/Ft. Worth: According to Texans, far and away most upscale and metropolitan part of the state.  Most folks think

those in Dallas enjoy the high life and consider themselves a slight step above other Texans (but not in a bad way).  Be prepared for the best dressed cowboys and cowgirls you've ever seen.

South TX/Houston: In direct comparison to Dallas is Houston, this large city has a very laid back and accepting

attitude.  You'll see jeans even in the best restaurants or at the world famous Houston Grand Opera.  The quirky Art Car Parade (and museum) melds with the upscale Galleria Mall to give you the full spectrum of experiences.  World class medical centers. NASA.

High Tech vs. Low Tech

Distinctive Landscapes of Texas

RURAL VS. URBAN LIFE Rural-

More conservative, frontier mindset Smaller numbers, though more Texans live in rural areas than in any other

state Older Typically not as ethnically diverse, more homogeneous society Tends to have higher rates of poverty More agriculturally based Wind Farms growing due to land availability

Urban: Most Texans live in urban/suburban areas Wealthier population More economic diversity More cultural diversity, heterogeneous society Younger