Modern Man Twenty /Twenty-First Century Why does culture change? What has caused us to change significantly since prehistoric times? Since the Golden Ages of Greece? Since the “rebirth” of culture experienced in Michelangelo’s Florence? Turn in your journal. Think. In two or more paragraphs discuss: WHAT CAUSES CHANGE? WHY DO CULTURES EVOVLE UNIQUELY? A Theory of Change
The cultural Epoch Theory of Change A culture is founded on whatever the greatest number of people perceive as “real” over a considerable period of time. This “conception of reality” exists even if the majority of people are not aware of it. How Does Change Work? Change comes in three stages: 1. Period of Chaos - First new and shocking ideas or beliefs are introduced. - People struggle with the new ideas or beliefs 2. Period of Adjustment
People adjust to the changes Artists initiate change by creating works that mirror “the change.” Intellectuals interpret changes and help a culture to adapt or be “reshaped” by the changes. 3. Period of Balance
Institutions adjust to the change The new ideas are accepted.
Example: In your journal trace how a new or shocking idea or trend has undergone this process of change: a form of popular music, a modern art form, or a current fashion trend. Journal Question
What “great minds” have profoundly changed us by their lives and ideas in this century? Choose one and defend your choice. Great minds who have Changed Us Albert Einstein (1879-1955) Developed the Theory of Relativity Space and time have no objective reality. Space is an arrangement of perceived objects Time is subjective. The velocity of light is one absolute constant for all moving systems in the universe. Out of this comes E = mc2 This knowledge led to: - a new understanding of the construction of our universe and the development of the first atomic device in 1945. Sigmund Freud ( 1856-1939)
Defined the role of the unconscious in human behavior Defined the mechanism used by human mind Developed the Theory of the Tripartite Personality - There are three parts to the human personality: 1. The ID containing unconscious drives and instincts (sex, hunger). 2. The EGO or the conscious self that interacts with the world. 3. SUPER EGO or the conscious that contains individual moral and ethical codes. Developed a treatment for the mind called “psychoanalysis.” This knowledge led to an acceptance of the “study of the mind” as a science. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
One man “art movement” who helped establish new ways of viewing the world in his works. Instrumental in all these art movements: 1. Neoclassicism- master classic elements of art as a teen 2. Founder of Cubism- an art movement focused on the study of shapes, movement, and motion on a canvas See “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” -Helped ignite modern art movements 1. Abstraction- focus on elements of art, not subjects 2. Surrealism– paintings of symbols or dreamlike imagery. See “La Guernica” “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” “La Guernica” Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Came to prominence with two ballets, The Firebird and The Rite of Spring which created a near riot and great scandal. Depicts the cruel rites of change into spring and the sacrifice of a young virgin who dances herself to death. -Music is short, fragmentary, irregular beat, UNCONVENTIONAL. His works inspired individualism in modern musical movements.