Gravestone Assignment

Abstract

This assignment introduces students to the historical importance of symbols in American culture by analyzing gravestones. There are four goals related to this assignment. Students will collect data from gravestone inscriptions, describe, categorize and analyze this data with particular attention to institutional and sub-institutional symbols. They will...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

Download resource to see full details of assignment. Paper has been assigned in "Sociology of Family"; however, is appropriate for "Introduction to Sociology" and "Sociology of Culture" courses as well.

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Collect data from gravestone inscriptions and analyze social science data through examination of inscriptions.
2. Describe, categorize, and explain how symbols and inscriptions on gravestones are related to culture and the historical period in which the deceased lived.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Rubrics are used to assess the quality of data gathered on inventory sheets and analyses of symbolism by historical period, gender, and type of institution on analysis worksheets with tables.
2. Students are asked to write a short paper that includes one of three options. Each option requires description and categorization of gravestone symbols. A rubric is provided.