Understanding Culture, Society and Politics - Introduction

1. 1. Understanding Culture, Society and Politics

2. 2. Course Description: •This course uses lessons or insights from different social
sciences branches (Anthropology, Political Science and Sociology) to develop
students’ awareness of cultural, social and political dynamics, and sensitivity to
cultural diversity and provide them with an understanding of how culture, human
agency, society and politics work
3. 3. Culture It is defined as the custom beliefs, social forms, and traits that defines a
specific racial, religious or social group
4. 4. Culture •Material Culture – it is a type of culture that are created by human person
or is tangible. Examples are food, clothing and technology •Non-Material Culture – it
is a type of culture that are being learned or observed by human. Examples are
religions, folk behavior, gestures and customs
5. 5. Society •Comes from the Latin word “socius” which means comrade, companion
or friend •Pertains to a group of individuals involved in social interaction or sharing
the same geographical or social territory
6. 6. Politics •Comes from the Greek word “Politika” which means affairs of the cities
•Refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance over a human
community.