materials

1. American International Techniques of The Body Discussion Questions
Question DescriptionImportant to know for this course:Systems of Representation1.
According to a “social constructionist” perspective, we only make meaning of the material
world through specific cultural contexts. This takes place in part through the language
systems (be they writing, speech, or images) that we use. Hence, the material world only has
meaning, and only can be “seen” by us, through these systems of representation. This means
that the world is not simply reflected back to us through systems of representation, but that
we actually construct the meaning of the material world through these systems (p.12-
13).Sturken, Marita, and Lisa Cartwright. “Practices of Looking:Images, Power, and Politics”
inPractices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. New York: Oxford University
Press,2009. Print.2. Class DiscussionDIVERSITY: cultures, opinions identities, genders,
educational levels,ideologies/religions, values/social practices, socio-economic levels,
familystructure, able-bodiedness, mental health, language usageEQUITY: same
opportunities, educational accommodations, genderexpectations, ageismINCLUSION:
acceptance, recognition of diversity, tolerance, validation,empathyReadings:1. (We will
solve any submission problems you’re having at the beginning of class.)1. “Techniques of
the Body” Marcel Mauss (1934) – p. 1-5 (Numbered 70-
74)Mauss_Marcel_1935_1973_Techniques_of_the_Body.pdfVideo:Stonewall Uprising :
Chapter OneShown in classParis is Burning– the remastered version is available on
NetflixClick to load this video in a new window.Madonna – VogueClick to load this video in a
new window.Written Assignment:Answer the following questions:1. Please write a brief
description of your first impression of Mauss’s concept of bodytechniques. Do you consider
it to be flawed in any way?2. Consider the Stonewall content we viewed about life for the
LGBTQ communityduring the 1950s in the United States, what were the key mechanisms of
controland authority represented in the documentary? In what way did they echo
ideasabout connections between techniques of the body and the social identity?3. There are
continuities between lifestyle issues for the LGBTQ community in NewYork that were
represented in both the Stonewall Uprising and Paris Is Burningdocumentaries. Continuing
with a consideration of the concept of bodytechniques, how did each work situate the
challenges and/or benefits of therepresentation of identity in public spaces?4. How would
you describe the politics of inclusion in terms of the ability to movethrough spaces in
particular ways or to be excluded from spaces in particularways?