2. RATIONALE (for the first book report).

The requirement to create a book report enables you to meet Course Objectives A, B, and C in the syllabus, which says that students shall:
A.  Define culture.
B.  Recognize variability in human behavior. 
C.  Contrast cultures inherited in their own family, and country with other societal views of human behavior.

3.  METHODS (for the first book report).

Use Ruth Benedict's book and the reasons, methods, criteria, and due date mentioned on this web page to help you.  I've divided the book into three parts for you, and you should seek to become intensely interested in either Part I, Part II, or Part III. 

Part I: Chapters I through IV
(Assignment: Japan; The Japanese in War; Taking One's Proper Station; and The Meiji Reform)

If this first portion of the book interests you, write a book report that: (1) defines culture;
(2) describes the primary influences that shape Japanese character.  Include references from chapters I, II, III, and IV. 
Then (3) Decide whether these influences continue to exist in Japanese youth who are growing up today.

Part II:  (Chapters V through VIII)
(Debtor to the Ages and the World; Repaying One-ten-thousandth; The Repayment Hardest to Bear; Clearing One's Name)

If the second portion of the book interests you, write a book report to:
(1) defines culture;
(2) explain whether we can expect Japanese youth to fight well through obeying their obligations on the  battleground and why.  Include references from chapters V through VIII. 
Then (3) Decide whether these characteristics continue to exist in Japanese youth who are growing up today.

Part III:  (Chapters IX through XII)
(The Circle of Human Feelings; The Dilemma of Virtue; Self-discipline; and The Child Learns)

If this final portion of the book interests you, write a book report in which you:
(1) defines culture;
(2) explain whether Japanese were particularly well suited to build the world anew, and to serve as leaders and catalysts in getting the job done.  Include references from chapters IX, X, XI, and XII.
Then (3) Decide whether Japanese continue to be well suited, and indeed have a responsibility to build the world anew today.

4.  CRITERIA (for the first book report).

Your book report should meet the following guidelines:
(i.) Limit your book report to no more than three single-spaced typed pages using 12 point type.

(ii.) Using either the chapters that refer to Part I, or Part II, or Part III mentioned in "Methods" above, provide your answers to items  (1), (2), and (3), for that portion of the book only. 

Another way of stating this requirement is to say "Write a book report that (first) defines culture; (second) conveys your understanding of what Ruth Benedict had to say, and that (third), includes your opinion as to the likelihood that Japanese youth can or are capable of acting in a similar fashion in today's world."

5.  DUE DATE (for the first book report).

Your first Book Report is due during the time in Week 10 in which the Dean specifies you are to complete  your Final Exam.  The Book Report is your final exam.

"All people smile in the same language" ---- Unknown

7. RATIONALE (for the second book report).

The requirement to create a book report enables you to meet Course Objectives B, C and D in the syllabus, which says that students shall:
B.  Recognize variability in human behavior. 
C.  Contrast cultures inherited in their own family, and country with other societal views of human behavior.
D.  Gain an awareness of socio-cultural change.

8.  METHODS (for the second book report).

Use Mead's book and use the chapter summaries I've prepared in the AKYPD link on the PSY119 Course Cover Page on Internet to help you.  I've divided the book into four parts for you, and you should seek to become intensely interested in either Part II, Part III, or Part IV.  (You'll find Part I well worth reading, but don't develop your book report around these introductory statements.)

Part I: (Preface, Chapters 1 and 2)
Identify the portion of the book that interests you, other than the Preface and Chapters 1 and 2.  (Do not write a book report about Margaret Mead's credentials or her reason for writing AKYPD.)

Part II:  (Chapters 3 through 7)
If the second portion of the book interests you, write a book report that: (1) describes the primary influences that shape American character.  Include references from chapters 3 , 4, 5, 6, and 7. 
Then (2) Decide whether these influences continue to exist in American youth who are growing up today;
Finally, (3) Provide evidence from your experience about the extent to which social and cultural change have taken place since the time in which AKYPD was written.

Part III:  (Chapters 8 through 10)
If the third portion of the book interests you, write a book report to:
(1) explain whether we can expect American youth to fight well upon the battleground and why.  Include references from chapters 8, 9 and 10.  Then (2) Decide whether these characteristics continue to exist in American youth who are growing up today;
Finally, (3) Provide evidence from your experience about the extent to which social and cultural change have taken place since the time in which AKYPD was written.

Part IV:  (Chapters 11 through 14)
If the final portion of the book interests you, write a book report in which you:
(1) explain why Americans are particularly well suited to build the world anew, and to serve as leaders and catalysts in getting the job done.  Include references from chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Then (2) Decide whether Americans continue to be well suited, and indeed have a responsibility to build the world anew today;
Finally, (3) Provide evidence from your experience about the extent to which social and cultural change have taken place since the time in which AKYPD was written.

9.  CRITERIA (for the second book report).

Your book report should meet the following guidelines:
(i.) Limit your book report to no more than three single-spaced typed pages using 12 point type.

(ii.) Using either Part II, or Part III, or Part IV mentioned in "Methods" above, provide your answers to items  (1), (2). and (3), for that portion of the book only. 

Another way of stating this requirement is to say "Write a book report that (first) conveys your understanding of what Margaret Mead had to say, that (secondly), includes your opinion as to the likelihood that American youth can or are capable of acting in a similar fashion in today's world," and that (thirdly) conveys your understanding about the degree of change that has taken place in social and cultural terms since AKYPD was written.

10.  DUE DATE (for the second book report).

Your Book Report is due during the time in Week 16 in which the Dean specifies you are to complete  your Final Exam.  The Book Report is your final exam.

"All people smile in the same language" ---- Unknown