Nairobits E-learning > Course 3 'Web Stars ' > Design > lesson 2
  Cultural aspect of Colours
  
Introduction
15 mins

In the last lesson, we learnt about COLOUR THEORIES. What do you recall about yesterday? In Lesson Two we shall explore CULTURAL ASPECT of colour. It is always important to remind ourselves that our cultures shape the way we think, reason and even do things. Even different ideas we have already seen about colours (technical and philosophical) have been shaped by the cultures of various places they originate from.

We shall look into different cultures in the world, considering ethnic communities, countries and continents to find out how colours are used in different occasions or events like ceremonies, funerals, weddings etc. closer to us here, we shall find out how our various communities perceive and communicate through/with colours.

  
Activities
    Opening:(60 mins)
  • Introduction to the lesson
  • Warming up - Tell us your culture
  • Homework discussion

    Work: (120 mins)
  • Trainer:colour in different cultures
  • Brainstorming session
  • Students exerices - colour research online

    Closing (60 mins)
  • Student and trainers
  • Student: Presentation and discussion
  • Trainer: closing talk, homework and evaluation
 
Warming up
25 mins 		Tell us your Culture  

Tell us your Culture
Every student will tell a brief history about there culture. Include the history of migration, the way of life and economic activities of your people.		  
Homework discussion
30 mins		 The homework should be a research about your culture or different cultures and how color is used in daily life.
 
  You must have explored a lot about yourself and your family or community: is there special colour for mourning, harvesting, birth, of a child, wedding? Are there colours that bring good luck, or those that are considered bad omen? Are there colours for brave or shy people? 
Theory:
40 mins

Introduction on how colours are used by different cultures. Highlights:
- colours as used by the Egyptians
- ayurvedic- colour therapy
- In Paris, when the traffic light blinks yellow, the French call it orange. In English, what we call a red cabbage is actually closer to purple.
- White is a colour for mourning in China and India, while in France it is a colour for wedding - Language determines what we perceive - The Shon a language in Zimbabwe and the Boas language in Liberia have no words which distinguish red from orange. ...
See handout on colours and cultures

  
Brainstorming session
20 mins

- Are there any standard colors used by all most every culture? Give example - What other ways are color being used in the daily life a part from those mentioned?Tips: consider the following areas: · Consider national symbols; flags· International symbols in relation to colours for peace- white· Red cross and red crescent Vegetation and conservation

  
Exercise
10 mins		 Do a research on the internet on one color associated with your culture and find how other cultures use it.  
Presentations and discussion
30 mins		 Each student will give a small Presentation of how other cultures use the same colors used in their culture/tribe  
Closing Talk
20 mins		 The trainer will prepare students for the next lesson and give them evaluation forms and homework. Ask what they have learnt that they didn't know before.  
Handouts There are two handouts for this lesson
1. colours and culture
2. colour exercise for home		  
Websites

1. Universal Pattern
A website which documments one pattern around the world, a pattern which so many different cultures claim to be there indigenous pattern

2. African colours.com
A website whichis a platform for African artists

  
Homework for the next lesson, students will be asked to come with a list of their favourite colours. They will be given this form to guide them. 
Learning goals

Knowledge*student knows
- that various cultural aspects play a role related to colour
- that moods and emotions dictate the relationship colours according to the community they know
Skills*students can
- Consider moods, feelings and emotions in the use of colours
- develop confidence in presentation
- apply colour appropriately in a cultural context
- Associate and explain respective colours to moods and emotions
- Give reasons for associating colours to respective occasions; for example dressing and costumes,
- Compare various cultural representation and use of colours in daily life
Attitudes*student feels
- Develop appreciation for colours as a means of communication.
- Appreciate colours as used and communicated by different cultures

 
Materials - One computer per student connected to the internet
- Hand out :- cultural aspect of colors and how colors are used in the daily life
- Home forms
- Evaluation forms		 
       
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