Module One Question 1
Do you have any healthy habits? What role have culture and environment played in the
healthy or unhealthy habits that you have formed?
I believe I have fairly healthy eating habits. I am Hispanic, and a lot of the food we eat tend
to be high in fat and high in carbohydrates. I avoid eating tortillas if I eat rice, or vice versa,
and I also like to cook with little oil. I also like to incorporate a variety of fruits and
vegetables into our foods, either in traditional dishes, or making up my own. Even though I
love my cultures food, I enjoy trying new things that are not traditional to me.
Module One Question 2
Choose a society from the map. Within that society, characterize one of the social
science principles we identified in this learning block. As a reminder, the social science
principles we focus on in this course are: social roles, social institutions, social norms,
and beliefs and values.
For example, what is a social role that exists in Okinawa? Who occupies this role?
In Okinawa, the women are held to a higher standard. They are considered the respected
spiritual leaders of the family and they often organize events and gatherings. Most families
live close to each other, providing a tight knit community.
Module One Question 3
Provide an example of the environment influencing the population in an area of
increased longevity. Then provide an example of the population in that area influencing
its environment.
In the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, the water is filtered through limestone, providing lots
of minerals to the water itself and to the fruits and vegetables. This food is rich in vitamins
and provides all the nutrition to the people that reside here. By providing the necessary
nutrition, people don't overindulge in food, and are leaner and healthier.
Module One Question 4
Think about factors affecting
your
lifestyle in comparison to the areas of increased
longevity. Characterize two social science principles in your day-to-day life. Use the two
principles that you did not describe in response to the earlier question. For example,
you could describe some social norms in your day-to-day life.