The Zeitgeist
The "Spirit of the Age" in Architecture and Culture
During the ALERT "Tour of Homes" celebrations, students will make a presentation sharing the trends in the arts, science, technology, society, family life, and culture that would be experienced by the people during the architectural era. In contrast to the "A Walk Down Main Street" presentation, the Zeitgeist challenge is for students who gain pride and joy in exploring historical details and are ready for more sophisticated research and presentation challenges.
Zeitgeist--from the German phrase der Geist seiner Zeit (the spirit of the time) in the writings of philosopher Georg Hegel--suggests that art, science, and political ideas are reflections and expressions of the mainstream culture of the time in which they are created. An individual artist, scientist, leader, or citizen is influenced by his or her environment and time and therefore brings that culture to his or her work.
Zeitgeist and mainstream trends become more difficult to identify the closer we get to our own timeline because we see the many diverse details and directions of people, art, fashion, music, science, and ideas in our daily lives. It becomes easier from a historical distance because the ideas and examples that are transferred and communicated to us over time often become clearer and more simplified.
Who were the well-known artists, musicians, scientists, and political leaders of the time?
What did people talk about and discuss? What matters to you now (music, dance, sports) that was going through changes in the way it was practiced then?
When was this architectural style first expressed? When was it revived or revisited?
Where was this architectural style and the culture it was part of established?
Why did architects make the design decisions they did to create this distinct style? Why does it appeal to you?
How did everyday citizens live at the time? How did they dress, get educated, spend their free time?
One of the most challenging details for elementary students when researching for projects is the importance of recording, recognizing, and sharing sources:
Digital Research Tools
Real World Research Connections
Recording and Sharing Research Sources
Aidan's South Carolina Football Academy
2019_zeitgeist_research.pdf | |
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