Rules of Nature/Rules of Life
Assignments
Assignments
ASSIGNMENTS
FOR RULES OF NATURE, RULES OF LIFE
A. THE RULES I LIVE BY (1&2): Write an essay (limit = 3 pg, ss) on what
are the rules I live by; where did they come from? How have they been
modified? Do I want to change them? How will I change them? Beginning
of program (1) and end of program (2).
B. FIGURING OUT THE RULES:
1: Human world: Observe a human world and discern rules. Each group will
pick a "human world", a subset of society that is governed by rules. Discern
the rules by interviewing, observing, or experimenting with the system.
Collect 10 citations that bear on this world. Write up your analysis of
written and unwritten rules that govern this place. [e.g. post office,
grocery store, library, admissions office].
2: Natural world: Observe natural history of object - in field or in lab.
Each group will pick a "natural world", a subset of society that is governed
by rules. Discern the rules by interviewing, observing, or experimenting
with the system. Collect 10 citations that bear on this world. Write up
your analysis of written and unwritten rules that govern this place. [e.g.,
tree, pond, ant colony, mossy rock, paramecium]
3. Religious world/rituals: Visit 1 or more church services and discern
the rules that govern that faith (or you may compare faiths). Describe
rituals. Read part of the scriptures that belong to that faith. Interview
one or more people there and find out how he/she/they are guided by those
rules.
C. INTENTIONAL RULE-CHANGING:
1 :External appearance On Tuesday, get in groups and discuss your rules
about appearance. Each individual, pick one of your rules to change. Discuss
with group how to do this, what you will change and how you will change
it. What will you record? On Tuesday afternoon, and Thursday, live with
the change (more if you want). Write up conclusions. [example: cut off
beard, dye hair, wear radically different clothes]:
2: Physical disabling: On Tuesday, get in groups and discuss your rules
about your physical rules. Each individual, pick one of your rules to
change. Discuss with group how to do this, what you will change and how
you will change it. What will you record? On Tuesday afternoon, and Thursday,
live with the change (more if you want). Write up conclusions. [examples:
Blindfold; tie up fingers; use a wheelchair]
3: Breaking rules: Break a rule and study the consequences.
4. Minority status On Tuesday, get in groups and discuss your rules about
majority/minority. Each individual will pick on of your rules to change.
Discuss with group how to do this, what you will change and how you will
change it. What will you record? On Tuesday afternoon, and Thursday, live
with the change (more if you want). Write up conclusions. [examples: bar
if non-drinker; squaredance if rocker).