The Objective of this assignment is for students to analyze examples of contemporary material culture by using the theories. In this assignment students will develop their own
analytical “voice” and skills in critical thinking and writing.
Choose to discuss EITHER:
1. Two different brands of a household cleaning product; OR
2. Two different brands of a personal hygiene or grooming (cosmetic) product; OR
3. Two different brands of breakfast cereal.
NOTE: You are NOT comparing a breakfast cereal to a cleaning product, but you are making a “grooming product to grooming product” or a “breakfast cereal to breakfast cereal” comparison. Choose
two brands that provide the visual and textual datat you need to make a thorough and critical comparative
analysis of these products. The applicability of your choice of products is part of the assignment.
! You need to be able to thoroughly examine all sides of the packages – design, graphics and text. You
may or may not need to purchase these items as applicable.
Please photocopy (black & white) the relevant sides of each package. Include the copies in your
assignment.
! Your goal is to COMPARE and CONTRAST two versions of the same type of product to come to
interpretive conclusions about what these objects “say” about the cultural values, ideas, practices, and
technology of the people who produce and use them (i.e., contemporary North American consumer
culture or any regional or subculture within North America as applicable to the products you choose).
! Support your analysis and conclusions with direct reference to the theories in the readings in the
Course Reserve articles posted to CANVAS. Use as many references as applicable to support and expand
your analysis. You can refer to readings already covered in class or to readings further along in the course
material. Throughout your discussion, try to incorporate numerous applicable citations and examples from
the readings in order to support your arguments. Using references means drawing on the theory,
generally, not only using direct quotes. Focus on analysis to support your description.
No internet sourse, make reference only from reading provided
