World Cultures Name:___________________________

Unit I Europe Block:_______

Exploring a European Country Research Activity
Instructions: Using the Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life (found through the library database Gale
Virtual Reference Library; username and password is colonials), research a European nation of interest to you and
complete the items below thoughtfully and completely. Be prepared to share what youve learned with your peers.
1. To what extent was this country ruled by others? Use evidence to support your answer.
It was ruled by the Roman Empire for a long time.

2. Which 20
th
century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events and explain their impact.
When the economy went back to being good because Italy depends a lot on other country.

3. Identify the following:
Topic Details
Well known cities, regions, or
landforms
Well known cities are Sicily, Rome, and Vienna. The peninsula south of the plain
is a well-known landform and region because people often refer to the shape of
the land as looking like a boot. Which is why you here the Boot of Italy.

Relative size (size in relationship to
another place)
Italy is just a little bigger than the state of Arizona in the United States.
Description of natural environment Italy has a hilly alpine country, breathtaking mountain ranges and beautiful
coastlines and lowlands which make it a huge tourist attractions.

Population size The population is 58 million
Degree of diversity
(1=homogenous; 10=very diverse)
with explanation
Italy has a very low degree of diversity, in fact one of the lowest in the world.
Most people in the country are Italian which makes Italy about a 2 on a degree
from 1-10.

Languages/Alphabets The languages are Italian, French, Slovena, German, Fruilian


4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using specific details.
The folklore talks about twins Remus and Romulus who were set adrift in the river of Tiber. They rested at the city of
Rome and then Romulus killed Remus after the founding of Rome. Italy views Romulus now as the god Quirinus.
People look at them as the founders of Rome.
5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?
The religions that are practiced are Roman Catholic; small numbers of Protestants, Jews, and Greek Orthodox. Roman
Catholic being the most popular, this impacts the people by believing in Jesus and go to church on Sundays.
6. Are rites of passage in this country similar to or different from rites of passage in the U.S.? Explain your answer
using specific pieces of evidence.
The rites of passage are very similar, many young people go through religious rituals, such as baptism, first
Communion, confirmation, and marriage. America has influenced deeply in Italy mostly from American films. Italians
dress the same as America and listen and watch the same entertainment.

7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to this country? Provide
at least three.
Be ready to have transportation in such a small country. Roads are small and it is very hard to move place to place.
Second be prepared to be active because many activities include running like soccer and basketball. Last, you wont
have to worry about food as long as you like Italian and wine.

8. Is the standard of living in this country better, worse, or about the same as that of the U.S.? Justify your answer
with at least three pieces of evidence.
It is about the same as the US. They both have a very high literacy rate and education system in their nation. Both
countries have good employment rates but do have a medium issue in unemployment. Last, life expectancy is both
about 80 ion their respective countries.


9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your response.
Family is very important in Italian society. It is referred to as the backbone of the Italians and is also the true
patriotism of them. It influences, marriage choices, employment, business relationships, and often political
affiliations.



10. Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific details.
Ones appearance in Italy is very important to them. Even their casual clothing is generally of high quality jeans are very
popular. Dress wear includes fashionable silk ties and nice cut suits for men, and dresses or skirts and blouses for
women. So, the Italians have had distinctive traditional clothing for a long time.

11. How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using specific facts.
Italy has stayed true to its roots for a long time. Their national food is pasta which comes in many forms in Italy such as
ravioli, lasagna, and tortellini. This is complimented by great tomato sauce from the city of Naples. Italy has spread its
food all over the world it has become very popular in the world. Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, which is
also their drink for almost every meal in Italy.

12. How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive in the U.S.?
It is not very different at all. Although, elementary schooling is free in Italy. It has been named the most progressive and
innovative education in the world with a literacy rate of 98%.

13. What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and describe at least three.
Italy has influenced many things. Most important ones is Italys legacy in art. Ancient art was majorly influenced by the
sculptures and architectures of Ancient Rome. They also influenced in painting like the Mona Lisa, one of the most
famous pictures in the world. Italy has also influenced Vintage music with amazing orchestras. They have housed names
like Vivaldi and Stradivarius. Last in literature, Italy's great masterpiece like the writer Virgil and the 14th-century works
of Dante, Boccaccio, including Dante's Divine Comedy, the first great work in the Italian language. Since 1901, six Italian
authors have won the Nobel Prize.

14. Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.
Though in recent years Italys jobs have increased rapidly, most of southern Italy remains unemployed and are on
constant strikes. Italy has the same total and per capita output as France and the United Kingdom. Although, Italy
has many requirements that need to be shipped to them for them to be able to have a successful economy.


15. How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would you want to live there?
Italy spends their time playing soccer, enjoy bicycle and motorcycle racing, basketball, boxing, and tennis. I would
live there because it seems the Italians have a very active lifestyle which I like. I am also a big fan of soccer and
basketball.


16. List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country needs to resolve.
The first problem is transportation since Italy has such small roads. Second is the organized crime because it is
affecting many people including high ranking people. Last, illegal immigration because they are stealing peoples
jobs who are allowed there.


17. Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific evidence.
Yes. Though the father is the authority figure in the family, women have power within the family. They are known to
have great relationships with their sons. Although many Italian women continue to fulfill traditional roles, more and
more work outside the home and pursue professional careers.