Problem 1: Valsiner discusses two assumptions, the assumption of qualitative homogeneity and the assumption of temporal stability. How do you understand each assumption? How are cultural and cross-cultural psychology different when it comes to those assumptions?
Problem 2: Cassirer borrows von Uexkull's concept of the "functional circle" to describe the importance of symbols for human beings. What is the difference between the "functional circle" for humans, compared to other animals. What do you think of this comparison?
Problem 3: How do you understand the "control mechanism" concept of culture that Geertz discusses? How is this simller to or different from how you come into this course thinking about "culture
Problem 4: How do you make sense of Shweder's idea of a "semiotic subject (or person)?