| The purpose of this thesis is to encourage teachers to utilize the analysis of material culture in their classroom curriculum. This project examines the theories and methods of material culture studies, explores three specific models of object analysis, and provides a case study of how to apply an analytical framework to redware pottery produced by the Pennsylvania Germans.;This investigation provides a definition of material culture, discusses whether material culture is a discipline, a field, or a method; looks at the study of folk art, an weighs the benefits and pitfalls of interpreting artifacts. The three models of material culture analysis serves as a conceptual framework, each guiding the investigator through a systematic study of an object by posing questions and drawing conclusions. All the frameworks identify the physical attributes of an object, it's decorative or stylistic qualities, and the functional and cultural significance of the object.;The Montgomery model serves as a conceptual framework for organizing data in a chronological and systematic approach when analyzing an object. The Prown model, his approach is primarily interpretive and includes a categorization of an object's aesthetic attributes. The Fleming model has similarities to both Prown and Montgomery, but functions as a repetitive mode of investigation for five main components, history, material, construction, design, and function of an object.;The analyzed object is a Pennsylvania German redware plate. This object analysis is conducted with a modified version of Montgomery's model combined with some of the approaches used by both Prown and Fleming. The analysis begins with the preliminary object analysis worksheet. This worksheet is intended for the gathering of information about the object prior to an in-depth analysis. The worksheet provides a foundation for gathering information, and this information is crucial to forming questions for the in-depth object analysis.;The intention of this project is to equip educators with a means to approach object analysis that will allow them to utilized material culture as a basis for classroom curriculum development. |
