Q Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read the essays “The Telephone,” Foreign-Asians,” and “Big Mac and the Tropical Forests” in your course text. Then, listen to the video Mongolian Folk Music – Altai Hangai (Links to an external site.), browse the website of Altai Hunggai, Hanggai Band (Links to an external site.), and read the article “How to Really Listen to Music (Links to an external site.).” This week’s readings and musical selection focus on the relationship between individuals and their environment, and they point to the influence of environment on culture and community, and on artistic production. For this discussion, choose two works, and consider the relationship between environment, culture, and identity.

Q In your initial posting, discuss the following questions: • What aspects of “environment” are being described in the work? • How does the environment portrayed impact a community or culture, and inversely, how does the community impact the environment? • In what ways is identity linked to a specific geography or landscape? • Is there a single image, description, or sound in each work that represents an individual or community’s link to the natural environment? Your initial post is due by Day 3 and must be at least 300 words in length.