Perception+by+any+other+name+would+it+smell+as+sweet?

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As you have probably discovered by now, the term perception is rather loaded. When we say we //perceive// something, what is it that we are actually doing? Are we simply recording all of the sensory input that our eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin takes in from the outside world or is their a selection process going on (interpretation)? Does the extent to which we are processing our inputs change depending on the Area of Knowledge (AOK) we are examining? In order to explore these questions and attempt to explore to what extent knowledge claims (kc) based on sensory input vary in the different AOK, we are going to have a synonym scavenger hunt.
 * Instructions: **

A. Listen B. Hear C. Read D. Decoding E. Decipher
 * Example: ** Imagine, for a second that Language was its own AOK, not a way of knowing. Possible synonyms for perception within Language might include:

Once you have your list, you then are going to try to find demonstrative examples that “prove” that each synonym actually has a similar meaning as perception. For example if the synonym you are trying to justify is “read”, you might include examples like:

A. “As I rode in the taxi, I perceived a sign that advertised free fried chicken” (Source: Mr. Johnson)

B. “The reading act is a unitary occurrence, meaning that the actions taking place while one is reading occur simultaneously…Visual perception plays a major role in the reception of the message.” (Source__Visual Perception and its Role in the Act of Reading__ ,[])

C. “To read is to perceive written language on a page…” (Source Mr. Reich)

__ Rules of the Hunt __ 1. In this scavenger hunt, similar to ones you have done in the past, you are going to have a list of //items// to search for. The items for this hunt however are going to be generated by you. You will each be assigned into a group of 3-4 and given an AOK. Your first task will be to create a list of synonyms (words that have the same or similar meaning) for perception within your AOK. (10 mins max)

2. Once your list is complete, you must go out throughout the college and find examples that prove that each synonym you have found truly can be substituted for perception in your AOK. (15 mins)

a. Each synonym must be supported from three independent and verifiable examples that are drawn from your own experience or that of others b. No more than two of your examples can be drawn from the internet c. At least one of your examples must be supported by an “interview” with a real person (living or dead) d. All examples must have a traceable source

3. You may augment your synonym list as the search progresses

4. You will need to present your list back to the class on a sheet of A3 paper

5. Points will be rewarded as follows:

a. 5 points for each verifiable synonym b. 1 bonus point for each live interview example c. 5 bonus points for the group with the most innovative* synonym d. 3 bonus points per innovative example e. -1 point for every minute your group is late in returning to the classroom f. -10 points for any reports of disruption caused by groups around the College

6. The group with the most points at the end of the hunt and share will win the competition

*= Innovation is at the sole discretion of the teacher

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