INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCE

For your intercultural communication experience you should start by reading the Intercultural Communication Supplement found in the folder for Class Session 2.  As you read the supplement, you should also read the applicable sections on culture found in your text book. Use the index in your textbook to identify those sections by page number. Once you have read this material you should proceed with your intercultural experience.

For this assignment your task is to place yourself in a cultural setting you are NOT familiar with. You are expected to go outside your comfort zone when choosing a culture, but under no circumstances should you take any risks or put yourself in danger.

Interact with members of that culture, and observe your verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors and outcomes in the process. Then, submit a 500word typed, double spaced paper which should contain the following:

1. A brief description of what you did.

1. An analysis of some initial barriers you may have and what you did to improve your intercultural communication competence. How did you address these barriers?

1. A discussion of what you learned about the culture overall and its communication style as a result of your experience.   For example, you could analyze the experience in terms of how you saw Hofstede’s Cultural values at work, or you could describe examples you witnessed of the cultures values, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, unique knowledge, and norms.

This paper does not require academic references, but you are strongly advised to read about your culture prior to visiting it.  Any advance reading you do would make an excellent addition to your paper.  Your paper must have a cover page, and it should be formatted in APA style.

This paper is worth 100 points and it will be graded using the same rubric found in your syllabus.

Make this an enjoyable and enlightening experience! Start now.  Do not wait until the last minute!  Below are a few ways you might interact with other cultures.  This list is NOT exhaustive.  Email me if you have additional ideas or need more suggestions.

• Festivals
• Social events (weddings, parties, etc.)
• Cultural events
• Arts/Entertainment
• Religious services
• Holidays
• Travel within Indiana (for ex.: Amish country)
• Developing a friendship at work or in your neighborhood with someone from a different culture and learn about their culture through various interactions (for ex. you have dinner at their house)