Intercultural Communication

COM 309: Intercultural Communication

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION SYNTHESIS QUESTIONS

NAME(S) (include names of any class members you worked with on this):

The purposes of these questions are to assist you in synthesizing your knowledge of intercultural communication, to provide an opportunity for you to express your opinions on these concepts and ideas, to move forward in thinking about intercultural communication competence, and to prompt thinking about the "bigger" issues related to intercultural communication in our diverse world… Much of the learning and insight from these Qs (and from our semester together) can come from taking a little time to reflect and synthesize ideas either with fellow classmates (encouraged!) or on your own. You can choose to respond to the Qs on your own or with up to 2 other class members (groups of 2 or 3).

*** One paragraph only for each number***

(1) Reflecting on this course over the entire semester, what one activity, discussion, topic,

reading, etc. stands out to you and provides the most insights for you in understanding intercultural communication and intercultural competence? (if working with classmates, write about 1 activity/discussion topic/reading for every group member ). Explain why you made the choices you did and what impact those particular activities/topics/readings had on you (at least 2 sentences/group member)

Activities I like: Random act of kindness. And group conversations activity when we talk about culture, language, differences and similarities.

(2) You (or your group if working with classmates) have been hired to prepare an “Orientation to U.S. American Culture” sheet to be included in a packet given to new visitors to the U.S. who are not familiar with ‘U.S. American culture.’ What 5 key things about understanding U.S. Americans and U.S American culture would you include on that sheet? Be specific. Explain each of your 5 key elements and why you think they are important information for new visitors in understanding and functioning effectively in U.S. American culture (at least 2 sentence explanation for EACH item – DO NOT just say, “…because this is important to US Americans,” explain WHY!).

(3) In your opinion(s), what 2 or 3 issues/problems create the biggest barriers to our achievement of intercultural harmony (in your own “neighborhood,” on the CSP campus, considering all the current events going on & the political rhetoric, within the larger US American society, and/or between nations)? Why are these barriers so difficult to overcome? List at least 3 reasons. What suggestions do you have for overcoming these barriers? (list at least 1 suggestion from each group member – if working individually, only 1 suggestion is required).

( please be simple )

(4) After participating in Intercultural Communication class this entire semester, including your experience with our Random Acts of Kindness initiative as a way of connecting with others and breaking down barriers, what insights and ideas about intercultural competence do you plan to take with you from this class as you continually experience our diverse world? Explain at least 1 insight/group member AND 1 action step that each group member plans to implement in his/her daily life. (if working with classmates, list each group member’s name and their insight + action step)

(4 ½) Any other brilliant thoughts you’d like to share….

Thanks for all of your contributions to our class this semester! Happy summer!