intercultural exposure project

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Intercultural* Exposure Project Requirements

DUE : November 28 by 5 pm.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

In order to understand how people from other cultures communicate , it is useful to actually engage in conversations or learning activities with them. This is your opportunity to do so. In the following pages, you will find detailed descriptions about the ways in which you can be “exposed” to other cultures* . Each opportunity will have an exposure point value assigned to it. You should do enough opportunities to reach an exposure point total of 100 points.

Things to remember:

· You MUST choose a dominant culture different than your own! If you are from the US, you cannot consider exposure projects about US culture or co-cultures. If you are from China, you cannot consider exposure projects about Chinese culture or co-cultures. In other words, whatever your culture happens to be, you cannot count experiences within that culture or within that culture’s media as part of your exposure project.

· All work and exposure MUST be completed this term. You cannot count something that was done in previous classes or trips.

· You CANNOT count time that you spend with people who are previously known to you, or listen to music that you always listen to, or watch movies that you have seen before. This is your chance to meet someone new and do something different!

· If someone has lived in a dominant culture more than 5 years, they CANNOT be considered for this project.

· Overall grades will be based on how many exposure points you have accumulated AND how well have you completed the requirements of the exposure opportunities.

· You must also complete the written portion in a competent manner. Grammar, spelling, and format matter!

· You can include 10 points of EXTRA CREDIT if desired.

EXPOSURE PROJECT POINT VALUES:

Internet News Source - 5

International Radio – 5

Coffee Time - 10

LCC/EMU/OU International Student Get-Togethers – 10

Community Interaction - 10

Lectures - 15

Community Events - 15

Concerts - 15

Help in ESL Classroom – 20 (Only available to native speakers of English!)

Popular Culture - 25

Research Papers - 30

Conversation Partners – 100

PLEASE NOTE: Activities can be repeated more than once. You can mix it up or you can do all the same thing to reach your 100 points. For example, you can do 20 internet news sources (20 x 5=100) or help 3 times in the ESL classroom plus a lecture, and 5 internet news sources (60+15+25=100).

REQUIREMENTS OF EXPOSURE OPPORTUNITIES:

INTERNET NEWS SOURCE – Search online and find a viable internet news source such as Univision, Le Monde, China Daily, or the BBC. Read the news and special features for the day. Answer the following questions to turn in for 5 points of credit.

1. What internet address did you visit?

2. What was the name of the sponsoring organization? (e.g. BBC or Le Monde)

3. What was the date that you visited this address?

4. What did you learn that you didn’t know before?

5. Can you identify one theory or concept that we are learning or have learned about in our book to one of the articles on the web site? What was the title of the article? What was the name of the theory or concept?

INTERNATIONAL RADIO – Search online, or use satellite radio or shortwave radio to find a program that interests you. You might try www.live-radio.net/worldwide.shtml . Listen to the news and/or special features for the day. Answer the following questions to turn in for 5 points of credit.

1. What radio call sign did you visit?

2. How do you find this radio station?

3. What was the date that you listened to this station?

4. What did you listen to that you have never heard before?

5. Can you identify one theory or concept that we are learning or have learned about in our book to something you heard? Briefly describe what you heard? What was the name of the theory or concept?

Coffee Time – The International Student Center in Building #1 offers opportunities to drop in and meet international students. Find out when that time is and spend a half hour meeting international students and chatting on subjects that interest you. Be sensitive to the people that you meet and use your best communication ethics. Do not take notes—you are there to have conversation! Answer the following questions to turn in for 10 points of credit.

1. What day did you visit?

2. How many people did you talk to?

3. What were your general topics of conversation?

4. What did you learn that you found interesting?

5. Can you identify one theory or concept that we are learning or have learned about in our book to something you heard? Briefly describe what you heard? What was the name of the theory or concept?

LCC/EMU/UO INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GET-TOGETHERS – These events occur during various days, but usually there is an hour-long international student get-together with food. It varies in time from term to term. Anyone is welcome to attend—not just LCC or UO students—so it’s generally quite crowded. . Spend a half hour meeting international students and chatting on subjects that interest you. Be sensitive to the people that you meet and use your best communication ethics. Do not take notes—you are there to have conversation! Answer the following questions to turn in for 10 points of credit.

1. What day did you visit?

2. How many people did you talk to?

3. What were your general topics of conversation?

4. What did you learn that you found interesting?

5. Can you identify one theory or concept that we are learning or have learned about in our book to something you heard? Briefly describe what you heard? What was the name of the theory or concept?

Community Interaction – This option gives you the opportunity to have short conversations and interactions with international residents of our community. Spend a half hour to an hour chatting about subjects that interest you. Focus your time with 1 person only! Be sensitive to the people that you meet and use your best communication ethics. Do not take notes—you are there to have conversation! Answer the following questions to turn in for 10 points of credit.

1. What day did you visit?

2. How many people did you talk to?

3. What were your general topics of conversation?

4. What did you learn that you found interesting?

5. Can you identify one theory or concept that we are learning or have learned about in our book to something you heard? Briefly describe what you heard? What was the name of the theory or concept?

LECTURES – Throughout the course of the term there will be lectures open to students at LCC, UO and within the community. I will announce them in class when I hear about them or if you hear about one let me know. Lectures must have intercultural components to them to qualify—so if in doubt, ask before going! Most are free, but some will cost, make sure you know ahead of time so you are not surprised. You are expected to stay for the whole lecture including the question and answer period if there is one. Answer the following questions to turn in for 15 points of credit.

1. What was the name and the date of the lecture?

2. Who gave the lecture?

3. Who sponsored the lecture?

4. What was the general purpose of the lecture?

5. Give a brief synopsis of what was said during the lecture?

6. What did you learn that you found the most interesting?

7. What kinds of questions did the audience have at the end?

8. Can you identify two or more theories or concepts that we are learning about or have learned about in our book with something that you heard? Briefly describe what you heard and the name of the theories or concepts.

COMMUNITY EVENTS – Attend a community event such as the Asian Festival or Cinco de Mayo. Spend an hour or more learning about this event and who sponsors it and why. Visit the vendors. Eat the food. Participate in events or discussions. Enjoy yourself. Answer the following questions for 15 points of credit.

1. What was the name and the date of the event?

2. Who sponsored the event?

3. What was the general purpose of the event?

4. Give a brief synopsis of what you did during the event?

5. What did you learn that you found the most interesting?

6. What did you learn that you never knew before?

7. What kinds of questions do you still have about the event?

8. Can you identify two or more theories or concepts that we are learning about or have learned about in our book with something that you experienced? Briefly describe what you heard and the name of the theories or concepts

CONCERTS – Attend a concert given by an international musician or group that you have never seen or heard of before. Spend time learning more about this event and who sponsors it and why. Learn about the style of music. Go to information sessions either before or after the concert. Enjoy yourself. Answer the following questions for 15 points of credit.

1. What was the name and the date of the concert?

2. Who sponsored the concert?

3. What was the general purpose of the concert?

4. Give a brief synopsis of what you heard during the concert?

5. What did you hear that you found the most interesting?

6. What did you hear that you have never heard before?

7. What kinds of questions do you still have about the concert?

HELP IN ESL CLASSROOM – Many international students and community members come to LCC to learn English before they enter regular LCC classrooms. These students benefit from conversation time with regular LCC students. ESL teachers sometimes ask if I can recommend students that would be interested in coming to their classrooms to answer questions or to be conversation partners. If you are interested in this, please let me know. You must be a native speaker of English to participate. Once you have participated in an ESL classroom, answer the following questions for 20 points of credit.

1. What was the date of your classroom visit?

2. Which classroom did you visit?

3. What was the general purpose of your visit?

4. Give a brief synopsis of what you did during the visit?

5. What did you learn that you found the most interesting?

6. What did you learn that you never knew before?

7. What kinds of questions did this visit bring up in your mind?

POPULAR CULTURES – Choose one of the following topics for 25 points of credit.

Option 1: Read a CURRENT Author (must still be alive) and Write a Book Report

First, you need to choose a country or cultural area that you wish to learn more about.

Second, you need to find writers that are currently writing popular novels in those cultural areas or countries. Examples are Zhang Ailing, Ba Jin and Qian Zhongsha for China; or Haruki Murakami, Banana Yoshimoto, and Yoko Ogawa for Japan; or Mario Vargas Llosa, Isabel Allende, and Paulo Coelho for South America; or Chimanda Ngozi Adichie and Wole Soyinka for Africa; or Elvira Baryakina, Zakhar Prelepin and Sergei Lukyanenko for Russia; or Patrick Suskind, Jo Nesbo, and Jonas Jonasson for Europe; or … you get the picture…

Third, find the novel translated into a language you can read. You can only read 1 novel per individual author.

Fourth, write a report answering the following questions in 3-5 pages.

1. What was the name of the book? Who was the author? If applicable, who was the translator? What company published the book?

2. What motivated you to read THIS book and not another?

3. Give a brief (1 page or less) synopsis of the book.

4. Can you identify two or more theories or concepts that we are learning about or have learned about in our textbook with something that you read? Briefly describe what you read and the name of the theories or concepts.

5. Would you consider the book to have a happy ending? Why or why not? Did it matter to you?

6. Was there something about the story that you just didn’t understand? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based confusion or not.

7. Was there something in the story that you absolutely loved? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based or not?

8. What did you learn about contemporary life in the book that you did not know before? Why did this fact stand out for you?

9. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

Option 2: Watch a CURRENT Contemporary Film (must be less than 5 years old) and Write a Review

First, you need to choose a country or cultural area that you wish to learn more about.

Second, you need to find contemporary film sources for that country. Examples are film festivals, international movie channels, video stores, Netflix, etc. Please note that the film should take place in another culture, and more than likely have sub-titles. Remember, it is a contemporary film taking place in a culture other than your own and NOT a documentary or satire about the country made by people outside of the country!

Third, watch the film, and if possible, read the reviews in the media of the country that produced the film.

Fourth, write a report answering the following questions in 3-5 pages.

1. What was the name of the film? Who produced the film? Who starred in the leading roles? Did it win any awards?

2. What motivated you to watch THIS film and not another?

3. Give a brief (1 page or less) synopsis of the film.

4. Can you identify two or more theories or concepts that we are learning about or have learned about in our textbook with something that you saw? Briefly describe what you saw and the name of the theories or concepts.

5. Would you consider the film to have a happy ending? Why or why not? Would this film be popular in your home culture? Why or why not?

6. Was there something about the film that you just didn’t understand? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based confusion or not.

7. Was there something in the film that you absolutely loved? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based or not?

8. What did you learn about contemporary life in the film that you did not know before? Why did this fact stand out for you?

9. Would you recommend this film to others? Why or why not?

Option 3: Listen to CURRENT Contemporary Music (must be less than 2 years old) and Write a Report

First, you need to choose a country or cultural area that you wish to learn more about.

Second, you need to find at least 5 musicians or musical groups from that country or cultural area that have produced popular music within the past 2 years. These groups must have at least 5 songs each that you can access or listen to. YouTube is always a good choice, but not the only choice! Search around.

Third, listen to the music, and if possible, read the reviews of the media in the country that produced the music. You can only report on 1 album per individual group.

Fourth, write a report answering the following questions in 3-5 pages.

1. What were the names of the individuals or groups that you chose? What were the names of the albums and/or songs that you listened to? Did they win any awards? Where?

2. Why were motivated you to listen to these musicians or groups and not others?

3. Give a brief (1 page or less) synopsis of each musician or group.

5. Do you consider this to be worth listening to? Does it have the potential to be popular in your home culture? Why or why not?

6. Was there something about the music that you just didn’t understand? Was it a lyrics problem? A musical styles problem? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based confusion or not.

7. Was there something about the music or musical group that you absolutely loved? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based or not?

8. What did you learn about contemporary music that you did not know before? Why did this fact stand out for you?

9. Would you recommend this music or musical group/s to others? Why or why not?

RESEARCH PAPERS – Choose one of the following topics for 30 points of credit.

Option 1: Writing a Multicultural Children’s Book

First, you will need to read at least two different multicultural children’s books. You can check them out from the LCC library or the downtown library. They are also found in elementary school libraries and bookstores. These books will give you a good example of what you are trying to do.

Next, brainstorm possible cultures or multicultural issues you would like to write about as a group. Narrow down your ideas to what you think are the two or three best ideas. Once you narrow your ideas down you need to do a little research on the issue. First, you need to be sure that your exact idea hasn’t been written about already in a multicultural children’s book. You may also want to see what types of kid’s books have been written on closely related areas. In addition to researching kid’s books, you need to do some academic research on the culture or issue. For example, if you want to write a book about how kids who are from another country are teased, then you need to do some research on teaching teasing.

Next you need to outline your book. Please remember that you will need to do a number of revisions. Don’t get frustrated by the process. The final product will be worth it.

Lastly, you need to present the final product to its intended audience. This can be a class at an elementary school or preschool or a gathering of the children of friends or family, BUT the book MUST be presented to its intended audience.

The written portion for this paper must: (1) document the steps and process that went into the creation of the book, (2) identify the applicable course topics such as cultural ideology and interaction, perception, stereotyping, etc. and, (3) the reaction (successes and failures) of the intended audience. All above information (1-3) must be typed up into a paper and turned in (this includes a copy of the book as well).

Option 2: 3 Seconds From Gold—1972 Olympics

First, you MUST watch the video, 3 Seconds From Gold , available in the LCC Library. There are clips of this topic on YouTube, but you need to watch the EXACT video in the Language Lab or the Library. There are no other copies of this video ANYWHERE—I have tried for years to find one so I can buy it!!!

Second, you need to answer the following questions about the US and Russian cultures. This information should be typed up and included in a 4-7 page paper that you turn in.

· What are the beliefs, values, and norms of the cultures?

· What are the cultural influences the effect the communication of the members of each team?

· Is there a difference between your perception of the events and the perceptions of the members of both teams?

· Are there any special or unique challenges associated with language?

· Are there any particular world views or intercultural theories that influence this conflict?

· What specific nonverbal behaviors are common among members of each culture?

· What really is the conflict? Is it the same for both teams? Why or why not?

· What kinds of conflict can you identify? What styles are used? How did you make sense of what you saw?

· What is the current status of this conflict?

· In your opinion, why hasn’t this conflict been resolved yet? What could be done to resolve this conflict?

Option 3: College Catalogue Comparison

You should go to the LCC library or web site and look at a recent catalogue of course offerings, particularly those in the history and literature departments. Read the course descriptions for both of those discipline areas. Next, look at one of the college catalogues for a historically Black, women’s, or Native-American college or university on the Internet and read course descriptions for classes offered by the two schools. Then write a 4 to 7 page paper answering the following questions:

1. Are the course offerings the same, or are they different? How do they differ?

2. Are courses offered that specifically focus on African American or women’s issues or Native-American issues? (This will depend on which type of institution you choose.)

3. Which curriculum or set of classes would best reflect your cultural identity and experiences? Why?

4. What do the course offerings from each college or university say about the educational goals of each institution?

5. Explain how each institution focuses on culturally specific education and discuss its relevance to intercultural communication.

CONVERSATION PARTNERS - Enthusiastic participation in at least seven hours of intercultural conversation with members of the international community IS REQUIRED. Your partner should not be known to you before this class. Face to face interaction is preferred. Skype is acceptable. Check with me if you have something else in mind. Please answer the following questions in 4-7 pages for 100 points of credit.

1. The number of interpersonal contacts you had with this person.

2. How did you meet this person?

3. Descriptions of the encounters.

4. How did the person you spoke with communicate? What is important in their lives?

5. How is their culture manifested in their behavior or communication?

6. Were your interpersonal contacts marked by any misunderstandings due to cultural differences? What were those misunderstandings?

7. What were some of the highlights of your conversations?

8. What were your personal reactions to being around people from different cultures?

9. How would you do things differently next time you talked with this person or another person from the same cultural background?

10. What did you learn about how people from other cultures communicate and interact interpersonally?

11. What did you learn about yourself as an interpersonal communicator during intercultural interactions? What kinds of feelings arose for you as you talked with these people?

12. Describe one strength that you have as an intercultural communicator and one area for improvement.

Please be sensitive with the people that you meet and use your best communication manners and ethics!!! Do not take notes in their presence and do not directly ask them the questions listed above! Let the interaction(s) unfold as they may and enjoy the time that you have that you have with them. They are NOT laboratory animals. They are humans, and as such, deserve your respect.

And remember, I am grading you on your answers to the questions, make sure that I have enough to grade to award you the points that you desire. Please see the samples on the moodle course site if you have questions.

*Must be a dominant culture (not co-culture) other than your own! For example, if you are from Italy, you can choose any country other than Italy. A co-culture is a characteristic or trait that exists in a dominant culture such as gender, sexuality, athletic ability, etc. Race and ethnicity are sometimes cultural and sometimes co-cultural. Please ask if you have questions.