Learning Objectives:
1. Identify personal experience with intercultural communication
2. Describe how international events effect people
3. Analyze the mechanisms that change cultures
4. Discuss the different forms of intercultural communication
5. Examine a case study and identify possible solutions
6. Compare your responses with those of other students in the class
CHAPTER 1:
1. Discuss an encounter you have had with people from other cultures (American or foreign). What problems emerged? What did you learn from the experience? Note that "other cultures" may also include other regions within the US.
2. Technology, Economic Globalization, Population Migration and Multiculturalism are discussed in Chapter 1 as reasons to study Intercultural Communication. Discuss how [at least three of] these international developments have impacted the lives of people within the U.S. Be sure to focus Chen & Starosta's discussion about each reason. Find examples outside of our textbook that are based on the ideas presented in Chen-1.
Note: Please do not copy extensive quotes from our textbook in your responses. Simply refer to the basic idea (remember that we all read the same chapter). Be sure to provide citations in APA where relevant.
CHAPTER 2:
1. Discuss the ways in which culture is dynamic; include at least two of your own examples to illustrate your points (do not use 9/11, or a hurricane for your examples).
2. Give your own example of each of the three forms of intercultural communication that you have either experienced, witnessed, or heard about in the media. Discuss how each example represents each form. Analyze your example by integrating what you read about in Chen. Please provide original examples, which are not already mentioned by other students in our class.
3. Answer the question at the end of the Mini Case 2-1 on page 29. Your response should consider how cultural differences effect intercultural communication. Also, how does ethnocentrism impact this case?
CHAPTER 3:
NOTE: Chapter 3 contains many important concepts that we will discuss throughout the semester, such as perception, stereotyping and forms of prejudice, and the cultural value orientation models of Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck, Hall and Hofstede.
1. Read Mini-Case 3-1 in Chen on page 45. Answer the question: Why was there a change in the attitude of Suki's fiancee toward Jane? Include a thorough analysis, along with examples from the case to back up your assertions.
2. How do you think the concepts in Chapter 3, such as perception, the Hall, Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck, and Hofstede cultural value orientations models relate to this case? Your response should illustrate an understanding of these ideas from our readings.
3. Identify any potential areas for stereotyping and forms of prejudice that might develop in Mini-Case 3-1. Be thorough in your review of the case related to these concepts.
4. How do you think understanding these principles [in Chen-3] can improve intercultural communication among and between people with different cultural backgrounds?
Immigrants Have Enriched American Culture and Enhanced Our Influence in the World. (2002, February 18 Chen, G, & Starosta, W. J. (2005). Foundations of Intercultural Communication Lanham: University Press of America [Brett Borah] (2012, Jun. 26) What Makes America the Greatest Country in the World? (From The Newsroom) [Video File].