Final Group Project (FGP)

Intercultural Communication

 

Point Value: 75 points (50-Paper, 25 Presentation)

 

Assignment: Your final group project will be worked on from this point to the end of the semester. You will be assigned groups based on the cultural group assigned to you. You will be expected to work together to successful completion of this project, but will be assessed individually on your contribution to the cultural research.

 

a.      Topic. You will apply concepts from our semester to the cultural group of interest (other than your own culture). You may select any concepts from the list below and begin investigating them within your assigned culture. We are studying culture and its relationship to communication so approach this project from this perspective. These concepts should not reflect stereotypes, but rather consistent communication patterns or values found in research. Concepts may include, but are not limited to:

Individualism / Collectivism

High or low power distance

Language styles

Eye contact

Attitudes towards the elderly

High / Low context

Noncontact / contact culture

Personal space

Traditional dress

Unique customs or traditions

                        Other dimensions of your choice (with approval of your instructor)

                       

b.      Paper. (50 pts) Each group member will choose a concept(s) regarding your assigned culture and document your research findings in a paper. This should include all aspects of a formal, academic research paper include citing sources and including a reference page.  

a.      As a group, you may pick concepts you would like to investigate and how you want to approach the project (division of responsibilities).

b.      Be sure to back up all claims with research and cite your sources using either MLA or APA format.

c.      You must include a works cited page with your paper.

d.      You can certainly use our course text among your sources. You can find great internet sources and books in our own library. In addition, there are several books on reserve under my name in the library. You may use these sources in the library, but you cannot check them out.

e.      The writing center is a valuable resource for your group to obtain assistance/feedback in the writing portion of this project. They are open everyday in the IAC computer lab M-Th from 11-2 and on Fridays 10-1.

In addition to the books and journals you may find in the library, there are several books on reserve under my name in the library. These books can be used in the library, but cannot be taken outside of the library.

 

Caponi, G. D. (Ed.). (1999). Signifyin[g], sanctifyin’, & slam dunking. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Press. [African-American culture]

Chhim, S., Luangpraseut, K., & Te, H. D. (1994). Introduction to Cambodian culture: Laos culturally speaking: Introduction to Vietnamese culture. Southeast Asia Resource Center.

De Jesus, J. L. (Ed.). (1997). Growing up Puerto Rican. New York: Avon Books.

Faderman, L., & Xiong, G. (1998). I begin my life all over: The Hmong and the American immigrant experience. Boston: Beacon Press.

Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y.Y. (1997). Communicating with strangers: An approach to intercultural communication (3rd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond culture. New York: Anchor Books. [excellent source for all cultures]

Kitano, H. H., & Daniels, R. (2001). Asian Americans: Emerging minorities (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Lustig, M. W., & Koester, J. (2006). Intercultural competence: Interpersonal communication across cultures (5th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Neulip, J. W. (2000). Intercultural communication: A contextual approach. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

 

 

c.      Presentation. (25 pts) Your group will present to the class your findings. Everyone must speak during this presentation. It must be clearly organized and well articulated. Proper English grammar and dress is expected. Roughly 15-20 minutes for each group presentation.