09 Jul Cultural Exploration Reflections

Cultural Exploration Reflections (4 X 5 pts = 20 total pts): To increase students knowledge of multicultural and
pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups, both nationally and internationally, students will be expected to engage in a variety of cultural exploration activities and submit written reflections regarding these experiences. As can be seen in the calendar at the end of this syllabus, time has been set aside in 8 weeks of this course for you to engage in these activities. You have some flexibility regarding type and number of activities you engage in. However, at least one of your activities should be an interview (can be done via phone or webchat to allow for social distancing) with someone who is culturally different from you in at least two ways. Also, at least one of your activities should be the reading of an autobiography of someone that is culturally different from you in at least two ways (preferably different differences than for your interview). Books should be selected from a list that will be provided in Canvas (or get approval from the instructor if you have a different book in mind). Examples of other activities: 1. consuming other media (e.g., films, television, music, internet videos) about (and or produced by) individuals from diverse backgrounds, 2. interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds on social media, 3. reading news stories written by (and/or about) individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds,
4. participating in culturally significant rituals (e.g., festivals) of individuals who are culturally different from yourself Note: this list is not exhaustive, and there are multiple ways to explore other cultures. If you are uncertain if an activity would be acceptable for this assignment, feel free to check in with the instructor. Four times during the semester you will write a brief reflection paper about the activities you have engaged in up to that point in time. This reflection should be 2 3 pages in length (double spaced with 12-point font). In each paper you should:
1. Briefly summarize your exploration activities and estimate the amount of time spent exploring (Minimum of 2 hours of activities expected for each reflection paper) 2. Reflect on your reaction to the experience (surprising? emotional impact? challenging? concerning? affirming?
uplifting?, etc.)
3. Comment on the cultural identity development of the subject matter of the experience or of your own development