Project #2: Exploring Co-Cultures



Partner Project: Exploring Co-Cultures

Intercultural Communication

Assignment:

In small groups, you will research, design, and deliver a presentation that educates us about a particular co-culture. Remember, a co-culture is a subgroup one can belong to (such as religion, gender, age, physical abilities, country of origin, sexual orientation, etc.) while living within our larger US culture. Our membership in various co-cultures greatly shape our identity and communication behavior. Some co-cultures we participate in by choice, while others we are born into. Examples of co-cultures include: Jewish-Americans, Deaf Americans, African-Americans, senior citizens, gays and lesbians, even gang membership.

I. Topic:

The group will apply concepts from the class and text to a co-cultural group of interest. These concepts should not reflect stereotypes, but rather consistent communication patterns or values found in research. Concepts may include, but are not limited to:

• Identity formation and development,

• Power factors – issues with participating within a “dominant” cultural system

• Conflict styles

• Gender identity, family roles,

• Language styles,

• Nonverbal communication variables

• Unique customs or traditions – marriage or dating customs, holiday rituals,

• Stereotypes – debunk myths

• Rules for emotional expression

• Worldviews: Individualism / Collectivism, High or low power distance

• High / Low context, Human nature, Noncontact / contact culture, etc.

• Histories – hidden and/or grand narratives, oral histories, etc.

II. Presentation Requirements:

A. Follow basic speech format: Introduction (with attention-grabber plus thesis statement and preview of main points), Body of Main Points, and Conclusion (summarizes main points and provides closure)

B. Turn in a typed, formal outline that details your group’s findings and maps out the presentation

C. Be sure to back up all claims with research and cite your sources during the presentation. Also include these research sources in a works cited page along with outline. Use a minimum of five sources (use a variety of books, articles, interviews and websites – don’t just rely on the web).

D. Be creative! Use plenty of audio/visual aids and think of ways to interact with the audience (play a game, do a group activity or ask questions).

E. Plan to have approximately 1/2 class period to present – about 30 minutes(plus or minus 5 minutes).

F. Divide speaking roles equally – all members must speak!

Point Value: 150 points Due Date: __________________________

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