A Reflective Podcast Adventure in Intercultural Communication
(30 pts.)
(Min 700 – Max 900 words)
Objective:
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of intercultural communication! This assignment is designed to challenge your thinking as you explore podcast episodes on culture, identity & diversity. By critically analyzing and reflecting upon podcast episodes, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of intercultural communication principles and how they manifest in real life, while discovering fresh insights and perspectives.
Skills: The purpose of this assignment is to help you practice the following skills that are essential to your success in this course and your life beyond school:
· Applying and synthesizing disciplinary knowledge in intercultural communication to analyze & critique real life stories.
· Practicing cultural awareness by being exposed to stories / identities from diverse walks of life.
· Articulating original and well-informed arguments about issues related to culture, identity, and diversity.
Instructions:
1) Pick Podcasts that Speak to You:
Time to unleash your inner explorer! Choose 2 podcasts about cultural diversity and awareness that intrigue you. I listed several you can choose from in the attached list, but if you have other favorite, feel free to use those. Find ones that delve into the world of cross-cultural interactions, intercultural competence, cultural traditions, diverse identities, etc. Listen to at least 3 episodes from 2 different podcasts. Try to pick ones with stories that are different from your own cultural backgrounds.
2) Listen Up and Take Notes:
Plug in those headphones and let the podcast episodes transport you to new horizons. As you absorb every word, jot down the most captivating points, inspiring arguments, and mind-expanding examples. You can listen to these while in transit, at home or while taking a break at work.
3) Critical Analysis and Reflection:
Summarize the takeaways that open your eyes to fresh perspectives. Reflect on how the cultural examples discussed in the episodes collide with your own experiences, challenging your assumptions and expanding your worldview. Highlight their strengths, point out areas where the episodes might have missed a beat or overlooked crucial aspects. Let your authentic voice shine as you share your insights and the ways this podcast journey has transformed your understanding of intercultural communication. Let’s make it personal and powerful! See the assessment criteria for specific content to be included here.
4) Connection to Course Content:
Remember those mind-boggling theories, models, concepts we’ve explored in class? Now, it’s time to weave them together with your podcast adventure! Discover how the episodes align with at least 2 specific concepts** you’ve learned. Did it shed new light on any theories? Or maybe it sparked intriguing questions? Let’s connect those dots and watch the magic happen! See the assessment criteria for specific content to be included here.
What does a “specific” intercultural concept mean ? It means avoid using broad concepts such as “intercultural relationships” or “racism”. For instance, if you want to focus on intercultural relationships, you can pick “ low-context emotional expressions vs. high context emotional expressions” as a concept. If you want to focus on racism, you can discuss how “scapegoating theory” can be used to understand the events in the episodes or how “ indirect institutional discrimination” manifest in the events explained.
Start your paper with a short introductory paragraph and end with a conclusion paragraph.
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR ASSIGNMENT IN THE TEXT SUBMISSION BOX ON BLACKBOARD OR USING “PAGES”.
SUBMIT IT AS A “WORD” OR “PDF” DOCUMENT
Assessment Criteria for Cultural Soundscapes
Critical Analysis and Reflection:
· Includes the name of the 2 podcasts, and titles for the 3 episodes used for the reflection.
· Provides a summary of the podcasts, highlighting their main points, arguments, etc.
· Integrates personal insights and experiences to enrich the reflection, while respecting and valuing diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
· Identifies and assesses any biases, stereotypes, or assumptions present in the episode, while considering their impact on intercultural communication.
Connection to Course Content:
· Establishes clear and in-depth connections between the podcast episodes and 2 specific intercultural communication concepts from the course.
· Integrates relevant course materials to support arguments and enhance the understanding of intercultural communication principles.
Podcast Relevance and Engagement:
· Demonstrates a thoughtful selection of podcast episodes that directly relates to intercultural communication.
· Engages with the podcast episodes by actively listening and showing genuine interest in the content.
Clarity and Organization:
· Sticks to minimum 700 and maximum 900 words word requirement.
· Includes a clear introduction and conclusion, does not start, or end the paper abruptly.
· Presents ideas and arguments in a clear, coherent, and organized manner.
· Utilizes appropriate language and terminology related to intercultural communication, ensuring concepts are communicated effectively.
· Uses proper grammar, punctuation, and formatting to enhance readability and accessibility for all readers.
· Uses inclusive language that promotes respect for diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders, and other identities.
· Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of respectful dialogue when discussing sensitive or controversial topics related to intercultural communication.
Creativity and Originality:
· Displays originality in the analysis and reflection by presenting unique insights, connections, or interpretations that go beyond the obvious or expected.
