In this first module, we are going to explore barriers to communication and consider the advice of the California Endowment (2003) as we immerse ourselves in the study of culture. According to this group:

“Self-awareness and self-knowledge are the first types of knowledge cross-cultural training would seek to establish. This involves bringing to the learner’s awareness internalized beliefs, values, norms, stereotypes and biases. They should be made aware of how ethnocentrism, that is, the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others, operates in all cultures and encouraged to be attentive to the possibility of ethnocentrism in their own thinking. They should be made aware of how ethnocentrism may influence their own interaction with patients” (p. 4).

Assignment:_____________________________________

Having considered this, let’s begin Module 1 by considering how we “react” to a description of actions taking place in another culture. In August of 2006, Jane Perlez reported in the New York Times about changes that have taken place in Indonesia since the tsunami. These changes include the embracing of Islamic law and the practice of caning. Read the article entitled Indonesian Province Embraces Islamic Law, and Canings and in a three- to five-page paper, address the following:

Discuss the feelings this article evoked in you. This should be in the first person.
Discuss the external forces that impact the evolution of this culture, including factors beyond the information presented in the article. You will need to do some research for this.
Discuss the impact that barriers to communication had on your reaction including:
Ethnocentricity
Stereotyping
Ethnic Glossing
Discuss how this information can assist you as a health practitioner. Again, this should be in the first person.

Note: In your write-up, use section headings for each question and subheadings for each of the sub-categories.

Assignment Expectations:_____________________________

Use information from your module readings/articles as well as appropriate research to support your selection.

Length: The Case Assignment should be 2 pages long (double-spaced).

References: At least three references must be included from academic sources (peer-reviewed journal articles). Required reading is included. Quoted materials should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. Materials copied verbatim from external sources must be enclosed in quotation marks. In-text citations are required as well as a list of references at the end of the assignment. (APA format is recommended.)

Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to the questions.

Format: APA format is recommended for this assignment.

Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.

The following items will be assessed in particular:

Achievement of learning outcomes for the Case Assignment.
Relevance – All content is connected to the question.
Precision – Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion – Points that lead to deeper issues are presented and integrated.
Breadth – Multiple perspectives and references, and multiple issues/factors are considered.
Evidence – Points are well supported with facts, statistics, and references.
Logic – Discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity – Writing is concise and understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity – Avoids the use of first person and subjective bias.