Culture and Communication

Background: In the Session Long Project, you are going to be conducting a structured study of a culture of your choosing. Using the Purnell model, you will explore different aspects of the culture that you select in subsequent modules. The intent of the SLP is for you to apply the theoretical and general aspects of knowledge covered in each module to a real-life and practical project, and to enhance your research skills. You will be submitting a different section for this study in each Module. In Module 4, in addition to submitting the final section, you will also submit a final paper of all four modules, compiled and integrated, including an integrated reference list. Please note that you will be expected to have at least 10 peer-reviewed sources, specifically journal articles, in your final reference list, compiled from all 4 modules.

Keep in mind that this is a research paper. Give credit to your sources throughout your paper. Also, your discussions should not be based off of personal experience or knowledge about the culture you have chosen. You should also refrain from using popular books and websites designed for tourism as well as for business professionals.

Assignment

Choose a cultural group for structured study. When choosing a culture you should choose one that has accessible information to complete the entire SLP. In addition, your culture should be well defined. For example, Hispanic culture is not acceptable because the term Hispanic refers to European colonization and encompasses many cultures such as Cuban, Mexican, etc. Another example is American Indian, as there are numerous tribal nations than comprise American Indian.

Discuss the Overview/Heritage construct of Purnell’s model as it relates to your selected culture and address each of the sub-constructs listed below:
Origins
Residence
Topography
Economics
Politics
Education
Occupation

Discuss the Communication construct of Purnell’s model as it relates to your selected culture and address each of the sub-constructs listed below:

Dominant language
Dialects
Contextual use
Volume/tone
Spatial distancing
Eye contact
Facial expressions
Greetings
Temporality
Time
Names
Touch
Note: In your write-up, use section headings for each question and subheadings for each of the characteristics.

SLP Assignment Expectations

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

Length: The SLP 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 SLP 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 easy to understand, and contains sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity – Avoids the use of first person and subjective bias.

Additional Resources

To help get you started, you may find the following site helpful for gathering information on different countries: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/