How Culture Drives Behaviors: Communication 120 Discussion Forum Assignment

Communication 120 Tiffany

Part A

Discussion Forum: "How Culture Drives Behaviors" by Dr. Julien Bourrelle

Discussion Forum 

50 Points Possible –

IMPORTANT NOTE:  For this discussion forum, you must respond to the topic prompt BEFORE viewing other replies.

In this discussion forum, you will watch a TEDTalk by Dr. Julien Bourrelle entitled "How Culture Drives Behaviors" – and I wish I had seen his talk when I was in college!  He will beautifully explain how communication behaviors are different when compared to the communication behaviors between different countries.  I learned what he is teaching in this TEDTalk the hard way when I was Training Director for Orange Julius International early in my business career.  I was sent to Singapore to teach a two week course to the managers of Orange Julius stores in Singapore and Malaysia.  It was my first trip abroad, and I had not done my homework before leaving Los Angeles.  Our Vice President of Operations said to simply follow the lead of our Chinese licensee in Singapore, and I would do a great job.  He was only  partially correct.  You see, like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz" movie, I quickly realized I wasn't in Kansas anymore when I was greeted at the airport by my sponsor only to be whisked away to trash my "Cosmopolitan" magazine before I was arrested for carrying contraband into the country.    

Dr. Bourrelle is a mechanical engineer in field of astrodynamics – and he calls himself a "rocket scientist" who speaks all over the world to teach people in many countries how culture not only influences communication behaviors — but culture DRIVES communication behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge.  Watch the TEDTalk, and determine what you believe to be the main message from Mr. Bourrelle about intercultural communication that he wants his audience to learn and take away from his presentation.  Tell us his message in your own words to begin your posting for the discussion. 

  Directions:

1. Clearly state two or three observations or messages that are communicated by Dr. Bourrelle about intercultural communication that you want to be sure to carry away with you from this course.
2. Then, reflect on the facts and examples that Dr. Bourrelle provided during his talk and share with us YOUR thoughts about what Dr. Bourrelle explained that you already knew about intercultural communication, and what were a complete surprise to you.  Explain why it was surprising. 
3. Conclude your posting by revisiting Section 6.2, 6.3, and/or 6.4 in your textbook.  Make THREE connections between key concepts presented in this section and what Dr. Bourrelle communicated in his TEDTalk.  Write those connections clearly and BOLD your use of communication terms from that section.  Your thoughts may include why YOU think I could have benefited by seeing this video before working in Singapore, or how the information in this video and the textbook will help you select the country for your term paper and complete the writing of your term paper.  HOW could this message be relevant to you — regardless of your current or future occupation?  How could this message be relevant to everyone when interacting with someone from a different country or culture?

Part B

Submit THREE (3) Proposals (on ONE document) for Term Paper

• Due Sunday by 11:59pm

• Available Aug 17 at 12am – Aug 30 at 11:59pm

100 points Points

An Important Note:  Proposals will be approved on a first-come bases, and you will receive written notification in Moodle for which proposal is approved — along with your grade on this assignment.

Directions for Submitting 3 Proposals on 1 Document for your Term Paper

1. Place your name (first and last) at the top of the paper.
2. Write a single paragraph for each proposal on ONE document, and include the following information in each paragraph proposal: 
   • The country, culture, or region, etc. The country must be OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA.  Select a country that is very different from your home country.       
   • Include a minimum of THREE interpersonal communication terms, theories, or practices discussed in textbook that will help you to better communicate with people from this region of the world;
   • Explain WHY it is important for you to better understand this community; and 
   • Describe HOW the interpersonal communication term, theory, or practice might help you to have a more productive and respectful relationship with members of this community. 
3. Upload your document with the three proposals on one document here.  Do NOT submit a google.doc and do NOT submit a document linked to your OneDrive.  

Important Note!  See the SAMPLE document with three proposals written by a student posted at the top of Module One to understand what is required.  Let me know if you need help!

Grading Rubric:  This assignment is worth 100 points.  Follow these guidelines when writing your reflection paper.  It is critically important for you to make direct connections between the readings, the video, and your personal life.

75 pts. Utilize key terms from the textbook and clearly demonstrate an understanding and application of these communication terms, theories, and practices learned from reading the textbook and use of research.

20 pts. Provide page number or section number references (in parentheses) after using a communication term, theory, or practice from the textbook and note time stamps (in parentheses) when referring to the video.

5 pts. Write in a professional manner that is easy to read and understand.  Your paper should be two to three pages, double-spaced, have 1" margins, with proper capitalization, grammar, and punctuation.  Be sure to proofread your paper before submission to catch spelling errors or typos.

Required Formatting:

•  
  •  
    • Name at Top of Paper
    • Length: 2-3 pages
    • Margins: 1 inch
    • Spacing: Double-spaced
    • Paragraphs: At least three

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