Örebro - Stanford || Cross-Cultural Rhetoric Video Conference || February 15, 2012
Activity: Debunking stereotypes
Connect to https://connect.sunet.se/oru_main_ccr
Enter as Guest and write your name of the group, i.e. Stanford A or Örebro A, etc
Please run the Audio Set-Up wizard, found under meeting on the top left bar. Follow the steps
of instructions. Start the camera and the mike on the top bar.
I 18.10-18.20 (Örebro) / 9.10-9.20 am (Stanford) 10 minutes
Welcome and introductory remarks .
Professor Anders Eriksson, Dr. Ann Watters
II. 18:20-30 / 9:20-9.30 am (10 Minutes)
Collaboration in breakoutgroups A, B, C and D
Introduce yourself to your colleagues from across the Atlantic ocean. Your name, hobby and
field of study. Cultural item from your presentation on the CCR-blog
You can use the Chat-Pod for conversations.
III. 18.30-19.00 / 9.30-10.00 am (30 minutes) Debunking stereotypes
Activity: In the next 30 minutes you will debunk a stereotype that you have brought into
class, either on a USB memory stick or as an URL. The stereotype that you have chosen should
preferably portray a group that you know quite well. The activity has two parts, first you
describe the stereotype, then you criticize or debunk it. Decide what side should start.
If you have brought an example of a stereotype on an USB then you can share it in the
sharepod by clicking share document and choose your file from your computer. (The
stereotype from the share pod can be shared with the others as we return to the Main CCR at
the end of the lesson).
When in the breakoutrooms for each group you can share the screen with your conversation
partners. You might for example want to share a webpage where you have found a stereotype.
1. Open the webpage in a separate browser. 2. In the SharePod, click Share My Screen and
select Windows and your webpage. When finished, click "Stop Sharing" in the right top
corner.
Write your notes in the "Discussion Note".
1. Describe the stereotype. Remember that a stereotype is a generalization about some group
of people that oversimplifies their culture.
In what source did you find the stereotype? In what media was it published? When was it
published? Specific time or long period? What group of people does the stereotype portray?
Does the stereotype have any truth in it? Why would other people portray people from this
group / culture this way? Are there specific traits that have been exaggerated? What makes
the portrayal into a stereotype? Does the stereotype build on ethos, pathos or logos? How
does the stereotype reflect cultural values or doxa?
2. Debunk the stereotype.
Page 2 of 2
CCR Video Conference: February 22, 2010
What is wrong with the stereotype? In what way is it an oversimplification? Does anyone use
this stereotype for a particular purpose? Does the stereotype lead to prejudice or
discrimination? What would be the best way to debunk this stereotype? What other methods
could you use to debunk the stereotype?
Now, at about 18.45 / 9.45, do the same for the stereotype that the students from the other
side has brought. (In other words, spent 15 minutes per side; keep time for your group.)
IV. 19.00-19.15/ 10.00-10.15 (15 minutes) Collaborative Group Work
Activity: Your group has been chosen as an international team for a project to combat
discrimination based on stereotypes. Pick one of the stereotypes you have discussed.
If you were given a budget of one million USD what kind of action would you take?
Whom would you target as your primary audience?
What would be your message to this audience?
Do you have a good slogan for your campaign?
What kind of media would you use?
Would you rely on ethos, pathos or logos primarily?
How would you time your campaign?
Write down you answers to these questions on the discussion-pod. Be prepared to describe
your campaign to the other students in the CCR-lounge in a few minutes. Pick a speaker from
your group who will deliver your statement & who will present the evidence. Time limit: 2
minutes per group.
Before you leave the virtual group room, be sure write down your notes in the discussion-pod,
including the visual.
V. 19.15-19.30/ 10.15-10.30 (15 minutes)
Presentation of Team Statements and Closing Remarks
Activity: Presentation of your anti discrimination campaign to the rest of the class
Goals: To learn effective communication across cultures and as mediated through
technology; to develop active listening expertise; to teach others about persona and cultural
values; to learn from others
Instructions:
1. Each Team will present its campaign and the stereotype it aims to debunk.
2. Listeners can type into the chat words of praise or feedback.
3. Closing Remarks by Professors Anders Eriksson and Ann Watters.
VI. After the Video Conference
1. Debrief at Individual Universities:
What did you learn about intercultural communication and global rhetoric across
cultures?
Page 2 of 2
CCR Video Conference: February 22, 2010
2. Please post a reflection on today’s video conference as a comment on the CCR blog at
https://crossculturalrhetoric.wordpress.com.
3. Keep in touch on Facebook! Join the Group “Cross-Cultural Rhetoric”
** Thank you for your active participation! We hope you enjoyed this opportunity to for
speaking and writing with real audiences across the globe.**
-- Anders, Ann, and the whole CCR team