INTERCULTURAL VIEWPOINT PAPERS
Each Viewpoint Paper counts 10% of your course grade. Papers are to be word
processed in academic format using APA or other standard academic style. Minimum
length is 3 pages; preferred maximum is 4 pages. You may write in first person, but
write well, edit carefully, and submit a finished document that looks nice, contains
excellent language, and expresses your best thoughts about communication and
culture. Submit your papers by e-mail attachment to p.witt@tcu.edu.
Important: Pay special attention to the accuracy of your writing, as errors in
language or punctuation will reduce your grade. Students who receive writing help
from tutors or friends must follow the guidelines posted on the class website. All
papers will be submitted to turnitin.com to verify original content. Plagiarism in
whole or in part will result in automatic failure of the course.
VIEWPOINT PAPER 1: CROSS-CULTURAL REPORT
This short paper (about 3 pages) will be written during class. You will have only 45
minutes to write, so organize your thoughts in advance and bring a notecard with a
brief key-word outline from which to work. You may not bring complete sentences
into the classroom.
In this paper you will describe the communication differences you observed during
our recent class with Korean guests. As you comment on this cross-cultural
encounter, stay focused on verbal and nonverbal communication, and be sure to
refer to some terminology and concepts learned in the course. You may comment on
cultural characteristics you learned about, but try to focus more on communication
than on culture. For example, did you notice differences in the Koreans’ use of
nonverbal behaviors, posture, facial expressions, general appearance, or personal
distance? Discounting the limits of their English proficiency, how did they express
themselves verbally? How were the interpersonal dynamics when you spoke with
them one-on-one? Did you find it necessary to adapt your communicating style?
What do you think our guests thought about our American style of communicating in
the classroom? These are just some ideas to prompt your thinking. You may choose
to cover some different topics in your paper.
Plan a logical structure for your paper, and be sure to include a thoughtful conclusion
that summarizes what you consider to be the value of this cross-cultural encounter.
Save the last five minutes to carefully proofread your paper using the Writing Tips
page on the course website—part of your grade will be based on the accuracy of your
writing.
VIEWPOINT PAPER 2:
In this paper you will write about the culture groups that have helped shape you as a
person.
Create a title and write an opening paragraph that identifies the multiple influences
that comprise your cultural heritage, such as ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic background, geographical roots, gender/sex roles, religious or
philosophical influences, or any other cultural groups with which you identify. Select
one of these groups and write a strong paragraph discussing it in detail, including
positive/negative stereotypes and the degree to which these stereotypes hold true
for you as a member of that culture. You may write about the group’s attitudes,
beliefs, preferences, and behaviors, but give special emphasis to their
communicating styles or characteristics. Conclude your paper with a strong
paragraph that expresses how you feel about what you wrote. For example, are you
proud of your culture, a little embarrassed by it, resistant to certain influences,
seeking to change your cultural affiliation or identification?
Note: This paper is not about individual people who mean a lot to you (parents,
family, etc.), but identifiable cultural groups such as those we discussed in class.
VIEWPOINT PAPER 3:
Because the predominant ethnic group in the United States is white (a.k.a. EuroAmerican, Caucasian, Anglo), the culture of whiteness affects every resident and
visitor to the U.S. In this paper you will write about your perception of whiteness in
America.
Select a title and describe the multiple aspects that make up stereotypical white
culture. You might use Chapter 2 to prompt your analysis, but write mostly from
your own observation of how white people think and act, what they value, and
especially how they communicate. Carefully organize your essay, and pack a lot of
information into a couple of pages. You may briefly describe characteristics such as
physical appearance, space and physical environment, daily routines and
preferences, values, and relationships. The main focus of your paper, however, is
communication in a predominately white culture -- e.g., spoken and written
language, verbal and nonverbal communication, interaction styles.
Space will not allow you to discuss all your ideas in detail, but use two or three
pages to draw a fairly complete profile of whiteness in America. Then conclude your
paper by writing a thoughtful and introspective paragraph that answers the following
question:
 (If you are a white American) To what extent are you a product of the white
culture into which you were born? How do you feel about your answer?
 (If you are not a white American) What aspects of white culture do you
admire, and what aspects do you find irritating or unacceptable? Concerning
their attitudes or behaviors, what advice or feedback would you give to all
white Americans if you could?
Note: If this prompt duplicates much of what you wrote in the second viewpoint
paper, talk with Dr. Witt about an alternative topic involving white culture.