24 May Cultural Immersion Project
Connect with and conduct in-depth research on a group represented in your community that meets the following three criteria:
1. Constitutes a unique “culture” or clear value system, 2. Is or has been disenfranchised or oppressed, AND 3. You envision a potential need to know more about the group in your professional setting
for which you are currently studying (i.e., counseling, teaching, administration). This can include racial/cultural, sexual identity, religious/spiritual, economic, or ability diversity.
Project Steps
• Step 1: Conduct in-depth research on the chosen culture/group. Search for historical documents, texts, videos, documentaries, musical heritage, world cinema and TV shows, Ted Talks, online worship services, local food establishments, etc., that will provide a well-rounded view of the culture or group.
• Step 2: You will journal throughout your research, outlining all the following: 1) your reactions to your experiences with various mediums associated with the culture/group, 2) your thoughts and feelings about beliefs and traditions of the culture/group, and 3) your thoughts and feelings about yourself in relation to your chosen culture/group. NOTE: This journal will be submitted with your paper.
• Step 3: Reflect on your experiences and preconceived ideas to construct a comprehensive and cohesive paper outlining all you have learned about the culture/group. Which of those preconceived ideas are now open to re-interpretation and why? What have you learned about yourself and “them” now that the immersion is over?
The 8-10-page paper will be a culmination of all you have learned in your cultural immersion experience, as well as classroom learning. Be sure to include the following headings and sections in your final paper and presentation upload:
1. Identification and Description of the Population (1-2 pages long. Include credible research and citations to support your writing).
2. Reflection of your Virtual/Hybrid Immersion/Research Experience (what did you observe/perceive, how were your pre-conceived ideas changed, what surprised you, what is different from your personal culture? (1-2 pages).
3. Reaction and critical analysis of the culture (include research on culture, values, beliefs, and behaviors and compare to your observations/perceptions). (2-3 pages).
4. Additional documents in the appendix: Include any pictures, quotes, symbols, or links to videos or music.
