Cultural Ettiquette WebQuest

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness . . . Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."                     -  Mark Twain, 1867 -

 Designed by Delilah Heil

 Delilah.Heil@k12.sd.us

 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Additional Materials

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Introduction

 

    Culture is everywhere.  It is the spice of life. 

 

    Most people approach each other with good intentions, but we can get on each other's nerves just by being ourselves. Especially if our cultural beliefs are not the same and we push our beliefs on someone who does not have the same beliefs.

 

    Understanding culture will allow you to respect others feelings as you encounter them in the world.  It will reduce the potential for conflict and power struggles.  It will allow you to work with the diversity of people by giving you insight into how to approach different people in different situations.

 

 

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Task

    Your class assignment is to research the cultural etiquette of the area you have been assigned and create a visual documentary explaining the etiquette and behaviors of the people of the area to create a deeper cultural awareness for the class.

    Some areas to explore are listed below:

             The does and don'ts of:

Dining

Time/Punctuality

Business

Body language

Fashion/Dress

Greetings        

Gift giving

    Note: Do not just gather the data and report on it.  Instead, think about how this data

              could be applied to a situation in which you meet someone new.  Select data

              that will be useful in dealing with this culture in day-to-day life. How could you

              apply what you learn from your research in business dealings or social dealings

              with a person from this culture?

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Process

    The class will be divided into groups based on a prior drawing. 

    Some books will be provided to give you a starting point.

                *  Work within your group to collect information on your topic during class time provided and

                    outside of class. 

      *  Create a technology-enhanced documentary in which all group members participate.

 

           

        NOTE: Your finished product should be entirely contained on the technology you select as your

                   final presentation medium. 

 

    *  Create a handout of main points from the presentation that will be turned in to the teacher

        (via the Cultural Etiquette Blackboard Learn assignment)

 

   

    *  Include a readable APA format bibliography at the end of your presentation and a hard copy that will   

        be turned in to the teacher (Via the Cultural Etiquette BlackBoard Learn assignment.

 

  

  

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Evaluation

    Group participation during the collection of data and planning class time.   

    Presentation will be graded with presentation rubric.

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Conclusion

    Culture is all around us.  Even in America, which is the melting pot of many cultures, you will see American born people who still hold old family customs as a part of their family tradition.  These rituals and traditions should not be considered strange.  Instead, they should be cherished, and remind us of all the freedoms of expression we have. 

    Now that you have completed your investigation of the etiquette of different cultures, you should have a new understanding of various cultures and be more aware of your actions and the actions of others as you encounter them in your daily life.

 

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Additional Materials

            Classroom Materials:

                    China:  A quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart)  by Kathy Flower

                    India:  A quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart) by Nicki Grihault

                    Iran:  A quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart) by Stuart Williams

                     Japan:  A quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart)  by Paul Norbury

                    Saudi Arabia:  A quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart) by Nicholas Buchelle

                    

                            Note:  Use the online catalog to research each culture individually

                                      for other books on a specific culture.

 

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Last updated on February 26, 2015