Written Response—Culture, Globalization and Intercultural Adaptation

Written Response—Culture, Globalization and Intercultural Adaptation
Word length: Approximately 1,250 words (5 double-spaced pages)
This course examines the meanings and practices of culture in various global contexts. An awareness
of your own cultural perspectives, as well as the perspectives of others, is a critical part of developing
intercultural competencies. Recall that in modules 1-3, we look at the many intersecting aspects of
culture, globalization, and intercultural competence development and adaptation. For this
assignment, you will provide a written analysis of the cultural context in which you currently live or
work. Drawing on the materials and readings from modules 1-3 and other appropriate readings you
choose as references, you will identify and analyze the meanings and practices of culture within your
current living/working context (e.g., cultural perspectives, intercultural communication, impacts of
globalization, etc.).
Specifically, be sure to address the following questions in your written analysis:
1. Characteristics of Culture. Briefly identify and describe the cultural characteristics of your
current work and/or life context. Explain the cultural perspectives and beliefs that you hold.
What impact might your perspectives have on your understandings of and interactions with
those from other cultural contexts?
2. Intercultural Communication in a Globalized World. What dimensions of culture have an
impact on intercultural communication in your current work and/or life context (e.g. Canada
or elsewhere in the world)? Providing one or two examples, explain both the local (i.e. where
you are now) and global (i.e. beyond the country you are in) aspects of cultural diversity that
you can recognize in your current day-to-day experiences (e.g., Can you see aspects of
globalization and/or marketization in your local environment?).
3. Intercultural Adaptation. Where are you positioned in the spectrum of DMIS? Can you reflect
and give one or two examples of how you adapted to new/different cultures in Canada or
abroad?
For each question, make sure you provide an explanation and rationale that supports and
demonstrates your analysis. Also, remember to provide a cover page to include relevant information
(e.g. your name, student ID, instructor’s name, title of essay, course number and title, as well as the
words used for the essay content), an introduction paragraph that frames your responses, and a
conclusion paragraph that synthesizes and summarizes your analysis.

The following criteria will be used to assess this assignment:
Clear and appropriate writing style, including proper use of grammar, vocabulary, sentence
structure, expression, citation of sources, etc.
5 marks
Thorough written discussion that considers cultural characteristics and intersections from
different perspectives, demonstrating appropriate analysis of the topics and concepts listed in the
questions posed.
15 marks
Effectively incorporates supporting information from a variety of relevant sources in order to
provide an accurate and balanced analysis of the questions posed. Use of a minimum of five
substantive sources for full marks.
10 marks