Global Learning Classes
Intercultural Communication
My Intercultural Communication was both applicable for my major in Communication Arts, as well as my Global Learning requirement. This class was very enjoyable. Our professor taught us the basic requirements for practicing cultural awareness. We learned the differences in verbal and nonverbal communication among cultures. Our main project for the semester was to create a brochure or travel guide for a country of our choice, analyze it based on Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions, and create a list of things one can and should not do verbally and nonverbally if they were to visit the country. Our teams were formed based on diversity on the first day of class. Our professor explained that this was meant to include a variety of perspectives and communication styles into the project, and to give us all as much of an intercultural experience within the class.
Our team decided to work on Taiwan. We contacted the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and set up an appointment with Director Philip T. Y. Wang. The man was extremely kind and was very open about describing the customs and communication style of the people in the country. We spoke about the nonverbals that may differ from ours, holidays and festivals, and the economic functions. After we spoke, he invited us to roam around the office and see the pieces of artwork that adorned the rooms. He also was extremely passionate about calligraphy and showed us his wide collection of calligraphy throughout the years. Below will be an outline that my group and I collaborated on for any further information.
Myths, Rituals, and Mysticism
I had never taken an anthropology class before this one. I really enjoyed learning about the different forms of spirituality, beliefs, and practices of religion. This class explored the different kinds of supernatural beings and beliefs. Viewing religion from a scientific mindset has widened my perspective on the different cultures and belief systems around the world. I learned that religion plays a role in the morality of a society, the laws of a society, the worldview of an entire group of people, and even set societal rules such as gender roles. In this class we went over the different kinds of deities and gods, spirits, ghosts, and mythical forces.
As a class project, we were told to get into groups and organize a visit to a building of worship of any religion, so long as it was different from ours. The professor specifically told the students to avoid any religions similar to our own, as they can distort one's experiences of the services due to personal biases of one's own practice. Our team decided to experience a Theravada Buddhist service. Sadly, I personally was not able to attend the service, but I went to the temple with another group partner to interview a monk and speak with him about his practice and worldview. From the second we met the man, he was radiating with wisdom. The words he spoke all sounded like a lesson. Whenever we asked the man a question, he gave us an indirect answer or question, implying that he wanted us to discover the truth or meaning for ourselves. The in-depth log of the experience will be located in the button below. His words made an impact on me and how I view religion as a whole.