Study Abroad?

Have you ever considered studying abroad during your college career?

If you are currently studying abroad, what made you want to do so? What have you learned? What do you like about the new culture you are now in? Do you have any advice for students wishing to travel to a foreign country while in college?

If you have never studied abroad, have you ever considered doing so? Why? Where would you go? What would you expect to see/do? Why do you have those expectations (from searches you have performed on the internet, from talking to others, from television, etc.)?

The study abroad office at Iowa State University: http://www.studyabroad.iastate.edu/

Stereotypes Abound

Stereotypes abound in the media. What about that latest Dove Shampoo (R) television ad, the billboards found in college towns, and the junk mail you get in your dorm mailbox? How do marketing agencies "know" who to target? Are stereotypes used? How? Do you agree or disagree with using stereotypes in advertising? Will this practice ever come to an end?

Figure 1: Stereotype Poster

http://www.mediacampaign.org/mg/images/stereotype_lg.jpg

Culture Is Everywhere!

Culture is past, present, and future! While we sometimes think of culture as being something distanced from ourselves, the fact is that culture is part of everything we do. Cell phones, televisions, computers, Ipods....the list of culture-specific items goes on and on.

How have cell phones become part of Western culture? Who owns them? What does that imply about the user? Who does not own a cell phone and what does that imply about that person? Is it simply a means of communication, or could it be a status symbol?

Figure 1: Cell Phone X-Ray

http://www.thestrangedeathofliberalamerica.com/wp-content/themes/stormy%20liberty/build/cell%20phone-2.jpg

Cultural Artifacts

Dear Class,

If you are struggling with topic ideas, consider writing about cultural artifacts. You may discuss the definition of cultural artifact or even list a few artifacts with an expanded explanation of how they are cultural artifacts. Note: Please do not simply copy and paste any previous writing assignments we have completed for class.

Figure 1: Chopsticks

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/18000/18002/chopsticks_18002_lg.gif

Why Blog?

Blogging is an easy way to jot down your thoughts and observations to share with others. In this course, you will be required to create at least one blog post per week (starting in week 3) that is substantial in quality and quantity. At least 200-300 words is encouraged. Do not simply state your thought or observation, but expand upon it! Also be sure to integrate the elements of WOVE (Written Oral Visual Electronic) in each posting. Think about font style, size, color; audio clips; images; links to websites that relate to your posting; anything WOVE! Topics that you may blog about include culture, identity, stereotypes, and subjects within these areas. Postings can include your thoughts about an issue, or an observation you have witnessed.