In just about any circumstance in life, one has the potential to experience culture shock, either on a small or large scale. Identify an example of culture shock from a book, film, or TV series. Examples of culture shock that are appropriate for this assignment can include migrating to a new country, going on vacation, trying a new cuisine, converting to a new religion, or going to college, just to name a few.
Sociologically analyze the example of culture shock that you have identified by incorporating several sociological concepts/theories. Write a 3.5 – 4 page paper by following the outline below.
I. Background (½ to 1 page):
Briefly explain the culture shock experience you identified and the source (e.g., book, TV series, film…). Include the setting, people involved, and main event(s). Include enough details so the reader can vividly imagine what is happening, but do not go beyond the 1-page requirement.
Make sure you include a well-developed thesis statement, which informs the reader in one sentence what the paper is about. The thesis should be placed at the end of the Background section.
Analysis (2 to 3 pages): This is the main part of your paper. Make sure this section is very well-developed, well-organized, and well-written since your grade depends mainly on your sociological analysis of the culture shock experience.
Analyze the culture shock experience you identified using at least five key terms learned from previous modules. For each key term, you will need to provide examples of the culture shock experience in order to illustrate that you can use the course material to reach a greater depth of understanding. You must go beyond just describing the culture shock experience. Key terms must be bolded or underlined in your paper, or they will not be counted in the quota. In addition, examine the outcomes of the culture shock.
What was the person’s/character(s) reaction to the experience?
Were they ethnocentric or culturally relativistic, and how?
Also, why do you think they were ethnocentric or culturally relativistic?
*Be sure to apply your sociological imagination when responding to these questions. Include specific examples or illustrations.
III. Conclusion (1/2 -1 page): Include an engaging and stimulating conclusion paragraph that summarizes your paper. Demonstrate evidence that you can make connections between all of the main ideas.