Sample Outline 3 – Culture Shock

Lori Halverson-Wente

11 Sample Outline 3 – Culture Shock

Sample Outline 2

This idea asks you to interview someone from a culture different than your own who has experienced “culture shock.”

Like the other samples, this outline is just an idea generator to “get started.” Look over the assignment, consider what your personal interest is, then see how you might modify the outline below or start your own idea. Please contact your instructor if you need help getting started.

Exploring Intercultural Communication’s Chapter on Introduction to Culture Shock & Managing Culture Shock
Peace Corps’s (simple but effective) handout on Culture Shock
Intercultural Business Communication’s chapter on Culture Shock

Idea 2 – Culture Shock

Sample Outline – You are welcome to create your essay in another format. To prepare for this particular topic, read the following OER book chapters:

I. Introduction

a. Attention

b. How did you learn about culture shock – Why did you interview the person you did?

c. Topic/basic overview of your focus/key terms identified [I used listening & culture shock – you can use another concept].

d. Thesis/Preview

II. Body

a. What is the culture explored and how would you describe it?

i. Describe what the research says – consider the Cultural Atlas, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and Hall’s descriptions (see Chapter 2)

ii. How did you prepare for the interview?

iii. How well did you use listening skills?

iv. What did you learn?

v. Synthesis/takeaway.

b. Stage One of Culture Shock

i. According to the readings, _______________ is the first stage of culture shock. Describe what the research says.

ii. What did your interviewee experience or not experience when you discussed this stage?

ii. What did you learn?

iii. Synthesis/takeaway.

c. Stage Two of Culture Shock

i. According to the readings, _______________ is the second stage of culture shock. Describe what the research says.

ii. What did your interviewee experience or not experience when you discussed this stage?

ii. What did you learn?

iii. Synthesis/takeaway.

d. Stage Three of Culture Shock

i. According to the readings, _______________ is the third stage of culture shock. Describe what the research says.

ii. What did your interviewee experience or not experience when you discussed this stage?

ii. What did you learn?

iii. Synthesis/takeaway.

e. Stage Four of Culture Shock

i. According to the readings, _______________ is the fourth stage of culture shock. Describe what the research says

ii. What did your interviewee experience or not experience when you discussed this stage?

ii. What did you learn?

iii. Synthesis/take away.

d. Analysis & Reflection

i. As you now compare your this person’s experience to your own reading/understanding of culture shock, why do you think the person experienced what they did?

ii. Why do you think so?

ii. What can you conclude? What did you learn that you can apply to your own life?

iii. Synthesis/takeaway.

III. Conclusion:

a. Summary

b. Memorable End

Another Version of this Outline Idea

Listening to a Newcomer – Understanding Culture Shock

*Sometimes the names of the stages differ depending on the book/handout.

Introduction

1. Attention
2. What you did and why – maybe mention who the person you talked to is and why they came to America.
3. Topic/basic overview of your focus/key terms identified
4. Thesis/Preview

Body

1. Honeymoon
  1. What is this stage? What generally happens in this stage?
  2. What happened to this person during their initial stay in the US
  3. How does this relate to the theory/what you researched/ read? Explain.
  4. What did you learn [or even how have you / have you not also experienced this]?
2. Withdrawal
  1. What is this stage? What generally happens in this stage?
  2. What happened to this person during this stage?
  3. How does this relate to the theory/what you researched/ read? Explain.
  4. What did you learn [or even how have you / have you not also experienced this]?
3. Recovery
  1. What is this stage? What generally happens in this stage?
  2. What happened to this person during this stage?
  3. How does this relate to the theory/what you researched/ read? Explain.
  4. What did you learn [or even how have you / have you not also experienced this]?
4. Stable
  1. What is this stage? What generally happens in this stage?
  2. What happened to this person during this stage?
  3. How does this relate to the theory/what you researched/ read? Explain.
  4. What did you learn [or even how have you / have you not also experienced this]?
5. Synthesis and Lessons Learned:
  1. What is the struggle of a “newcomer” to a society?
  2. What can we do to assist others in their transition?
  3. What tips/social policy/or other applications can you make?
  4. Synthesis