GENERAL GUIDELINES

This assignment is a written project of approximately 8-10 pages (not including bibliography). The project must utilize a minimum of 6 outside references (only 1 of which can be a website; you can use more websites, but they won’t count toward the required six). Additionally, you must consider layered effects of whatever topic/project you choose. You should clearly relate material from the course and your outside sources. Papers are to be typed, double spaced, one inch margins, 12-point font, no title page, and completed using APA style.

Situating Your Culture
The purpose of this assignment is for you to locate yourself in the complex contexts of intercultural relations from historical, political, cultural, racial, gender, and socioeconomic perspectives. Your paper should explore and reflect on your own culture and cultural identities in relation to a specific history and/or current event. You will choose a topic from historical events and/or current social issues and make connections with your identities, cultural positioning, positions of privilege and marginalization, etc.
You can interview individuals who can speak about the history/event (highly recommended). 2 interviews = 1 outside reference (up to 6 interviews; no more than 3 outside references can substituted for). The paper should have the following sections: a) introduction of the paper, b) description of the history/event, c) introduce key concepts/theories, d) using the concepts to interpret the history/event making sure to focus on how the history/event frames intercultural interactions today., and e) conclusion.

Based on the Haiti earthquake as my historic event.

How would you like us to help you with this assignment?

I am lost as to what I am supposed to be doing with this paper at all. I don't know what they are asking me to do and I don't have any ideas. I already found my references that the paper called for.

The purpose of this assignment is for you to locate yourself in the complex contexts of intercultural relations from historical, political, cultural, racial, gender, and socioeconomic perspectives.

Your paper should explore and reflect on your own culture and cultural identities in relation to a specific history and/or current event.

You will choose a topic from historical events and/or current social issues and make connections with your identities, cultural positioning, positions of privilege and marginalization, etc.


As I understand these directions, you are to write about the Haitian earthquake from the perspective of the Haitians. Consider their history, economics, culture, etc.

Start with a thesis statement and an outline of what you want to say. You may want to show the thesis and outline to your instructor to be sure you're on the right track.

To complete your written project on the topic of the Haiti earthquake, you will need to follow these general guidelines:

1. Research: Begin by conducting thorough research on the Haiti earthquake. Explore its historical context, causes, impacts, and aftermath. Use a variety of reputable sources such as academic articles, books, and documentaries. Remember to keep track of your sources for citation purposes.

2. Outside References: As per the project requirements, you need a minimum of 6 outside references, with only 1 of them being a website. Ensure that your references are diverse and reliable. Books, scholarly articles, and interviews are good sources to consider. Be sure to properly cite them according to APA style.

3. Interviews: In addition to your research, conducting interviews with individuals who can contribute insights into the Haiti earthquake would be highly recommended. This will add depth and firsthand perspectives to your analysis. Consider reaching out to experts, scholars, journalists, aid workers, or even survivors. Remember, 2 interviews count as 1 outside reference.

4. Paper Structure: Your paper should include the following sections:

a) Introduction: Start with an engaging introduction that provides an overview of your paper. Clearly state your objective, which is to situate yourself in the complex contexts of intercultural relations through the lens of the Haiti earthquake.

b) Description of the History/Event: Provide a comprehensive account of the Haiti earthquake, including its background, timeline, causes, and significant events. Use factual information to support your analysis.

c) Introduction of Key Concepts/Theories: Introduce key concepts and theories relevant to the topic of intercultural relations and societal dynamics. For example, you may discuss concepts like power dynamics, privilege, marginalization, race, gender, and socioeconomic factors. Explain how these concepts can contribute to understanding the intercultural interactions related to the Haiti earthquake.

d) Application of Concepts to Interpret the History/Event: Connect the key concepts and theories you introduced in the previous section to the Haiti earthquake. Analyze how these factors shaped and continue to influence the intercultural interactions resulting from the earthquake. Consider the roles of different cultural identities, positions of privilege, and marginalization in this context.

e) Conclusion: Summarize your findings and provide a thoughtful conclusion by reflecting on your own cultural positioning and identities in relation to the Haiti earthquake. Discuss the broader implications and significance of your analysis.

5. Formatting: Ensure that your paper is typed, double-spaced, and follows APA style guidelines. Use 12-point font, one-inch margins, and include in-text citations and a bibliography.

Remember to proofread your paper thoroughly before submitting it. Good luck with your project!