Choose an activity that expands your knowledge, understanding and insights about another culture, way of knowing and/or being in the world. The nature of this activity should involve a culture, perspective or world-view that is unfamiliar to you and causes you to challenge taken-for-granted world-views, assumptions, beliefs, perspectives and thinking.
Please see the list provided at the end of this document for some activity ideas. The activity you choose should be beyond those you participate in during class sessions.
STEP 2: Reflective writing
Reflective writing is a process that facilitates a deep, transformative, and unique learning experience. The insights you gain about yourself from participating in a cultural connection activity are meant to enhance your learning beyond articles and classroom activities.
Write a 500 word reflection of your experience and learning from the cultural connection activity that you participated in this week. This reflection should: briefly describe the cultural connection activity; explore personal growth in knowledge, thinking, attitudes and behaviors related to the cultural connection activity; and connect the discussion with course concepts and topics.
If you are struggling for where to begin your reflection, you may want to consider the following:
• Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about the culture, perspective, world-view, etc. prior to participating in the cultural connection activity.
• How have your thoughts and feelings motivated your behavior and actions in the past (as it relates to aspects of the cultural connection activity)?
• Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about the culture, perspective, world view, etc. during and following the cultural connection activity.
• In what ways will your behaviors and actions be different in the future based on your experience with this cultural connections activity?
• In what ways is my experience of the activity reflective of any theory, concept or topic I have learned about in class or class materials? Explain.
• How does my experience of this cultural connections activity challenge taken-for-granted world views, assumptions, beliefs, perspectives and thinking?
STEP 3:
• briefly describes the cultural connection activity;
• explores personal growth in knowledge, thinking, attitudes and behaviors related to the cultural connection activity;
Full Answer Section
I learned that Hinduism is a diverse religion with a rich history and culture. There are many different Hindu beliefs and practices, but they are all united by the belief in one Supreme Being, Brahman. Hindus believe that Brahman is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe.
I also learned about some of the important Hindu deities, such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. I learned about the different Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads. And I learned about some of the important Hindu festivals, such as Diwali and Holi.
One of the things that impressed me most about Hinduism is its emphasis on tolerance and compassion. Hindus believe that all people are equal and that we should treat each other with respect. They also believe that it is important to live a life of non-violence and ahimsa.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned more about Hinduism. It is a beautiful and fascinating religion. I am also grateful for the people at the temple who were so kind and welcoming to me.
Personal Growth
My participation in this cultural connection activity led to significant personal growth in terms of my knowledge, thinking, attitudes, and behaviors related to Hinduism.
Before the activity, my knowledge of Hinduism was very limited. I had only heard the term "Hinduism" before and had no understanding of the religion's beliefs or practices. However, after participating in the activity, I have a much better understanding of Hinduism. I have learned about the religion's history, beliefs, and practices. I have also learned about some of the important Hindu deities, scriptures, and festivals.
The activity also challenged some of my taken-for-granted world-views, assumptions, beliefs, perspectives, and thinking. For example, I had previously assumed that Hinduism was a monotheistic religion. However, I learned that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with many different deities. I also learned that Hinduism is a very diverse religion with a wide range of beliefs and practices.
The activity also led to a change in my attitudes towards Hinduism. Before the activity, I was somewhat indifferent towards Hinduism. However, after participating in the activity, I have a much greater appreciation for the religion. I admire the Hindu emphasis on tolerance, compassion, and non-violence.
Finally, the activity also led to a change in my behaviors. Before the activity, I was not very interested in learning more about Hinduism. However, after participating in the activity, I am now interested in learning more about the religion. I am also interested in attending more Hindu events and meeting more Hindu people.
Connection to Course Concepts and Topics
This cultural connection activity is reflective of several course concepts and topics, including:
- Cultural diversity: The world is a diverse place with many different cultures and religions. It is important to be respectful of all cultures and to learn about the different ways that people live around the world.
- Global citizenship: Global citizenship is about being aware of and engaged with the world around us. It is about understanding the different challenges and opportunities facing people around the world and working to create a more just and equitable world.
- Intercultural communication: Intercultural communication is the process of communicating with people from different cultures. It is important to be aware of the different cultural norms and values when communicating with people from other cultures.
This cultural connection activity helped me to better understand the importance of cultural diversity, global citizenship, and intercultural communication. It also helped me to develop a greater appreciation for Hinduism and other cultures.
Conclusion
I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this cultural connection activity. It was a valuable learning experience that helped me to grow in terms of my knowledge, thinking, attitudes, and behaviors related to Hinduism. I am also grateful for the people at the temple who were so kind and welcoming to me. I would encourage everyone to participate in a cultural connection activity at some point in their lives. It is a great way to learn about different cultures and to develop a greater appreciation for the world around us.
Sample Answer
Cultural Connection Activity: Attending a Hindu Temple
Reflection:
Before participating in this cultural connection activity, I had very little knowledge about Hinduism. I had heard the term "Hinduism" before, but I didn't know anything about the religion's beliefs or practices. I was curious to learn more about Hinduism, but I was also a little apprehensive. I was worried that I would say or do something offensive, since I was unfamiliar with the religion's customs.
However, my fears were quickly alleviated when I arrived at the temple. The people who were there were incredibly welcoming and friendly. They were happy to answer my questions and explain the different aspects of the Hindu faith to me.