Q3

3). Pick one concept from throughout the semester that you feel can use further discussion.

a: I think that the topic of cultural communication could be explored further. It is understood that to be a cosmopolitan, global citizen, we must be able to understand cultural differences. To be able to adapt is also another important skill in this type of communication. To the Japanese, you are not allowed to speak casually with a stranger or anyone unless you ask for permission or are granted permission. In the middle east, women are not allowed to speak and males are the dominant person in the household. Cultural differences influences the topic of communication heavily. And another heavy impact is also the history of the country. For example, in China males are favored because of the traditions in which the male son carries down. It is considered an honor to carry down the family name and other heirloom/artifacts. If we had known this then during a wedding ceremony we would understand why everything is paid for by the male family and the female family must give at least one expensive heirloom to the male family. Understanding the history also helps us see how much communication as developed in terms of gender roles.

Q2

2). What was your favorite thing about the class?  What was

your least favorite thing about the class?  How can this class

be improved?  Again, be specific.

a: My favorite thing about the class is the fact that it is online and allows me to do things at my own pace. The fact that we had WEEKLY blog posts instead of daily blog posts really helped in maintaining a flexible schedule this semester. I enjoyed how the essays and everything were all due online. Posting on blogger has been a delight as well. Commenting is a bit tedious because of the user verification everytime we comment, but other than that it isn't much of a hassle. Perhaps the only cons are the online quizzes and tests. Desire to learn isn't a really user-friendly interface. There were several times where my screen froze or I clicked submit and all of the questions refreshed and I had to redo the whole quiz in under ten minutes. The questions on the quiz, at times, feels as if there are several answers. I'd much rather do a one page or two page, roughly 500 word, paper or blog post about the chapter.

Q1

1). What have you learned in this class over the course of the semester?  Be specific.

a: I have learned many things this semester. From relationship development to various communication concepts that I would have been blind to if not for this course. For relationships, I have learned how different relationships have different forms of communication. Communication between regular friends, close/best friends, significant other, to family. Each of these relationships have special qualities and require a different approach of communication. With your family you may be blunt, but amongst friends you are careful with your words. I have also learned that in different countries there are also different customs. For example, silence in some countries mean respect while to others they consider it rude or disrespectful. I think that the concept that will benefit the most in the long run is understanding how to communicate with your family effectively. In a family there are always bound to be mis-communication or misinterpretation and being about to sit down and properly solve your problems and come to a agreed resolution is important.