Who we are and what has influenced our development influences every communication that we take part in on a daily basis.

Let's start thinking about culture by thinking first about our own cultural background. Some of us may fall into categories that are clearly marked as ethnic by the larger culture. Whatever your cultural background, this is a chance to explore it a little bit. In this project, you will consider your ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and educational background. For our purposes, you will break down each of these four categories into three sections: statement, practices, and expectations. We shall look at ethnicity as an example of how to set up the four sections. Each section must include a statement, practices, and expectations.

Statement

In this section, explain how you define your ethnic heritage. Ethnicity (the condition of belonging to a specific ethnic group) goes beyond being a member of a specific race. That would make it just a biological fact. Ethnicity is made up of a complex set of cultural qualities, some of which may have a root in biology; most, however, are sets of actions or practices that a group comes to see as its own. Your ethnicity encompasses your heritage, meaning both where your extended family came from and what kind of weight the past places on you. If you are African American, the history of the last 400 years might radically determine who you think and feel you are; if you are Jewish, the relevant history might stretch thousands of years. Some of this is basic and factual -- if all of your family lives in the Midwest for example -- other parts are very complex.

Practices

In this section, explain how your ethnicity can be seen in your life. For example, does your family speak English in the home? If so, what sort of English? Is there any regional slang? Do you have dishes that you eat that are special to your family? What do you do that defines you?

Expectations

In this section, explain what expectations accompany your ethnic heritage? What does society expect you to do or be because of who you are? What does your family expect? How do these expectations manifest? In some periods of history, say, 120 years ago, these expectations were very clear. Signs that said "No Irish allowed" were common on the East Coast where the more cultured inhabitants didn't want any of the uncouth Irish coming in. On the West Coast in the same period, the signs would have said "No Chinese." Are you expected to be part of a community? To marry who your family dictates? To attend college?

Your goal here is to examine your own context. You might think about your background while you were growing up; you might decide to talk to your parents, grandparents or other family members about this.

Project Guidelines:

The paper must:

1. Adhere to APA style

2. Include a cover page, running head, and reference page
3. Be 500-750 words
4. Be double-spaced and use 12-point font.

Paper outline

To help clarify this assignment, please refer to this list for the required components for the Unit 2 project. Each section is required for your project, so use this list to ensure you have met the entire criterion.

Topic I. Ethnicity

I. Statement
II. Practices
III. Expectations

Topic II. Religion

I. Statement
II. Practices
III. Expectations
Topic III. Socioeconomic

I. Statement
II. Practices
III. Expectations

Topic IV. Educational Background

I. Statement
II. Practices
III. Expectations
Submitting your Assignment

Put your project in a Word document, if appropriate. Save it in a location and with a name that you will remember. When you are ready to submit it, click on the Dropbox and complete the steps below:

• Click the link that says "Submit an Assignment."
• In the "Submit to Basket" menu, select Unit 2: Project.
• In the "Comments" field, include at least the title of your paper.
• Click the "Add Attachments" button.
• Follow the steps listed to attach your Word document.
• To view your graded work, come back to the Dropbox or go to the Gradebook after your instructor has evaluated it.
• Click here to access the Dropbox. Be sure to save a copy of your submitted assignment.