Step 1: Read Chapter 8: Intercultural Conflict. (Book attached, scroll down to chapter 8)
Step 2: Select and observe a film that features intercultural conflict. The film must have been released within the past 10 years. Any movie more than 10 years old is too old for this assignment. In Ch. 8 conflict is defined as, “an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals.” The film must be a full feature film. A documentary is NOT an option. The objective is to observe a film that explores the challenges of folks from different cultures working, living, playing, learning…communicating together.
**Please make sure the film is based on how two or more CULTURAL GROUPS are in conflict and resolve conflict.**
Step 3: Answer the following questions. Please do not submit one long essay. Instead label each question individually and answer the question in 1-2 paragraphs. Please highlight vocabulary words from the textbook reading.
1. Please share the title and release date of the movie. Also, in your own words, what is a general summary of the plot and main characters of the film (do not cut and paste the official summary of the film)?
2. Using the definition of conflict at the beginning of Ch. 8, share how this film fits the requirement of a film that features (is the main focus) intercultural communication. Make sure to use terms like expressed struggle, interdependence, perception, and goals.
3. Using the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (Hammer 2005), share how characters in the film approach conflict. Specifically name and define one or more of the styles and give specific examples.
4. According to Ting-Toomey’s Conflict Face-Negotiation Theory (2004), there are three different concepts of face. Explore the areas of intercultural conflict in your film and share how the Conflict Face-Negotiation Theory plays a role in how the conflict is perceive and/or resolved in the film.
Example Films:
The Farwell
McFarland USA
Hidden Figures
Crazy Rich Asians
Black Panther
Turning Red
Parasite
Minari
You People
East Side Sushi
