Thesis (D. Min.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2001. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 188-200).

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Duquesne University, 2009. / Title from document title page. Abstract included in electronic submission form. Includes bibliographical references (p.117-134) and index.

This study outlines and evaluates a twelve week sociodrama programme aimed at creating cross-cultural awareness amongst adolescents. Three experimental groups and two control groups were involved in this process. Sociodrama is an experiential method of group work that utilises member strengths and experiences to create "shared" or "collective" dramas or enactments. Individual therapy is not involved. The process is "member-driven", with the director acting in an egalitarian manner as facilitator. Once the warm-up and enactments have occured, group members discuss the learning and exchange ideas about the process. This includes three methods of "learning" - behavioural, cognitive and affective. This study confirms that sociodrama is an effective method of creating crosscultural awareness amongst adolescents. / Social Work / M.A. (Mental Health)

M.A. (Counselling Psychology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to lay the foundation for a better understanding between the East and the West by (l) a broad overview of the traditional value systems and thought patterns (sometimes referred to as cultural orientations) of the Indians, Chinese, and Euro-Americans, (2) comparing and contrasting these value systems and thought patterns, and (3) showing the effects of the contrasts of the Asian and Western cultural orientations on intercultural communication. The differences in the traditional heritages that affect the way that the three major cultures look at the world are discovered by drawing together descriptions from classical literature that have stood the test of time. The effects of the meaning of these contrasting cultural orientations on intercultural communication are discussed. The terms "culture," "communication," "intercultural communication," "cultural orientations," "thought patterns," "East" and "West" are defined. A general review of the literature shows that the problem of intercultural communication is very complex, sophisticated, and has been present through history. Though philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, and communicators have attempted to show and be aware of the cultural differences, not much has been researched in terms of how these differences affect intercultural communication. Their only overwhelming· concern is how people think at the moment of communication. They have usually ignored the nature of intercultural communication behaviors as the subsequent, natural response and expressions of cultural oriented thought patterns of the individuals. An overview of the three major cultures is presented, followed by a comparison and contrast of the categories of will, activity, desire, progress, reason, attitude toward rhetoric, caste, distinctiveness, belief, change, and heroes; illustrations are then given of how these differences caused misunderstanding in the past. It is open to argument whether the "categorized" thought patterns are typical and applicable to contemporary events; however, examples are given to show some of these traditional attitudes and behaviors have influenced intercultural communication.

Self-reported behaviorally-based intercultural communication competence inventories are one way to understand the relationship between a pre-departure training program and its participants' intercultural communication competence (ICC). One such inventory, called the Cross- Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI), was chosen to explore this relationship. This research sought to confirm or reject the following three hypotheses: 1) experimental subjects will demonstrate higher levels of ICC than control subjects, 2) experimental subjects will demonstrate higher levels of ICC after they take the pre-departure class at Walla Walla College, and 3) there will be relationships among all subjects' ICC and the demographic variables involved in this research. Fifty seven subjects from Walla Walla College participated in the research, 23 as experimental subjects, and 34 as control subjects. Experimental subjects took the cross-cultural ministry class at Walla Walla College and were given the inventory twice, once before and once after the course. Control subjects had never been SMs, had not taken any previous pre-departure training, and were administered the inventory once.

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect that information gathering and culture shock have on the relationship between individual characteristics and international adjustment. Participants for this study consisted of 95 international students within the California State University system.

Abstract not available

Thesis (D. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1995. / Abstract. Appendices contain three sermons in Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-182).

M.Ed. (Multicultural Education) / With the emphasis of segregation, alienation between population groups in South Africa has come into being. The school thus has a duty as regards the child's civic development and can play a roll in counteracting such alienation between population groups. Education means, amongst other things, to guide pupils towards social interaction and better intergroup relationships. To successfully incorporate social interaction and better intergroup relationships into our multi-cultural society, a better concept regarding individual and cultural differences is necessary. The lack of intergroup contact and the existence of prejudices and stereotypes, especially among juveniles necessitate pilot surveys to establish strategies for changing and counteracting negative and racist attitudes. A great deal of literature indicates that stereotypes and prejudices can be changed by refining information regarding the stereotypes and prejudices. As such, the contact hypothesis is one of the methods employed to bring about these changes. The information which is obtained from other groups and individuals, may be used to change stereotypes and prejudices. However, inter group contact alone is not sufficient to improve inter group relationships and stereotypes and counter prejudices permanently. Consequently, in this short study, research has been initiated as to the possibility of breaking down and counteracting prejudice and stereotypes by issuing direct and indirect instruction on maintained negative attitudes, usages and habits. Group discussions were held to provide more information on the cultural customs of two groups, and roll-play was employed to promote better mutual understanding. Intergroup contact was arranged between pupils of a black primary school and a white primary school. During the visits the pupils acted according to a preset programme. Before any contact or instruction took place, a pre-test in the form of a semantic differentiated scale was conducted to determine the groups' prejudices and stereotypes. At the conclusion of all activities, this assessment was once ageing made with both groups and any change of attitude could be determined. Although stereotypes offered resistance, a clear modification took constant place in the pupils' prejudices and stereotypes. The teaching strategies employed to bring about a greater knowledge and even appreciation of other groups, helped to produce these changes.