Assignment #2 Cross Cultural Studies Book Review (20 points)
The purpose of this assignment is to know and apply understanding of theories related to the effect of culture in language learning and school achievement for ELLs from diverse backgrounds, and to identify and explore a book for children that addresses a topic of cultural diversity. Diversity can relate to religion, race, language, sexual orientation, gender, age, geographic region, physical and mental ability, as well as other areas.
Organize and include the following information:
- Select a fiction or nonfiction book, on any aspect of cultural diversity (linguistic, racial, ethnic, religious, economic, gender, sexual preference, regional, abilities, etc.).
- Include one or more pictures or photos that depict the book.
- Include the title, author, and year that book was written in APA format.
- Give a brief synopsis of the book. Tell the main points and major diversity issues of the book in your own words.
- Explain why and how this book develops cultural awareness or explains cultural diversity and/or related issues. Explain how you would develop the topic with students. Give some background on the characters portrayed. Give concrete examples from the book to support the points you are trying to make. Answer the following questions in this part of the assignment:
What types of struggles do the characters face related to cultural differences with others in the mainstream or dominant culture, stereotypes, discrimination, and/or status?
What struggles do the characters have related to language (acquisition, use, and miscommunication)?
How did the characters contribute to the setting in which they lived?
What parts did you most strongly empathize with, or conversely, what parts did you react against?
- Web Link: Provide a URL and a brief description of a website for children that would be appropriate to use with the book. Describe how you could incorporate the website when teaching with the book. The website does not have to be specifically about the book but can be one that is related to the specific cultural diversity issues.
Rubric
Assignment #2 Cross Cultural Studies Book Review
(20 points)
Element
Not Met
0 – 15 points
Met
16 – 18 points
Exceeded
19 – 20 points
Book on cultural diversity information
(5 points)
All or part of the following are missing:
A book on any aspect of cultural diversity are chosen. One picture or photo that depicts the book is included. The title, author, and year that book was written.
All required information about a fiction or nonfiction book on an aspect of cultural diversity is included and written. One picture of the book is included. There may be some minor errors in listing the information in APA format.
A fiction or nonfiction book and on any aspect of cultural diversity (linguistic, racial, ethnic, religious, economic, gender, sexual preference, regional, abilities, etc.) that could be used with students to teach them about cultural diversity is chosen. More than one picture or photo that depicts the book is included.
The title, author, and year that book was written and listed in APA format.
Cultural Awareness
(10 points)
FL ESOL Competency 7, Skills 7.1 Relate the nature and role of culture, cultural groups, and individual cultural identities into learning experiences for all students.
Some or all of the following are missing: a synopsis of the book, an aspect of diversity, and the rationale for why the book was selected, an explanation of how awareness of diversity is possible when using this book with students, age and/or grade level appropriateness of the book, most questions in #5 of the assignment directions are answered.
The assignment includes a synopsis of the book (1 – 2 pages). The book addresses an aspect of diversity and the report includes a rationale for why the book was selected. The assignment explains how awareness of diversity is possible when using this book with students. Age and/or grade level appropriateness of the book in terms of reading ability, interest level, and appropriateness of topic are discussed. Most questions in #5 of the assignment directions are answered and details are provided.
The assignment includes a clear and detailed synopsis (1 – 2 pages). The book chosen to address an aspect of diversity and the report includes a clear and comprehensive rationale for why the book was selected. The assignment explains how awareness of diversity is possible when using this book with students. Age and/or grade level appropriateness of the book in terms of reading ability, interest level, and appropriateness of topic are clearly and comprehensively discussed. All questions in #5 of the assignment directions are answered and details are provided.
Web Resource (3 points)
A website is not listed and described that focuses on the cultural diversity of the book.
A website is listed and described that focuses on the cultural diversity of the book.
A related web site is described and examples of how it can be incorporated when teaching cultural diversity with the book are included.
APA format
(2 points)
Numerous APA format errors. Assignment is not have been submitted on time.
The assignment follows the directions but has a few APA format errors. The assignment may not be submitted on time.
The assignment follows the directions and uses correct APA format. References for the book are correctly listed using APA format. The assignment is submitted on time.
