1. Unit 6 Discussion #1: Xenophobia and Blended Cultures

Define "American Culture," "xenophobia" and "blended cultures." Can you think of examples of the latter two in America?

2. Unit 6 Discussion #2: Defining and Assessing Our Cultures

How might you define your own culture and how might you describe its moral and aesthetic values? How might you compare it to some of the other cultures we learned about this semester?

3. Assignment Instructions

America is often referred to as "the melting pot.," a metaphor for assimilation. Define assimilation and explain the benefits and challenges of assimilating into another culture. Respond in a 700-word essay, using text readings from our textbook Hirschberg in Unit 6 to support your points. You may use properly cited outside sources, but it is not a requirement. You must use MLA format.

TEXTBOOK:

Hirschberg, Stuart and Hirschberg, Terry. One World, Many Cultures. 10thed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2018. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-442572-3

Rubric -Introduction paragraph that introduces the topic and leads into the thesis, which is at the end of the paragraph. (10/10 points)

-The thesis is clearly stated; it should mention assimilation and the benefits and challenges that the paper will be examining. (10/10 points) - Body paragraphs that make clear points to support the thesis. (10/10 points) - The body paragraphs are supported with further explanation and examples that illustrate the point in each paragraph. Examples should be used from the assigned readings. (15/15 points) - A conclusion that restates the thesis and sums up the major points of the essay. (15/15 points) - Grammar, punctuation, and prose style. (15/15 points) - Appropriate length (about 700 words; can be more) and compliance with assignment instructions. (10/10 points)