De Anza College Comparative Method Worksheet

Try this exercise in using a comparative method to research a group of people. The idea is to look for comparable culture patterns across different – even -multiple societies. The focus is usually on the comparison of cultural traits taken out of cultural context. There are two main goals of cross-cultural analysis. The first is to describe the range and distribution of cultural variation existent in the subject body. The second point of cross-cultural analysis is to compare different cultures.

COVID 19 UPDATE:

Please do NOT visit a place in person during this time of social distancing. Under the circumstances I will allow students to write about an event visited in the past – or a virtual experience. We’ll have to explore alternative options and be creative!

The Task:

1. Choose a cultural event (get approval from the instructor if it’s a stretch).

2. Include the name of the event and the date it took place:

For example: Table Mountain Pow Wow – June 26 & 27, 2017

3. Share your observations – this may be challenging as you might not have considered these ideas when you originally attended the event.

4. Describe the event you observed from a cross-cultural perspective.

Need some ideas? List facts and opinions about the interactions you observe. What kind of cultural diversity is present at the event? Describe and analyze three different behaviors you observed. Pay attention to cultural attributes. Observe and describe both verbal and non-verbal behaviors to gain insight into customs, attitudes or values from this other cultural group.