Wright//2015 New Intl Student Orientation//Session 5 Schedule

Transylvania University New International Student Orientation

August 10-13, 2015
Academic Session 5: Who Said That? Using Sources in Academic Writing
Where: Library Computer Lab (lower level of the library)
When: Wednesday, August 12, from 1:45-2:15pm
What to bring: Pencils/pens and a notebook (10.5 inches X 8 inches/26.7 centimeters X 20.3
centimeters)
Designated groups (sit with your group members when you enter the lab):
Chanselor: Chetali, Jie Yang, Jie Ren, Min Vu
Meaghan: Jevic, Yaya, Ganlin
Katie: Wejdan, Jiechen, Daniel, J.R.
Activity Instructions:
1. (3 minutes) Look back at your list of United States cultural perceptions and values that
you listed on your blog after the first session this week. Read the lists created by your
classmates. With your Writing Center consultant, choose one (1) United States cultural
perception or value that your group thinks might influence academic culture here.
2. (12 minutes) Next, follow these steps with your group members and Writing Center
consultant:
Step one: In your group, research your chosen perception or value on the
Hofstede comparison tool, and then write the perception or value large on the
poster board I give you.
Step two: From selection of envelopes I bring to your table, choose one (1). Each
envelope includes information about a source you might use in academic writing
here at Transy. Open your envelope and study the contents.
Step three: Write the name of the source somewhere around the large-print
perception or value you have written on the poster board.
Step four: Discuss with your group how each source relates to the cultural
perception or value you chose from your list and then wrote on the poster board.
Here at Transy, how would this perception or value affect your academic work
with this specific source? Whats confusing to you about this cultural and
academic situation? Write your comments, questions, frustrations, and thoughts
in a cluster map around the entire poster board. Dont be afraid to truly respond
honestly and directly on the poster board. You might find it helpful to compare
your chose United States perception or value to opposing or similar views in your
own country.
3. (15 minutes) Present your poster to the other groups, explaining your chosen cultural
perception or value and the source in your envelope. Point to your comments, questions,

Wright//2015 New Intl Student Orientation//Session 5 Schedule

frustrations, and thoughts on the poster and discuss with us your cultural views of
plagiarism associated with your source. Why should you respect the perception or value
as a student here in the United States? What can you learn from this process? How can
you develop as an international and intercultural scholar-student by respecting cultural
perceptions and values regarding academic work in the United States?
Homework:

Continue working on your I Am poem.

Deadlines:

I Am poem: Thursday, August 13, at 8am