Ateneo de Zamboanga University

School of Liberal Arts

Fr. Eusebio Salvador, SJ Campus
La Purisima St., Zamboanga City

SESSION GUIDE

Subject: UNDSELF
Content: The Cultural Dimension of the Self
Date: Sept. 10, 2022
Learning Intent:
At the end of the session, the students can
1.1 Identify and discuss the core cultural dimensions found in their culture; and
1.2 Address (and correct) the misconceptions about others’ cultures by listing down the pre-
conceived cultural biases and prejudices.
1.3 Acknowledge both the positive and negative effects of cultural biases to one’s identity
and the social issues created by them

Study session (pre-classroom activity)

Read Hofstede, G. (2011). Dimensionalizing Culture and answer the following questions:
1. What is culture? Differentiate culture from belief and tradition.
2. What is cultural relativism?
3. What are the six cultural dimensions according to Hofstedes?
Session flow (in-class)

I. Priming Activity (Context) – 10 minutes

 Review answers to study session by asking the questions randomly.

1. What is culture? What is the difference among culture, belief and tradition?
2. What is cultural relativism?
3. What are the six cultural dimensions according to Hofstedes?

These questions are asked at the beginning of the session to gauge students’ level of readiness on the
topic to be discussed.

II. Activity (Experience) – 15 minutes

 Ask the students to create their own passport.
 Let them choose the place where they want to travel and ask the reason/s why.
 Present their answers.
III. Analysis – 10 minutes

1. What did your learn from the activity?

2. How does one country differ from another? Do you have pre-conceived cultural biases?

IV. Abstraction – 20 minutes

Discussion points
 Culture, Tradition and Belief.
 Six Cultural Dimension
1. Power Distance
2. Uncertainty Avoidance
3. Individualism vs. Collectivism
4. Feminity vs. Masculinity
5. Long Term vs. Short Term
6. Indulgence vs. Restraint
V. Application – 25 minutes
 Group activity (Small team of 5-6 students; students will be grouped randomly): Assign one
cultural dimension per group and ask them to choose between:
Group 1- Large Power Distance vs. Low Power Distance
Group 2- High Uncertainty Avoidance vs. Low Uncertainty Avoidance
Group 3- Individualism vs. Collectivism
Group 4- Feminity vs. Masculinity
Group 5- Long Term vs. Short Term
Group 6-Indulgence vs. Restraint

 Ask them what is/are the reasons for choosing such dimension. Give examples.
 Let one representative per group to present.

VI. Reflection/Action (can happen anytime during the experience and application)

1. Post-MODULE Output #3: Discerning my Cultural Attitudes and Awareness

 Based on the Material by Hofstede (2011) on the cultural dimensions as well as the materials by
Quappe and Cantatore, (1981) on cultural awareness, you need to make an output consisting of
two (2) pages.
 On the first page, write down your personal inclinations on the various cultural dimensions by
Hofstede (2011) of elaborate on what part of your culture influenced this score.
 On the second page, written in ESSAY FORM

A. Describe your cultural Identity – What are the characteristics of your culture that you value the
most and what are the characteristics of your culture you value the least and why? (for each) –
this question is not limited to cultural dimensions, you may also write other details here as well.
B. In your experience, what are the sources of conflict with other cultures? – why did it happen? –
cite an experience
C. What is my level of cultural awareness (BE HONEST) cite experiences which proves this.
D. In your opinion, what is the best way to handle cultural communication and cultural relativism

Format: Times New Roman 12, 1” margin, double spaced, justified, minimum of 2 WHOLE pages, short
bond paper (max of 3 pages)
Name, course, ID number and date of submission should be placed on the upper portion of the paper.