HSCO 509 Cultural Conversation Assignment Example
HSCO 509 Cultural Conversation Assignment Brief
Assignment Instructions Overview
The Cultural Conversation Assignment is designed to help students practice engaging in meaningful dialogue across cultural differences. Human services professionals must be prepared to recognize their own cultural identities, values, and biases while remaining empathetic toward others. This task requires students to step outside of their comfort zones, explore diverse cultural perspectives, and develop skills for managing conversations where values or beliefs may differ. The paper should be 4–5 pages long (excluding title and reference pages), formatted in current APA professional style. Students are expected to draw on the course texts Cultural Humility (Hook et al., 2017) and Cultural Engagement (Chatraw & Prior, 2019), with the optional integration of Scripture.
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Understanding Assignment Objectives
The primary objective of this assignment is to provide students with an opportunity to experience cultural humility in practice. Through engaging in a one-hour cultural conversation with an individual from a different background, students will:
- Explore their own cultural identity and the cultural identity of another person.
- Recognize differences in values, beliefs, and worldviews.
- Reflect on emotional reactions that arise during such discussions.
- Practice strategies for respectful and collaborative dialogue, even when differences emerge.
- Identify what qualities support empathy, care, and trust in intercultural relationships.
This process helps future human services professionals prepare to navigate diverse environments with increased self-awareness, openness, and sensitivity.
The Student’s Role
Students are responsible for arranging and conducting the cultural conversation. They should select a friend, colleague, or peer who represents a cultural identity distinct from their own (such as ethnicity, religion, nationality, or military affiliation). The student must use an alias when referring to the conversation partner in the written paper to maintain confidentiality. During the discussion, the student should ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, and take note of both personal reflections and observed value differences. The final paper must clearly present the details of the conversation, highlight one value difference, explore experiences of care and support, and conclude with a reflection on lessons learned.
Competencies Measured
Completion of this assignment demonstrates the student’s ability to:
- Engage in culturally respectful conversations.
- Identify personal biases, limitations, and emotional responses in cross-cultural contexts.
- Summarize and analyze value differences with clarity and respect.
- Apply principles of cultural humility and cultural engagement to real-world interactions.
- Recognize elements that foster therapeutic relationships and positive working alliances.
- Integrate academic sources and Scripture to support analysis and reflection in professional writing.
HSCO 509 Cultural Conversation Assignment Example
Introduction
Understanding cultural differences is essential for effective work in human services. Each individual’s cultural background influences how they see the world, make decisions, and interact with others. My own cultural values and worldview are deeply shaped by my Christian American upbringing, where independence and personal freedom are emphasized. However, my awareness of other cultural perspectives is limited without intentionally engaging in meaningful conversations.
For this assignment, I participated in a cultural conversation with a friend from a very different background. The purpose of this paper is to describe that conversation, highlight important value differences that emerged, and reflect on how such exchanges can strengthen therapeutic relationships. The paper is divided into four sections: the cultural identity conversation, the discussion of value differences, the exploration of therapeutic relationships, and a concluding reflection.
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Cultural Identity Conversation
The conversation took place on a Saturday afternoon in a quiet coffee shop that allowed us to talk privately without distractions. We met for about one hour and ten minutes. For confidentiality purposes, I will refer to my friend as Ahmed. He is a 27-year-old graduate student from Pakistan and identifies as a practicing Muslim.
Ahmed shared that his identity is closely tied to his family, faith, and community. He grew up in a collectivist culture where family bonds are central, elders are highly respected, and decisions are often made with the interests of the group in mind. By contrast, I was raised in a culture that is more individualistic, where independence and self-determination are strongly emphasized.
Family and Community
When I asked about the role of family in his life, Ahmed explained that he grew up surrounded by extended relatives. In his family, major decisions are discussed with parents and elders. Loyalty to family is viewed as a moral obligation, and honoring parents is a matter of dignity. Listening to him made me realize how different this is from my experience. In my family, decisions were primarily left to me, and although advice from parents was important, the expectation was that I would ultimately decide for myself.
Religion and Spirituality
Faith emerged as one of the strongest aspects of Ahmed’s identity. He shared how Islam guides his daily actions through prayer, fasting, and moral decision-making. For him, religion is not just a belief system but a way of life that influences every relationship and choice. I explained how Christianity also shapes my worldview, but I noticed that my practice is more individualistic. My faith has always been something personal between me and God, while his faith seemed to be experienced more collectively within his community.
Education and Career
We also discussed education. Ahmed explained that education is important not only for his personal growth but also as a way to honor his family and bring pride to his community. He feels a responsibility to use his education for the benefit of others. My own perspective on education is more self-focused. I see it as a path to personal achievement and career advancement. Although I respect my family’s support, I do not feel the same level of obligation to pursue education for their honor.
Gender Roles
One of the more sensitive topics was gender roles. Ahmed described how men are often expected to provide for the family while women focus on domestic responsibilities. He acknowledged that times are changing and women now pursue education and careers, but traditional expectations remain strong. I shared how gender roles in my culture are more fluid. In many families I know, responsibilities are shared, and both men and women contribute financially and domestically. Talking about this made me aware of how cultural norms can shape expectations even when individuals may hold different personal beliefs.
My Reactions
During the conversation, I felt a mix of emotions. I admired Ahmed’s strong sense of community and religious discipline. At the same time, I felt some discomfort when he explained perspectives that were different from mine, especially regarding gender roles. I also noticed my tendency to compare his values with mine and to assume that independence is a superior approach. This reflection helped me recognize my own cultural biases. Hook et al. (2017) describe this as part of cultural humility: becoming aware of one’s assumptions and suspending judgment while listening to others.
Value Differences Discussion
One of the most significant value differences that emerged between Ahmed and me was the contrast between communal responsibility and individual freedom.
Ahmed’s View
Ahmed explained that in his culture, individuals are expected to make decisions that align with family and community expectations. He sees this as a source of stability and support. For example, he knows people who chose careers that matched their family’s wishes rather than their personal passions, and they view this sacrifice as honorable. He believes that prioritizing the group helps strengthen bonds and ensures that no one is left unsupported.
My View
I explained that in my cultural background, independence and freedom of choice are highly valued. I was raised to believe that pursuing my own goals and dreams is the best way to live a fulfilling life. I see personal autonomy as a way of honoring the unique talents and purposes given to each person. While I value my family’s opinions, I believe that ultimately, each individual must decide what is best for themselves.
Emotions and Reflections
This conversation made me aware of the strengths and weaknesses of both perspectives. Ahmed worried that too much emphasis on independence could create isolation and weaken family ties. I admitted that loneliness is sometimes a consequence of individualism, especially when people prioritize personal goals over relationships. At the same time, I still struggled to imagine sacrificing my goals entirely for the sake of my family.
Our discussion showed me that these values are not necessarily opposites but represent different priorities. Chatraw and Prior (2019) describe cultural engagement as a willingness to learn from others without trying to win an argument. This mindset helped me see that both individual freedom and communal responsibility have value, and balancing them may lead to a healthier approach than embracing one to the exclusion of the other.
Therapeutic Relationship
The conversation also gave me insight into how Ahmed experiences care and empathy. He explained that genuine care is shown through consistent presence, reliability, and acts of service. For him, words of affirmation alone are not enough. What matters most is when someone shows respect for his beliefs, listens attentively, and demonstrates care through actions.
Lessons for Human Services Practice
From Ahmed’s perspective, I learned several qualities that are essential in building a therapeutic relationship with clients from diverse backgrounds:
- Respect for Identity – A therapeutic environment should affirm cultural and religious identities rather than minimize or dismiss them. Clients feel more supported when their values are acknowledged.
- Active Listening – Listening carefully and showing understanding communicates empathy and respect. Silence and attentiveness often carry more weight than quick solutions.
- Cultural Humility – As Hook et al. (2017) explain, cultural humility involves acknowledging that I do not have all the answers and being willing to learn from the client.
- Trust and Confidentiality – Trust is foundational to any helping relationship. When clients know that their perspectives are safe from judgment, they are more willing to share openly.
- Inclusion of Spirituality – For clients like Ahmed, spirituality is a central part of identity. Integrating this dimension into care allows for a more holistic and respectful approach.
Biblical Perspective
This approach aligns with Scripture. Philippians 2:4 encourages believers to “look not only to [their] own interests, but also to the interests of others” (NIV). This verse reminds me that cultural humility involves prioritizing the perspectives and needs of others. Galatians 3:28 also affirms that all people, regardless of culture or background, share equal worth in Christ. These passages provide a biblical foundation for respecting diversity in therapeutic relationships.
Conclusion
Participating in this cultural conversation was both challenging and rewarding. I gained insight into how cultural identity shapes values, decisions, and experiences of care. Ahmed helped me see the beauty of communal responsibility and the strength of family ties, while I also recognized the value of independence and self-determination in my own culture.
I also became more aware of my personal biases. At times, I assumed that my way of thinking was superior, particularly regarding independence and gender roles. Through this reflection, I realized the importance of humility and openness in cross-cultural interactions.
This experience reinforced that effective human services practice requires more than professional skills; it demands cultural humility, empathy, and respect for diverse identities. Therapeutic relationships are strengthened when respect, trust, and active listening are prioritized. As I continue in my studies and future practice, I will carry forward the lessons from this conversation: to listen without judgment, to balance differences with respect, and to recognize that both individual and communal values hold important truths.
References
Chatraw, J. D., & Prior, C. B. (2019). Cultural engagement: A crash course in contemporary issues. Zondervan Academic.
Hook, J. N., Davis, D. E., Owen, J., Worthington, E. L., Jr., & Utsey, S. O. (2017). Cultural humility: Engaging diverse identities in therapy. American Psychological Association.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
Detailed Assessment Instructions for the HSCO 509 Cultural Conversation Assignment Example
Cultural Conversation Assignment Instructions
Overview
It is important for human resources professionals to be aware of their own cultural identities, acknowledge their values and beliefs, and be prepared to navigate situations involving cultural and value differences. The purpose of this assignment is to practice having a cultural conversation, experience being vulnerable in discussing cultural identities, recognize emotional responses, have a collaborative discussion about values and differences, recognize differences in experiencing care and support, and identify qualities of a therapeutic environment or relationship that would facilitate a positive working alliance. Understanding your own cultural beliefs and values can help to make you aware of potential biases and limitations and increase empathy without judgment.
Instructions
Find a friend or colleague who is willing to have a cultural conversation of approximately one hour with you. Choose someone who represents a cultural identity that is different from your own (for example, ethnicity, military). This is an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone. Explain that you are completing an assignment for Multicultural Issues in Human Services, that you will need to write about the conversation, and that you will use an alias, with no personally identifying information. Write a 4–5-page paper (not counting the title page and reference page). You do not need to write an abstract. Follow current APA professional style standards. Cite and reference our textbooks, Cultural Humility, by Hook et al. (2017), and Cultural Engagement (Chatraw & Prior, 2019) as sources used for support in your paper. You are encouraged to use Scripture as well (see the Writing Style Guide tab for how to cite and reference Bible versions you quote).
Begin with a brief paper introduction where you explain what the paper covers. Use the bold headings below to organize your paper.
In the first section, Cultural Identity Conversation, begin by briefly describing the setting (not specific identifying information) and person you are meeting with; include the date, and beginning and end times. You must use an alias for the person you converse with, and state that this is an alias. Prepare approximately 4-8 questions you can ask about cultural identities and worldview. Each person should discuss important aspects of his or her cultural identity. Pay attention to the thoughts and emotions you have when you are talking and listening to the other person. Listen for a value difference or potential conflict. Summarize the interaction. One-two pages.
In the next section, Value Differences Discussion, choose one value or belief difference or potential conflict that you noted when discussing cultural identities to discuss with your volunteer conversation partner. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions during this interaction. An example of a value difference could be the importance one places on independence and personal goals and dreams, or collectivistic family values. Summarize the interaction. One page.
In the third section, Therapeutic Relationship, discuss and explain how the person you met with experiences care and support, what makes that person feel empathized with. Identify and discuss specific qualities you believe make for a therapeutic environment or relationship that would facilitate a cultural conversation and positive working alliance. One page.
End with a brief Conclusion, where you summarize what you covered in your paper, and reflect on the experience. What did you learn about yourself in participating in this cultural conversation, thinking about cultural identity and value differences, and a therapeutic relationship that allows for a healthy cultural conversation?
Note: Your Week 5 assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
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