1. Studying and learning about other cultures is a definitive social science we call anthropology. There are many reasons to study other cultures. Anthropology emerged as an effort to explain scientifically the extraordinary cultural variation found among humans. The famous anthropologist Margaret Mead shared this ambition, but she also saw another purpose in learning about other cultures. What was it? Read the short biography of Margaret Mead at the Museum of Natural History and write up her other purpose and reflect on it.

2. Do a general search on "norms of society." For this exercise target definition, explanation, and discussion. Find, cite, and give a synopsis of a current example and conclude with your thoughts. Some possible places to search –

Your college online library database

The Internet Public Library
Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia
Sociology Glossary Links
Google Scholar

3. One of the biggest obstacles to understanding other cultures is ethnocentrism. While fairly well-known, this concept is often narrowly defined as a feeling of superiority towards other cultures. In fact, the problems ethnocentrism causes go much deeper than this. This is made clear in Indiana University anthropologist Ken Barger's website on Ethnocentrism. Review and make a generic list of ways some Americans are ethnocentric.

4. The Internet has created a culture of its own and communication in the Internet culture is a big part of the electronic culture. E xplore the aspect of cyberculture known as "netiquette," by visiting Virginia Shea's Netiquette Home Page. Click on Core Rules of Netiquette and read through them, starting with Introduction. Make a list of areas to improve your communication as an online student.