Love, Dating, and Marriage Across Two Cultures

Project summary:

• DePaul students were paired with Symbiosis students for the purpose of learning firsthand about different aspects of dating and/or marriage in India and the U.S. In preparation for this assignment, Symbiosis and DePaul students read four anthropological articles about dating and or marriage issues in the U.S. and India among the urban middle classes. After having read the assigned articles, Symbiosis and DePaul students engaged in virtual conversations discussing the texts; the broader course content; and their own sociocultural observations and lived experiences on the topic of dating and/or marriage. Both groups of students were asked to use culture theory to make sense of their experiences. Their final paper was based on the analysis of texts they read; the materials which were covered in the course—e.g., the use of culture theory—the information they received from the overseas students and their own reflections. Five Indian students from Symbiosis were able to visit DePaul for a week in the middle for the quarter. DePaul students were assigned to engage with the Indian students. DePaul students had the opportunity to engage with members of a different society in a meaningful way and on equal terms.

Project length:

• 10 weeks

Technology tools used:

• Skype and face-to-face interaction

Interaction Mode:

• Synchronous
• Asynchronous

Learning outcomes:

• Students are able to demonstrate intercultural competency by being able to articulate differences and similarities pertaining to particular aspects of U.S. and Indian society and culture.

Reflection Component:

• DePaul students were instructed to provide written feedback on their experiences with the Indian students in their final paper. The assignment was designed in such a way that students would not be able to complete it without having had meaningful, multiple interactions with their Indian peers.

Nila Ginger Hofman

Institution: DePaul University
Discipline: Anthropology
Course name: Intro. to Cultural Anthropology Love, Dating, and Marriage Across to Cultures.

Shweta Despande

Institution: Symbiosis International University
Discipline: Anthropology
Course name: Anthropology 3 & 4: Socio-cultural Anthropology 1 & 2.