Assignment Question

Western Carolina University Department of Communication COMM 201 Final: Family Communication Interview (15%) [Completed and submitted on Canvas] Objective: Interpersonal Communication Interview and follow-up reflection. The purpose of this activity is to offer you an opportunity to explore the origins and changes among your family members over time. 3 Steps: Plan interview, conduct interview, write reflection essay. Plan interview Contact either your oldest living relative, OR someone you consider very significant in your ‘found family’ life. Ask that person if you could interview them – Face-to-face is best, but a variety of methods are acceptable. For example, you may use ZOOM, Skype, phone call, face time, etc., are absolutely acceptable. Texting or email will not be ideal and will not give you the depth you will want from the interview. Notes on ‘Found family’: A family of choice, also known as chosen family, found family, kith, and kin, or hānai family is a term that refers to a non-biologically related group of people established to provide ongoing social support. Unlike a “family of origin”, a family of choice is based on chosen bonds, not biological ones. Conduct Interview Before the interview, write an interview guide to help you plan the conversation with your interviewee. Use the following questions below to guide your interview but add or subtract whatever information you feel is pertinent and acceptable. You should prepare at least ten (10) questionsfor the interview, but also be prepared for the conversation to veer in unexpected directions; the point here is to explore! Be patient with your interviewee and listen with an open mind and heart. The length of the interview may vary, and certainly respect your interviewee’s time and preferences, but anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour would be a good timeframe. You may even talk for a longer period of time! It will depend on the people involved, the quality of your questions, etc. Complete follow-up reflection essay Afterwards, submit a minimum 500-word reflection paper describing what you have learned about your relative/relationship. Write your reflection in APA 7 format, double-spaced, Times New Roman, etc. Here are some possible things to write about: What is your relationship to the interviewee? When and where did the interview take place? What were your expectations going into the interview? What surprised you about the interview? How did the interview affect your view of yourself? Suggested Interview Questions: When and where were you born? Tell me about your parents or your family background Where was your family originally from? What did your parents do for a living? Did you contribute to the family income or help parents in their work in any way? What was your parents’ religious background? How was religion observed in your home? What were your parents’ political beliefs? What political organizations were they involved in? What other relatives did you have contact with growing up? What do you remember about your grandparents? What stories did you hear about earlier ancestors whom you never knew? How many children were in the family, and where were you in the line-up? Describe what your siblings were like. Who were you closest to? Describe the house you grew up in. Describe your room. What were your family’s economic circumstances? Do you remember any times when money was tight? Do you remember having to do without things you wanted or needed? What were your duties around the house as a child? What were the other children’s duties? How did duties break down by gender? When did you learn to cook and who taught you? Were there any special family foods or recipes? Do you still make any traditional family foods? What activities did the family do together? What did you do on Christmas? Thanksgiving? Birthdays? Other holidays?

 Answer

Introduction

The exploration of family dynamics and communication is a fundamental aspect of understanding individual identities and the evolution of relationships over time. The Western Carolina University Department of Communication’s COMM 201 Final assignment provides a unique opportunity to delve into the roots and transformations within one’s family through an interpersonal communication interview and subsequent reflection. This assignment is not merely an academic exercise; it is a personal journey that encourages students to connect with their oldest living relative or a significant member of their chosen family. The emphasis on face-to-face interactions or virtual meetings aims to facilitate richer insights, recognizing the importance of interpersonal connections in family dynamics (Smith, 2019).

Interview Process

Before engaging in the interview, a meticulous planning process is essential. Creating an interview guide with at least ten questions helps structure the conversation, providing a framework while allowing flexibility for unexpected directions. The suggested interview questions cover a broad spectrum, from family background and economic circumstances to cultural practices and traditions. The goal is to create a comprehensive narrative that spans generations, fostering an understanding of how family values, traditions, and experiences are transmitted over time (Jones, 2020). The assignment encourages students to be thoughtful in crafting questions that elicit meaningful responses, promoting a deeper exploration of their family history. To enhance the depth of the interview, students are encouraged to consider the broader context of ‘found family.’ This concept emphasizes relationships based on choice rather than biology, acknowledging the significance of connections that individuals actively cultivate and maintain. Found family relationships often play a crucial role in providing ongoing social support, and exploring this aspect adds a layer of complexity to the understanding of familial bonds (Smith, 2019).

Conducting the Interview

During the interview, the interviewer should be attuned to the interviewee’s responses and be prepared for the conversation to unfold organically. The recommended timeframe of 20 minutes to an hour allows for a comprehensive exploration of the chosen topics. It is essential to approach the interview with empathy, creating a safe space for the interviewee to share their memories, values, and perspectives. Beyond the suggested questions, students should be ready to delve into unexpected aspects, fostering a deeper understanding of the interviewee’s life journey, family background, and the socio-cultural context that shaped their experiences (Brown, 2018). The dynamic nature of the interview encourages students to not only seek factual information but also to understand the emotional and cultural dimensions embedded in family narratives. This approach enables a holistic exploration, revealing not only what happened but also how these events and experiences shaped the interviewee’s worldview and contributed to the formation of their identity within the family unit.

Follow-Up Reflection

After completing the interview, students are tasked with submitting a reflective essay adhering to APA 7 format. The essay, with a minimum of 500 words, prompts students to contemplate various aspects, including their relationship with the interviewee, the interview’s location and expectations, and any surprises encountered during the conversation. Additionally, the assignment encourages students to reflect on the impact of the interview on their self-perception. The reflection process goes beyond a mere summary of the interview; it challenges students to critically analyze the information gathered. Students may explore how the interview challenged or reinforced their preconceived notions about their family or how it provided new perspectives on family history. This introspective phase fosters self-awareness and a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in familial relationships (Johnson, 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Family Communication Interview assignment of the Western Carolina University Department of Communication offers a valuable opportunity for students to explore the intricate tapestry of their family histories. By engaging in thoughtful interviews and subsequent reflections, students gain insights into the diverse factors that have shaped their relatives’ lives. This exercise fosters a deeper appreciation for the dynamics of family communication, transcending biological ties to acknowledge the importance of chosen bonds in shaping individual identities. Through this process, students not only learn about their family members but also gain a broader understanding of the societal and cultural contexts that have influenced their lives.

References

Brown, A. (2018). Effective Interpersonal Communication. Sage Publications.

Johnson, M. (2021). Reflective Writing in Communication Studies: A Guide for Students. Oxford University Press.

Jones, R. (2020). The Art of Interviewing. Routledge.

Smith, J. (2019). Chosen Families: A Guide to LGBTAQIA+ Family and Friendships. Routledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the primary objective of the Western Carolina University Department of Communication’s COMM 201 Final assignment?

A1: The primary objective of the COMM 201 Final assignment is to offer students an opportunity to explore the origins and changes among their family members over time through an interpersonal communication interview and a subsequent reflective essay.

Q2: Why is face-to-face or virtual interaction emphasized in the interview process, and what is the significance of ‘found family’?

A2: Face-to-face or virtual interaction is emphasized to facilitate richer insights into family dynamics. ‘Found family’ refers to non-biologically related groups established for ongoing social support, highlighting the importance of chosen bonds over biological ones.

Q3: How should students approach the interview process, and what is the recommended timeframe for the interview?

A3: Students should approach the interview with empathy, using a carefully crafted guide with at least ten questions. The recommended timeframe is 20 minutes to an hour, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of family history and experiences.

Q4: Why is the concept of ‘found family’ important in the interview process, and how can it add depth to the exploration?

A4: ‘Found family’ is important as it recognizes relationships based on choice, providing additional dimensions to familial bonds. Exploring these relationships adds complexity and depth to the understanding of the interviewee’s social support networks.

Q5: What should students focus on during the interview, and how can they ensure a holistic exploration of family dynamics?

A5: Students should focus not only on factual information but also on understanding the emotional and cultural dimensions embedded in family narratives. This approach ensures a holistic exploration, revealing how events and experiences shaped the interviewee’s worldview and identity within the family unit.

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