In this paper, you will research and reflect on theoretical identity development models as they apply to intercultural communication challenges and your own identity/ies.

1. Critically re-read Chapter 7 from your textbook.

2. To write your paper, you will use the concepts discussed in chapters 1-11 of the textbook and information from other course materials to analyze theories of identity development, your own identity, and the dark sides of identity.

3. Give your paper a title.

4. Summarize and explain the two different theoretical identity-development models discussed in Chapter 7: Phinney’s Three-Stage Identity Development  Model, and Martin & Nakayama’s Multistage Identity Development Models. Demonstrate that you understand the concept of identity and identity development. You might answer the following:

• What is identity?
• How are identities acquired?
• What are the stages of Phinney’s Model?
• What are the stages of Martin & Nakayama’s model?
• What is the difference between avowed and ascribed identities?

5. Apply one of these models (Phinney or Martin & Nakayama) to reflect on your own identity development, reflecting on the stages you have been through and what stage you would say you are currently in. You may also discuss your own experiences of avowed versus ascribed identities. Your application must discuss at least one or more of the following social identities discussed in the textbook:

• Racial identity
• Gender identity
• Ethnic identity
• National identity

6. Provide your reaction to theories of identity and identity development, and to your reflection on your own identity/ies. You might answer the following:

• Why is awareness of identity important in your life?
• What are some elements related to your identity/ies that might create problems or challenges during intercultural interaction?
• In what ways do your identity/ies relate to the dark sides of identity discussed in Chapter 11, including stereotyping, prejudice, and/or racism. What “in groups” and “out groups” are you a part of, and how can you employ concepts from this course to further your own intercultural competence?

7. Throughout your essay, you are expected to make connections with the theoretical content of the course.

8. Give at least seven citations throughout the paper 

• Apply and cite the textbook
• Apply and cite from at least two of the other sources from the course
  • Intercultural Communication after World War II [article]
  • Mapping the Domain of Intercultural Communication [article]
  • Wind Grass Song: The Voices of Our Grandmothers
  • Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement Documentary
  • How Language Shapes the Way We Think
  • Gestures Across Cultures
  • The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down [article]
  • Adapting to an Unfamiliar Culture [article]
  • Balancing Cultural Relativism and Universalism in Human Rights [article]

Give page numbers when citing or referencing a source.

9. Write a summary/concluding remarks.

10. Include a References page following APA Manual Style format. List all references including your textbook.