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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CMS 280"
COURSE NAME: "Intercultural Communications"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Meryl Shriver-Rice
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 9:00-10:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An exploration of some of the historical and political conditions that make intercultural communication possible, the barriers that exist to effective intercultural communication, and possible solutions to the problem of intercultural misunderstanding. The course examines examples of differences in communication styles not only between cultures but also within. As a result, issues of race, nation, class, gender, religion, immigration, and sexual orientation will be of significant concern. The course stresses the notion that knowledge of human beings is always knowledge produced from a particular location and for a particular purpose. As a result it encourages students to think carefully about the discipline of Intercultural Communication—its conditions of possibility, its assumptions, and its blind spots—as well the need to be mindful of the limitations and interests of our positioning as investigating subjects.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course will provide students with the opportunity to investigate how culture influences the communication process, and how these mediate our relationship with the natural world and environmental issues. Through lectures, screenings, written assignments, and class discussion, we will explore some of the historical and political conditions that make intercultural communication possible, the barriers that exist to effective intercultural communication, and possible solutions to the problem of intercultural misunderstanding. We will examine examples of differences in communication styles not only between cultures but also within. As a result, issues of race, nation, class, gender, religion, immigration, and sexual orientation will be of significant concern.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Analyze the complexity of communication in an intercultural communication exchange

2. Consider popular culture as forms of global culture and intercultural contact

3. Examine how power, privilege, and difference shape intercultural exchange and environmental debate

4. Describe the historical conditions that shape intercultural and environmental communication

5. Explore the role identity plays in intercultural communication and environmental justice

6. Recognize the influence of our own cultural situation upon the sending and interpreting of messages

7. Theorize globalization and its impact on intercultural communication and environmental media

8. Consider how new information technologies impact intercultural communication and environmental mediation

9. Examine how issues of genre inform attempts at intercultural communication
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Communication Between Cultures (8th Edition)Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and RoyWadsworth978-1-133-49216-0     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Auto-ethnographyStudents will be required to write a short autoethnography—a kind of autobiographical field report. Students will self-assess their own strategies for negotiating different cultures.20%
Media reviewStudents will write an exploratory 2-3 page paper on chosen media typologies.20%
Research PaperThe 5-page research paper will analyze a media text (book, film, TV show, etc.) to explore different aspects of intercultural communication (ex. verbal, non-verbal) by comparing and contrasting at least two views/theories about the topic. Topic to be approved by instructor.20%
2 In-class presentationsStudents will be required to give two short in-class presentations during the summer term. Film and concept discussions.25%
Class ParticipationClassroom participation is encouraged and emphasized. Students are required to come to class having completed the assigned readings.15%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance Requirements: Attendance and participation are a crucial part of the class. More than two unexcused absences will result in an automatic drop of a letter grade. Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Session

Session Focus

Reading Assignment

WK1A

Introduction to course

What is intercultural communication?

 

 Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 1

WK 1B

 

View: Wasteland

WK 1C

 

Culture Shock

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 1

WK1D

 

Kohls on US values

*Student Presentations

 Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 6, pp. 172-183

WK 2A/B

 

 

Intro to Cultural Typologies

Cultural Typologies: Collectivist vs. Individualist Cultures

 View: Everything is Illuminated

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 6 pp. 184-186

WK2C

 

Cultural Typologies: Hall, Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 6 pp. 194-202

WK2D

 

Cultural Typologies: Hofstede’s Value Dimensions

*Student presentations

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 6, pp. 184-192

WK 3A

 

Identity: Communication and Culture: Media representations of culture

 Pg 28

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 7, pages 213-229

WK3B

View: Do the Right Thing



WK 3C/D

 

Generalizations, Stereotypes, and Prejudice

*Student presentations

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 7

pp 231-243

*Media Reviews Due

WK 4A

 

Globalization of Culture: Hegemony or Melting Pot?

Chapter 7 pp 229-231

WK4B

 

Culture and Identity, Imagined Identities View: Baraka Screening



WK 4C/D

Global and the local: Italy as “Multicultural” society?

*Student presentations

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 7

WK 5A-C

Family and Culture

Auto-ethnography paper discussions

 Chapter 3 pp 59-80

Auto-ethnography assignment explanation

WK 5 D Final Day of Class

 

Auto-ethnography and research papers due in class