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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CMS 280"
COURSE NAME: "Intercultural Communications"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Ben Scribner
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 9:00 AM 10:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment

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. 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

4. Describe the historical conditions that make intercultural communication possible

5. Explore the role identity plays in intercultural communication

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

8. Consider how new information technologies impact intercultural communication

9. Examine how issues of genre inform attempts at intercultural communication

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Communication Between Cultures (8th edition)Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and RoyWadsworth978-1-133-49216-0  

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.10%
Midterm ExamThis will be a combination of short answer and short essay questions based on lectures, readings and discussions.30%
Research PaperThe 5 page research paper will analyze 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%
Final ExamThis will be a combination of short answer and short essay questions based on lectures, readings and discussions.30%
Class ParticipationClassroom participation is encouraged and emphasized. Students are required to come to class having completed the assigned readings.10%

-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 cours
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

What is intercultural communication?

Culture Shock

 Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 1

Wk1b

 

Intercultural Competence


Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 1

Wk1c

 

Cultural Typologies
Kohls on US values

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

Wk1d

 

Kohls on US values continued

Comparing Cultures and Auto Ethnography assignments handed out

Wk2a

 

Cultural Typologies: Collectivist vs. Individualist Cultures

A discussion of Yang Liu’s East Meets West

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 3 pp. 79-80

Wk2b

 

Cultural Typologies: Hall, Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 6

Wk2c

 

Cultural Typologies: Hofstede’s Value Dimensions

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 6

Wk2d
HOLIDAY

 


 

Wk3a

 

Hofstede’s Value Dimensions (continued) Generalizations, Stereotypes, and Prejudice

 
Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 7, pages 231-242

Wk3b

Communication and Culture / Modernization and the Family Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 2 (all) and Chapter 3 pp 63-72


Wk3c

Review Auto Ethnography Assignment due in class

Wk3d

 Thursday, June 9th, 2016

Midterm Exam

Wk4a

 

Seeking authentic cultural experiences "Commentary: American Students Abroad Can't Be Global Citizens," Zemach-Bersin, Talya, The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 7th, 2008

Wk4b

 

Polytheism: Hinduism

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 5

Wk4c

 

The three Monotheisms Judaism, Christianity & Islam

Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 5

Wk4d


Culture and Identity

 Samovar, Porter, McDaniel and Roy, Chapter 7

Wk5a

 


Cultural Conflicts: Fundamentalism vs. Cosmopolitanism


 “Lecture 3: Tradition” by Anthony Giddens

BBC REITH LECTURES 1999: Runaway World

Wk5b

June 21st, 2016

 

Comparing Cultures papers discussion


Comparing Cultures papers due in class

Wk5c

 review


Wk5d

 

Final Exam