Transcript title

Intro Intercultural Comm.

Credits

4

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

40

Lecture hours

40

Course Description

Explores the influence of cultural differences in communication styles and social values and their impact on work, family, legal and economic systems.

Course learning outcomes

1. Define culture and identify ways in which culture influences communication.
2. Recognize and demonstrate the behaviors which represent open-mindedness.
3. Identify and describe various symptoms of and potential remedies for culture shock.
4. Identify and report on the dimensions of cultural difference.
5. Explain features of one's own culturally specific communication.
6. Research differences in at least two distinct cultures.
7. Recognize and analyze the relationships among culturally held values and cultural standards for behavior.
8. Demonstrate an ability to adapt to the perceptions of individuals from different cultures.

Content outline

1. Definition of culture/sub-culture
   1. Individual and group striving
   2. Evolving/changing c. Membership norms
      1. Artifacts
      2. Behaviors
      3. Concepts
2. Definition of intercultural communication
   1. Differing cultures/sub-cultures in contact
   2. Edward Hall
3. Types of intercultural groups (see for example non-discrimination statements)
   1. Social class
   2. Region/nation
   3. Ethnicity
   4. Religion
   5. Differently abled
   6. Gender preference
4. Process of intercultural adjustment
   1. Culture shock—symptoms/tendency to avoid conflict
   2. Recognition of problem
   3. Ethnocentric impulse
   4. Exercise curiosity
   5. Control initial emotional reactions
5. Methods of increasing cultural knowledge
   1. Research on group
   2. Observation during interactions
   3. Direct communication with members of group
6. Intercultural dimensions
   1. Individualism-collectivism
   2. Power-distance
   3. Time orientations
   4. High vs. low context
   5. Orality-typography

Required materials

Textbooks, pens, paper.

General education/Related instruction lists

• Human Relations
• Cultural Literacy
• Arts and Letters
• Oral Communication