Introduction to Intercultural Communication

Course Number:
COMM 140
Transcript Title:
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Created:
Aug 04, 2022
Updated:
Jun 29, 2023
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
Yes
Satisfies General Education requirement:
Yes
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98

Prerequisite/Concurrent 

WR 121 or WR 121Z

Course Description

Explores the impact of different cultures on communication. Includes interactive relationship forms as the basis for global understanding. Focuses on processing messages with changing political, economic and immigration patterns through individual cultural perceptions. Understand and communicate with people who are "different." Prerequisites: placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98. Prerequisite/concurrent: WR 121 or WR 121Z. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for cultural diversity and values and beliefs that differ from their own.
  2. Understand the impact of cultural filters and culturally-based assumptions and how they impact communication, perceptions and behaviors.
  3. Recognize the cultural and historical bases of difference and the concept of "other."
  4. Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of key intercultural communication principles and concepts, including the role of social construction and how it perpetuates social inequities.

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major
1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)
Major
2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)
Not Addressed
3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)
Major
4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)
Not Addressed
5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for cultural diversity and values and beliefs that differ from their own.

  • Increase awareness/curiosity of familial structures of chosen cultures
  • Honor cultural differences/distinctions in assignments
  • Research economic and cultural framework of other countries

Outcome #2: Understand the impact of cultural filters and culturally-based assumptions and how they impact communication, perceptions and behaviors.

  • Examine one’s own hidden biases
  • Recognize how cultural perspectives are formed and maintained
  • Learn to apply new/different lenses to develop new perspectives and truths

Outcome #3: Recognize the cultural and historical bases of difference and the concept of "other."

  • Explore other cultures’ foundational and historical “stories”
  • Challenge to reach out and learn about those with different backgrounds
  • Accept differences as natural and authentic opportunities to grow

Outcome #4: Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of key intercultural communication principles and concepts, including the role of social construction and how it perpetuates social inequities.

  • Recognize the role social construction plays in creating differing realities
  • Appreciate and welcome values, beliefs and practices other than one’s own
  • Be aware of and actively work against the perpetuation of inequities

Suggested Texts and Materials