Description:

The intercultural communication course is concerned with communication theory as it relates to cross-culture interactions. This course utilizes concepts drawn from sociology, psychology, anthropology and communication. Focus is on identifying the cultural bases of beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors. Objectives include recognizing commonalities across cultures, tolerating ambiguity in a variety of situations, developing a more global multicultural perspective, identifying and appreciating other cultural orientations, and recognizing and assigning cultural explanations to specific behaviors. 3 hrs/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify the fundamental elements of the communication process.
2. Identify the fundamental elements of culture including recognizing the difference between idiosyncratic and culturally based behaviors
3. Recognize those things in his/her own culture that influence thought and behavior.
4. Describe the role of perception in the intercultural communication process.
5. Identify and describe various cultural contrasts .
6. Recognize and describe how worldview affects intercultural interactions.
7. Demonstrate the effect of language on intercultural communication.
8. Identify the various forms of nonverbal communication and explain their impact on intercultural interactions.
9. Develop competence in intercultural interactions.
10. Apply effective intercultural skills in a variety of contexts including developing a more global multicultural perspective

Content Outline & Competencies:

The following are topic areas which should be covered in each section
of Intercultural Communication.  How to teach the material is the
prerogative of the individual instructor.

   I. Fundamental Elements of the communication process
      A. Identify the elements of the communication process.
      B. Explain the relevance of the intercultural communication
competence in everyday life.

  II. Fundamental Elements of Culture
      A. Define culture.
      B. Describe the fundamental characteristics of culture.
      C. Describe the deep structures of culture.
            i. Family
           ii. State 
          iii. Religion

 III. Cultural Contrasts
      A. Describe the difference between individualistic and
collectivistic cultures.
      B. Describe the difference between high-power distance and low-power
distance cultures.
      C. Describe the difference between high-context and low-context
cultures.
      D. Describe the difference between assertive and responsive
cultures.
      E. Describe the difference between weak uncertainty avoidance and
strong uncertainty avoidance cultures.

  IV. Perception
      A. Describe the role that stereotyping plays in intercultural
interactions.
      B. Describe the nature of prejudice and how it affects intercultural
interactions.
      C. Describe the difference between in-groups and out-groups and how
ethnocentrism affects intercultural interactions.
  
   V. Worldview
      A. Define beliefs and describe their nature.
      B. Define worldview.
      C. Describe the elements of worldview.
             i. Sacred Cultures versus Secular Cultures
            ii.	Shame Cultures versus Guilt Cultures
           iii.	Task Orientation versus People Orientation
            iv.	Fatalistic Cultures versus Control Cultures
             v.	Linear Life Cycle versus Cyclical Life Cycle
       D. Describe the difference between an Eastern Worldview and a
Western Worldview.
  
  VI. Nonverbal Communication
      A. Identify the types of nonverbal communication.
      B. Explain the cultural basis for interpreting nonverbal
communication.

 VII. Language
      A. Explain the nature of language.
      B. Describe the connection between culture and language.
      C. Demonstrate methods to improve language skills.
      D. Define culture shock.
      E. Describe the stages of cultures shock.
      F. Describe strategies for managing culture shock.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

(20% to 35% of grade) Tests: a minimum of three examinations.

(15% to 30% of grade) Written Work: may include (but is not limited to)
worksheets, daily exercises, reaction papers, and journals.

(15% to 35% of grade) Participation/Discussion: may include worksheets or
daily exercises/activities done in dyads, triads, small groups and class
discussion or oral presentations. These activities may be evaluated
through peer evaluation, self-evaluation and instructor evaluation.

Online Teaching:  Online discussion is required for online classes.  A
discussion board is required and a chat room is recommended in order to
get the students actively engaged in the course.  Discussions need to take
place consistently throughout the semester.  A minimum of 8 discussion
topics are required and grading should be based on the number of posts and
the quality of posts.

(15% to 20% of grade) Major Project: will either take the form of a single
large project or a series of small works. The project must be presented in
written form and may also be presented orally.

Grading Criteria:
   90 - 100%   A
   80 -  89%   B
   70 -  79%   C
   60 -  69%   D
    0 -  59%   F  

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.