Description:

In this travel-for-credit course, students will visit selected sites in France, where they will compare the French and U.S. languages, values, culture and institutions. Summer.

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. Demonstrate familiarity with basic concepts of intercultural communication.
2. Recognize the things in their own culture that are similar and those things that are different from French culture.
3. Identify and appreciate language differences, value differences, and institutional differences.
4. Recognize and assign cultural explanations to specific behaviors.
5. Recognize commonalities in cross-cultural experiences irrespective of specific culture.
6. Tolerate ambiguity in a variety of situations within the French culture.
7. Develop a more global multicultural perspective.
8. Identify and discuss the importance of the major landmarks, historical sties, and other locations visited.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Demonstrate Understanding of Culture and Communication
   A. Discuss the components of culture.
      1. Identify the student’s value orientation as well as that of the
French culture.
      2. Describe the role of perception in intercultural communication.
      3. Define the concept of a “worldview.”
      4. Identify the norms and rules of French culture.
      5. Summarize verbal and nonverbal aspects of French communication.
   B. Define Principles of Communication.
      1. Explain the importance of perception in intercultural
communication.
         a. Explain the three stages of perception.
         b. Describe the relationship between perception and intercultural
communication.
         c. Identify perceptual barriers regarding French culture.
      2. Describe the role of language in intercultural communication.
         a. List the components of language.
         b. Describe cultural influences upon language usage.
         c. Identify language differences between the French and English
languages  Britain and in the United States.
      3. Explain the importance of nonverbal communication in
intercultural communication.
         a. Describe the functions of nonverbal communication.
         b. List the nonverbal communication codes.
         c. Compare nonverbal communication in France and the United
States.
      4. Explain the importance of listening in intercultural
communication.
         a. Describe the four stages in the listening process.
         b. Describe the barriers to effective listening.
         c. List methods for effective intercultural listening.
      5. Differentiate between content and relationship levels in
intercultural communication.
  
II. Show Awareness of Socio-Cultural Influences on Communication
   A. Describe and explain the life cycle customs in France.
   B. Explain the importance of religious beliefs in France.
   C. Describe the role of social organization and social interaction in
France.

III. Discuss and Explain Psycho-Cultural Influences on Communication
   A. Identify and explain the concepts of prejudice and discrimination in
France.
   B. Summarize the connection between language, thought, and culture in
France.

IV. Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of Environmental Influences on
Communication
   A. Describe the importance of geography and climate on French
communication.
   B. Describe the importance of architecture and landscape upon French
communication.
   C. Identify and discuss the importance of major French landmarks,
historical sites, buildings, and monuments. 

V. Discuss and Explain Major Issues in Intercultural Communication
   A. Identify cultural differences in work.
   B. Identify cultural differences in language.
   C. Describe the importance of values in intercultural communication.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

Attendance and participation at pre-travel orientation sessions = 25%
of grade
Attendance and participation at scheduled events in France = 50% of grade
Term Project: Each student will be responsible for keeping a journal on
the trip and a paper following the return from France demonstrating
knowledge of the intercultural communication identified in course
competencies = 25% of grade
Total = 100%

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

Caveats:

1. This is a travel-for-credit course. Students will be required to accompany the class to France under the supervision of the instructor.
2. Students are required to bear all financial costs of travel, including air fare, lodging, meals, admission fees and miscellaneous other expenses.
3. Students will be required to attend approximately four orientation meetings prior to the trip.

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.