UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON

ARLINGTON, TEXAS

COMM 4335: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Spring Semester 2009

Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30am-10:50am

Fine Arts Building Room 327

Instructor: Dr. Eronini R. Megwa

Office: FA 413C

Office Phone: (817) 272-0167

E-mail:

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday: 9:45am-11:45am (and by appointment) .

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Samovar, L. and Porter, R.E., Communication Between Cultures, Thompson & Wadsworth, Belmont: California

Additional Material

Myron W Lustig and Jolene Koester, Among Us: Essays on Identity, Belonging, and Intercultural Competence. Pearson.

Recommended Reading

Thomas Friedman, The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century

Journals

Journal of Intercultural Communication Research

Communication Yearbook

Human Communication Research

Communication & Critical/Cultural Studies

Communication Monographs

Howard Journal of Communication

Information, Communication, and Society

Journal of Health Communication

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of the linkages between communication and culture and the importance of culture in human interaction. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach in examining the influence different cultural backgrounds have on communication in everyday life, social service encounters, business, and international services.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the completion of the course, students will be able to:

·  Show understanding of the importance of culture in shaping perceptions and influencing human action

·  Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts in intercultural communication studies that will be useful in future courses, employment and everyday life.

·  Show awareness of intercultural communication as a form of social relations regulated by mobility, demographics, economics, technology, political interest and systems, power, race, class and gender.

·  Apply intercultural communication theories and concepts outside the classroom in solving problems and in understanding human action.

·  Show awareness of the difference between verbal and nonverbal messages and how they impact intercultural encounter.

·  Demonstrate awareness of the ethical implications of intercultural encounters and the trends that are likely to impact intercultural communication studies.

Ability Outcomes

An ability outcome is an integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Students will integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes in a variety of ways to accomplish the learning objectives.

Knowledge: will be obtained through completing directed-reading assignments and participating in class lectures/discussions.

Skills: will be practiced by preparing for and participating in discussions/group projects and answering exam questions

Attitudes: will be addressed and practiced in class discussions and group assignments.

LEARNING STRATEGIES

The learning objectives will be achieved through the following learning strategies:

Outside preparation: Reading of assigned material/book chapters and writing of an individual paper will be completed outside of class. The instructor will assume that students have completed the reading assignments prior to attending class. By reading the assigned book chapters/assigned materials before class, students will become familiar with new terms and concepts that will be used during lecture and class discussions.

In-class lectures/film clips/CD-ROMS: These will provide summaries of important concepts or illustrate key points on topics and issues covered in the main textbook.

Class exercises and discussions: will provide opportunities to practice skills and model attitudes as well as to incorporate knowledge gained through reading and compilation of content-based questions and exercises.

Group Project Presentations: Students will be assigned to groups to work on topics or problems chosen by the instructor or the students.

Exams: There will be two exams. They will serve as a means for practicing the course ability outcomes. The exams will consist of essay questions derived from the reading assignments, class lectures, and class discussions and exercises. Each exam is worth 20 points and will be based on materials and class discussions on topic areas covered prior to the exam date. Exam days are published in this syllabus.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Class Attendance and Participation

Students are expected and required to attend classes on time and to take full and active part in class discussions, presentation sessions, group work, class exercises, and exams. If you miss a class, contact a classmate regarding announcements, lectures, and assignments. Students are responsible for assigned reading (from the main text or recommended reading material) and other class assignments or projects. It is therefore necessary that students attend classes regularly and be ready for class discussions and class exercises/presentations. Class participation (in-class discussion, presentation and active listening) is crucial in this course. Students are expected to present their ideas, listen, and show respect for others.

Chronic tardiness and repeated absences will count against your final grade.

NOTE:

  • Cell phones and pagers: Turn off cell phones or put them on vibrate
  • Other electronic equipment: please do not use cell phones, IPods, Blackberries, or any other electronic equipment in class. You can use a computer to take class notes.
  • E-Culture: The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University e-mail address as an official means of communications with students. Through the use of e-mail, UT-Arlington is able to provide students with relevant and timely information, designed to facilitate student success. In particular, important information concerning registration, financial aid, payment of bills, and graduation may be sent to students vial e-mail.
  • I will be available for meetings during my office hours as published in this syllabus. However, I encourage you to send your class assignments to me via e-mail. I will send you a confirmatory message indicating that I have successfully downloaded and printed your assignment. If you do not receive this message from me, it means that your paper has not been submitted. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that the instructor has received your paper. I will communicate any emergency information to you through e-mail. Check your e-mail regularly.
  • Americans With Disabilities Act
    The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.
  • As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability. Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.
  • Make-up Exam policy: A student will be allowed to make up exams with a valid, university-approved excuse. Upon returning to class, the student needs to present university-approved documentation before an exam can be rescheduled. Exams should be made up as soon as possible. Approved documentation include but not limited to the : notice from the university (university-sponsored activities), a court or legal document noting date and time, medical documentation noting date and time, a letter written on letterhead stationery from a counselor, religious leader or employer.
  • Grade Grievance Policy: The University of Texas at Arlington Grade Grievance Policy will be followed. The Policy is available in the Undergraduate Catalog available at: http://www.uta.edu/catalog/general/adaemicreg.
  • Academic Integrity
    It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
    "Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)

  • Student Support Services Available
    The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.
  • Drop Policy: It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the drop policy. Students need to go to the department of the class they wish to drop. The academic calendar also provides you with important dates regarding dropping class. See this link for the academic calendar http://www.uta.edu/uta/acadcal/

EVALUATION

Evaluation of students in this course will be based on oral and written communications and the ability to work as a member of a group. All class exercises, group projects, and individual assignments have been designed to evaluate these competences. Students will be evaluated based on the following:

Exams------40%

Individual Paper ------10%

Individual Project------10%

Group Project------30%

Class attendance and participation------10%

NOTE: To receive a grade in this course, students are required to complete all of the five areas listed above. If students do not complete the four areas as required, the instructor might issue a grade of incomplete. Late assignments are not accepted except in cases of emergency.

FINAL COURSE GRADE SCALE

A=90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=60-69

F=0-59

Exams

Students will be required to write two exams. Both exams will be essay questions based on the following: (1) class discussions, presentations and lectures, (2) relevant sections covered in the main text, and (3) additional materials (recommended readings) and information from sources other than the main text. Each exam is worth 20 points.

Projects and Papers

These are designed to enhance the student’s knowledge and skills in researching, planning, writing, and speaking.

Individual Project

These are individual assignments. Students will be required to explore or analyze an intercultural communication issue, concept, topic or phenomenon. Students will present their analyses in class.

Group Project

Students will be required to work in groups to study and analyze real-life intercultural encounters. Project groups will present their analyses and interpretations in class. The instructor will assign students to groups during the second week of class. Details of the group project, including grading criteria, will be discussed in class.

Attendance and participation

This grade will be determined by your attendance and active participation in class discussions, small group assignments, and other class exercises.

Attendance: To receive credit for attending class, you must sign the attendance sheet.

0 absence (10 points)

1-2 absences (8 points)

3-4 (6 points)

5-6 absences (4 points)

7 or more absences (0-2 point)

TENTATIVE DATES AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Week 1

Discussion of course syllabus, scope of course and expectations.

Imperatives for Intercultural Communication in a global world:

Human Communication, Technology; Globalization, Population Migration,

Multiculturalism/Diversity, Peace, Self-awareness, Ethics

Read: Samovar & Porter Chapter 1

Assignment of individual paper topics

Week 11

Intercultural Competence: Building blocks and barriers:

Culture: Characteristics, Functions and Elements

Cultural Patterns

Read Samovar & Porter, Chapter 2

Week 111

Communication, Perception

Power, Context

Ethnocentrism, Stereotypes, Prejudice, Discrimination, Genocide

Read: Samovar & Porter: Chapters 9

Communication and culture

Family, Religion

National, Cultural groups

Week IV Identity and Intercultural Communication

Patterns and Views of Reality

Read: Samovar & Porter: Chapters 4&5

Individual Project Presentations

Week V

Individual Project Presentations Contd.

Intercultural Communication Processes

Cultural variations in Language/communication styles

Read: Samovar & Porter, Chapters 6

Non-verbal Communication

Contextual Rules; Cultural space/Cultural patterns

Importance, characteristics, Limitations

Read: Samovar & Porter, Chapter 7

Review of Exam 1

Week VI EXAM 1

Intercultural communication in applied settings

Context in intercultural communication

Communication, Communication & Context

GROUP PROJECT ASSIGNMENT/DISCUSSION

Week VII Tourism & Business

Read: Samovar & Porter, Chapter 8

Education

Read: Samovar & Porter, Chapter 9

Group Project Discussion

Week VIII Healthcare

Read: Samovar & Porter, Chapter 10

Group Project Discussion

Week IX

Assignment of Individual Paper

Intercultural communication Challenges

Ethical considerations

Read Samovar & Porter Chapter 11

Week X Communication Between Cultures: Challenges and Prospects

Perspectives on intercultural change

Improving Intercultural Competence

Read: Samovar & Porter, Chapter 11

Group Project Discussion

Week X The World is Flat? Globalization of the Local and Localization of the

Global

Read: Thomas Friedman, Chapter 13

Is The World Flat? Contd.

Read: Thomas Friedman, Chapters 1-2

Week XI Group Discussion

Individual paper due

Is The World Flat? Contd.

Read Thomas Friedman Chapter 12

Week XII Group Project Discussion

How Flat Is Your World? A Critique

Week XIII Group Project Discussion

Week XIV Project Presentations

Project Presentations

Week XV FINAL EXAM REVIEW

FINAL EXAM (11am-1:30pm)