Course Outline for Communication Studies 11
Intercultural Communication

Effective: Fall 2023
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016

Catalog Description:

COMM 11 - Intercultural Communication

3.00 Units

This course will focus on the transmission and interpretation of messages between people from different cultures. Particular attention will be paid to beliefs, values, and norms reflected in American culture, specifically the crisscrossing dynamics of race, ethnicity, gender, religion and class. Emphasis on practical application of skills for effective communication between people of different domestic and international cultures.
CB03: TOP Code 1506.00 - Speech Communication
CIP Code 09.0101 - Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Describe the basic communication process;
  2. Define culture, co-culture, race, nationality, ethnicity, and related terms;
  3. Assess how communication (verbal and nonverbal) and culture affect one another;
  4. Recognize and articulate how core values, worldview, histories and communication patterns shape cultural and individual identity;
  5. Analyze the dynamics of communication between people with different cultural heritages (both international and domestic);
  6. Identify the obstacles to effective intercultural communication such as
    perceived power distribution, stereotypes, ethnocentrism, racism, and prejudice;
  7. Identify elements of common ground among diverse cultures as well as ways to create "community;"
  8. Identify and demonstrate specific communication skills necessary for intercultural communication experience;
    a. conflict management
    b. empathy
    c. listening skills
    d. critical thinking.

Course Content:

  1. Introduction to the communication process.
    1. verbal and nonverbal communication 
    2. perception
    3. frame of reference
  2. Componenets of culture and related terms.
    1. worldview
    2. values, morals
    3. beliefs
    4. norms, roles
    5. assimilation
  3. Cultural similarities and differences in American/Western and non-Western contexts.
    1. Asian-American (non-Western based)
    2. American-Latino/a (non-Western based, with Western influences)
    3. African-American (Western based)
    4. Other mainstream and co-cultural groups such as:
      1. gender groups
      2. sexual orientation groups
  4. Cultural variables.
    1. high/low context
    2. individualism/collectivism
    3. power distance
    4. relationship between humans and nature
  5. Historical and cultural influences on distinct communication styles.
  6. Political, economic, and social interdependence between Western and non-Western cultures.
  7. Barriers to intercultural communciation.
    1. ethnocentrism
    2. strereotyping
    3. prejudice
    4. racism
    5. discrimination
    6. perceived power distribution
    7. culture shock
  8. Intracultural communication
    1. Within mainstream culture and co-cultures
    2. Assimilation and segregation
  9. Intercultural communication competence skills.
    1. conflict managment
    2. critical thinking / active listening
    3. empathy

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Audiovisual material
  2. Guest presentations
  3. In-class group activities (peer to peer teaching)
  4. Lecture/Discussion
  5. Case Study
  6. Class and group discussions
  7. Written assignments
  8. Distance Education

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Cultural Interview/Paper: Review scholarly literature regarding your ethnic history. Then compare and contrast that history with a family member’s version of history. Relate this to issues of identity.
  2. Create Your Own Culture Project: What are your culture’s main values? Who is the dominant culture? What is their language based on? What is their non-verbal communication? Where do they lie in terms of context and Hofstede’s value analysis?
  3. Complete an analysis of Conflict and Conflict Resolution using the Mass Media (TV, Film, etc.) as a source.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Quizzes
  2. Midterm Examination
  3. Group Projects
  4. Individual and group term projects
  5. Final Examination or Project
  6. Oral Presentation
  7. Class Participation
  8. Papers
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify and explain the basic creation of culture(s).  This should include the recognition of how patterns of behavior, values, and beliefs are shared/transmitted via verbal and non-verbal communication.  
  2. Analyze diverse communication systems and perspectives employed when communicating within & across cultures.
  3. Listen to, evaluate, and respond appropriately to ideas of others
  4. Recognize, define, and apply the principles of practical communication and intercultural communication theory

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Nakayama, Martin (2022). Experiencing Intercultural Communication: An Introduction (7th). McGraw Hill.
  2. Takaki, Ronald (1933). A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America Backbay Books.
  3. Alex Haley (1964). Malcolm X, The Autobiography of Malcolm X Ballantine Books.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

This introductory course is designed to help you develop an understanding of communication between and within cultures. Emphasis will be placed on self-awareness, perception, interpretations of similarities and differences in culture, conflict management, and intercultural communication competence strategies.

Discipline:
Speech Communication*