Phyllis Taylor
 Speech 150; Intercultural Communications

 

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Course Information

 

Course Overview:

Objective: We will explore the basic theory and skills of communicating with people from different cultures. You will develop a greater understanding of the influences that shape communication behavior including language, nonverbal communication and stereotyping. You will learn to evaluate
your own and others' communication behavior from a culturally sensitive perspective. This class fulfills the CSU Area a.1 Oral Communications requirement or the IGETC Area 1, group C. requirement. It could also be used to fill the Skyline College Ethnic and Cultural Studies requirement.
As a pre- requisite to this course, it is recommended that you either are currently enrolled in or have completed Engl. 400 or Engl. 836

Upon completion of this class you should be able to:
  • use concepts in intercultural communication to identify and explain cultural differences including ethnicity, gender, age, size, socio-economic status, ability level and sexual orientation.
  • illustrate the effects of cultural differences on the perception process and dissect and reflect on various components of their own perception process, including stereotypes and prejudices.
  • listen skillfully across cultures, integrating information about non-verbal communication to construct and demonstrate communication strategies evoking empathy.
  • describe and contrast differences in language use to explain differences in power and socio-status across cultural differences.

 

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Assignments: All readings should be done before the class period for which they are assigned. All work is due ON TIME. Late work will be marked down 20% for each class period overdue.

Written Homework Assignments: These are 2 page, typed papers, which will be assigned periodically throughout the semester .


Exams: Are short answer and essay; take home and in class.


Oral Presentation Project:This is a semester long endeavor.  You will prepare an oral presentation on an issue of importance in the African American Community & Intercultural Communication.  This topic will be chosen from articles that I will bring to class.


Class Participation: Your input is valuable to the success of this class, therefore it is expected that you will actively share your ideas and discoveries regarding text readings and class activities. Points will be deducted for classroom distractions.

Text/ASTEP:Experiencing Intercultural Communication, An Introduction  3rd edition;  Martin & Nakayama

 

Grading Policy and Point Value of Assignments:
ASTEP, Fall '09

(3) Written Homework Assignments(25 points each) 75 points
3 Quizzes @ 10 pts each 30 points
Oral Presentation Project 35 points
Final Exam 35 points
Class Participation 25 points
TOTAL 200 points


A= 200-180 pts B= 179-160 pts C = 159-140 pts D = 139- 120
               
 Grading Policy and Point Value of Assignments HONORS:

(3) Written Homework Assignments(23 points each) 69 points
Mini Exam 25 points

Intercultural Partner Project

Partner Project Paper

30 points

15 points
Final Exam 30 points
Class Participation 31 points
TOTAL 200 points


A= 200-180 pts B= 179-160 pts C = 159-140 pts D = 139- 120


                 

 

 

Attendance:

Regular attendance is a requirement of this course. Attendance will be taken daily the first ten minutes  of class. 

MWF sections: You are allowed SIX absences. On the SEVENTH absence, your final grade will be dropped 10 points and 10 points every absence after that.  On your TENTH absence, you will be dropped from the class roster.

Tu Th sections; You are allowed 4 absences. On the FIFTH absence, your final grade will be dropped 10 points and 10 points every absence after that. On the SEVENTH absence, you will be dropped from the class roster.

You must file a drop card with admissions or you will receive a fail in the class. The allowed absences are the only ones excused and must be used for all circumstances requiring you to miss class.

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Course Outline

Tentative Course Schedule; Fall '09 ASTEP Section

DATE IN CLASS ASSIGNMENT
8/19 - 8/21 Review syllabus; Introductions  
8/24 - 8/28 Why Intercultural Communication Chapter 1
8/31 - 9/4 Culture & Communication

Chapter 2

 
9/9 1st Quiz

 

 

 
9/7 Holiday No Classes
9/9 - 9/16 Perceptions & Identity; Co-Cultures in U.S.

Chapter 4

9/23 FIRST PAPER DUE  
9/23 - 10/2 Culture and Language Chapter 5
10/5 - 10/12 Non-verbal Communication Chapter 6
10/7 Insturctor Out  
10/12 2nd Quiz  
10/14 - 10/16 Preparing Oral Presentations Chapter 7
10/16 SECOND PAPER DUE  
10/26 – 11/9 In-Class Oral presentation  
11/16 – 11-20 Popular Culture & Intercultural Comm.  
11/5 & 11/6 UMOJA Conference; Instructor out

11/11 Prof Dev. Day Non- student Day
11/13 Holiday No Classes
11/23 -12/2 Intercultural Conflict Chapter 8
11/27 Thanksgiving Holiday No Classes
12/4 - 12/9

 

 Using Intercultural Communication Everyday Chapter 9
12/9 3rd Quiz  
12/18 Last day class meets  

THE FINAL EXAM TBA

 

Tentative Course Schedule; HONORS section No Fall '09

DATE IN CLASS ASSIGNMENT
1/17 & 1/19 Review syllabus; Introductions  
1/22 - 1/24 Overview of communication

Chapter 2
1/26 - 2/2 Demography; macro; micro;counter cultures Chapter 3 & 7
2/5 - 2/14

Perceptions & Concepts of Culture

Co cultures in U.S

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

2/16 & 2/19 Holiday

2/21

2/21 - 3/2

FIRST PAPER DUE

Culture and Language

 

Chapter 9

Handouts

3/5 - 3/16 Ethnocentrism & Cultural Celebration

Chapter 6
3/19 Mini Exam  
3/21 SECOND PAPER DUE  
3/21 - 3/26 Non-verbal Communication Chapter 10
3/28/3/30,4/9, 4/11 Individual Conferences  
4/2 - 4/6 Spring Break

No Classes
4/13 Preparing Oral Presentations

 
4/16 - 4/23 Intercultural Competency

Chapter 11

Chapter 12
4/25 3rd PAPER DUE BOOK ANALYSIS
5/4 - 5/18 In-class Presentations: Intercultural Partners  
5/9 or 5/16 4th PAPER DUE  

THE FINAL EXAM IS SCHEDULED FOR

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