Course Information

Phyllis Taylor
Speech 150; Intercultural Communications


Course Info	Announcements	Assignments	Student Info.	Instr. Homepage

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.

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 minimum 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. ASTEP SECTION ; You will prepare an oral presentation on an issue of importance in the African American Community & Intercultural Communication. NIGHT SECTION: You will prepare an oral presentation focusing on a topic that you will be choosing during the semester in consultation with your Professor.

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: Experiencing Intercultural Communication, An Introduction recent edition; Martin & Nakayama

Grading Policy and Point Value of Assignments:
ASTEP & Monday night, Fall 2011

(2) Written Homework Assignments(25 points each)	50 points
5 or 6 Quizzes	55 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

Attendance:

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

MWF sections: As per Skyline’s guidelines, you are allowed 6 absences to be used for ALL reasons to miss class. This includes medical, work, court or childcare responsibilities. By the SEVENTH absence your class participation grade will be seriously impacted, if not eliminated.

Night sections; As per Skyline’s guidelines, you are allowed 2 absences to be used for ALL reasons to miss class. This includes medical, work, court or childcare responsibilities. By the THIRD absence your class participation grade will be seriously impacted, if not eliminated.

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.

Course Outline

Tentative Course Schedule; Fall 2011 ASTEP Section

DATE	IN CLASS	ASSIGNMENT
8/17 - 8/19	Review syllabus; Introductions
8/22 - 8/26	Why Intercultural Communication	Chapter 1
9/5	Holiday	NO CLASSES
8/29 - 9/9	Culture & Communication	Chapter 2
9/12 - 9/21	Perceptions & Identity; Co-Cultures in U.S.	Chapter 4
9/26	FIRST PAPER DUE
9/23 - 10/3	Culture and Language	Chapter 5
10/5 - 10/7	Preparing Oral Presentations
10/10 - 10/19	Non-verbal Communication	Chapter 6
10/21- 10/24	Popular Culture & Intercultural Comm.	Chapter 7(partial)
10/26 - 11/9	In-Class Oral presentations
11/11	HOLIDAY	NO CLASSES
11/14 - 11/18	Intercultural Conflict	Chapter 8
11/21- 11/23	Acculturation
11/28 - 12/2	In Class MOVIE
12/5	2nd PAPER DUE
12/9	Last class meets

THE FINAL EXAM DATE TBA

Grading Policy and Point Value of Assignments HONORS (No Fall 2010):

(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

Tentative Course Schedule; Mon. night section Fall 2011

DATE	IN CLASS	ASSIGNMENT
8/22	Review syllabus; Introductions
8/22	Why Intercultural Communication	Chapter 1
8/29	Culture & Communication	Chapter 2
9/5	Holiday	No Classes
9/12	Perceptions & Identity; Co-Cultures in U.S.	Chapter 4
9/19	FIRST PAPER DUE
9/26	Culture and Language	Chapter 5
10/3	Non-verbal Communication & Preparing Oral Presentations	Chapter 6
10/10	Popular Culture & Intercultural Comm.	Chapter 7 (partial)
10/17 & 10/24	In-Class Oral presentations
10/31	Intercultural Conflict	Chapter 8
11/7	Acculturation
11/21	In Class Movie	LONG CLASS
11/28	SECOND PAPER DUE
12/5	Last class before final

THE FINAL EXAM IS SCHEDULED FOR 12/12