Course: MAC 419 Cross-Cultural Communication (3 credits. Elective)
Course Duration: Three hours per week for 15 weeks (45 hours) as taught in the 2011/2012
session.
Lecturer:
Udende, P.
M.A. Mass Communication (Makurdi);
B.A. Mass Communication (Makurdi);
Member, ACCE.
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
E-mail:
udendepatrick@yahoo.com
udende.p@unilorin.edu.ng
\Location: First Floor, Room 3, Educational Technology Building,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Consultation Hours: 11.00am – 1.00pm (Mondays and Wednesdays).
Course Content
Nature of communication between different cultures: sojourns, immigrants, negotiations and
conversations across national boundaries. Identity formation and expression, cross cultural
ties, profiling, prejudice, and group affiliation.
Course Description
The course explores the meaning and process of communication. It also treats cultural
diversity, perceptual elements, group formations, sojourn and general principles to overcome
intercultural communication challenges.
Course Justification
In human relations, effective communication is sine qua non for maintenance of relationships.
Problems arise when different cultures are involved due to variation in frame of reference
caused by dichotomous cultural values and beliefs. In view of this, the course is designed to
equip students with basic skills to function in the global theatre where peoples of the world
are bound to interact almost on daily basis.
Course Objectives
The objective is to understand how cultural differences can impede fidelity of message, and
consequently, deprive people of certain privileges with a view of explaining the principles of
surmounting the problems. Specifically, by the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Explain the nature of communication between different cultures;
2. Discuss the concept of cultural diversity;
3. Identify and highlight cultural variables that limit understanding of messages;
4. Explain the principles of effective intercultural communication.
Course Requirements
Students are required to:
1. Have a minimum of 75 per cent attendance;
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
Participate in all course activities. These include assignments and oral discussions;
Submit all assignments in word processed;
Open yahoo e-mail account, join and participate in online discussion group dedicated
to the course;
Submit one print-out page of individual contribution during online discussion.
Methods of Grading
Students will be graded based on the following criteria.
Criteria
Assignment
Class Test
Online Discussion
End of Semester Examination
Total
Score (%)
15
10
05
70
100
Course Delivery Strategies
The course will adopt the face-to-face discussion approach. There will also be an online
discussion forum for students to participate in.
Lecture Content
Week 1: General Introduction
Objectives
At the end of the course students should be able to discuss the nature of communication cross
culturally.
Description
First Hour
Introduction.
Second Hour
Essence of communication.
Third Hour
The physical, social, historical, psychological, and cultural context in which communication
occurs.
Study Questions
1. What is communication?
2. Define culture.
3. What do you understand by cultural diversity?
4. Explain how cultural contact influences one’s life.
5. Why do we say culture is learned?
6. What is the relationship between culture and perception?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN:0-06-041639-4
4
2. McKay , M., Davies, M. & Fanning, P. (1995). Communication skills. 2nd edition.
New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Limited.ISBN:978-81-319-0322-3
2
3. Verderber4, R.F. & Verderber, K.S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition. Belmont:
Thomson Wadsworth. ISBN:0-534-63937-2
Week 2: Meaning and Nature of Cross-Cultural Communication
Objectives
The objective is to explain the importance of cross-cultural communication, factors that
encourage cross-cultural communication. It will also clear the misconception which some
people see differences among themselves as deficiencies.
Description
First Hour
The importance of cross communication to humanity.
Second Hour
Forms of intercultural communication.
Third Hour
Difference between cross-cultural communication and other types of communication.
Study Questions
1. Define cross-cultural communication.
2. Distinguish message content from message context.
3. Give three importance of cross-cultural communication to the global community.
4. Differentiate cross communication from other types of communication.
5. State the various forms of intercultural communication.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp323,385-392,401-406
ISBN:0-06041639-4
2. Verderber4, R.F. & Verderber, K.S. (2005). Communicate. Eleventh edition. Belmont:
Thomson Wadsworth. pp354-355 ISBN:0-534-63937-2
Week 3: Factors that Promote Cross-Cultural Communication
Objectives
The lecture will explore how people transact businesses and make negotiations from prehistoric time to the present bringing out the factors responsible for changes associated with it.
Description
First Hour
Trend in cross-cultural communication.
Second Hour
Relevance of cross-cultural communication.
Third Hour
Factors that encourage cross-cultural communication.
Study Questions
1. What is the importance of cross communication?
2. How was trade carried out among people living in an area in the past?
3. Differentiate ‘diplomats’ from ‘merchants.’
3
4. State the factors that promote cross-cultural communication.
5. Explain the relevance of science and technology to cross-cultural communication.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course (5th Edition). New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp427-429 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
2. Samovar4, L. A. & Porter, R. E. (2003). Intercultural communication: A reader
(10th edition). Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth. pp6 & 7 ISBN: 0-534-56495-X.
Week 4: Sojourner Adaptation
Objectives
The lecture will examine the challenges and strategies for living, learning and adapting in
countries.
Description
First Hour
Explanation of the terms sojourn, culture shock and adaptation. How culture shock can
function as a barrier to cross communication.
Second Hour
Changes and adaptation that occur when a sojourner crosses cultural boundaries.
Third Hour
Personality characteristics strategic for effective adaptation.
Study Questions
1. Who is a sojourner?
2. What do you understand by ‘culture shock’?
3. Culture shock is normal. True or false?
4. State any three challenges an immigrant is likely going to face in a new environment.
5. What strategies can a sojourner adopt to adapt in a new culture?
Reading List
1. Samovar4, L. A. & Porter, R. E. (2003). Intercultural communication: A reader (10th
edition). Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth. pp406 &407 ISBN: 0-534-56495-X
Week 5: Group Affiliation
Objectives
The lecture seeks to inquire into the nature of the small group and identify its characteristics.
Description
First Hour
Nature of a small group.
Second Hour
Steps taken in problem-solving discussions.
Third Hour
Small group formats.
Study Questions
1. Define small group.
4
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is the acceptable range of people that constitute a small group?
Give two features of a small group.
What steps do small group take in solving a problem?
List the small group format that you know.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp269-277 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
Week 6: Culture and Communication
Objectives
The lecture will explain the relationship between culture and communication.
Description
First Hour
Definition of culture, enculturation, and acculturation.
Second Hour
Features of culture.
Third Hour
Relationship between culture and communication.
Study Questions
1. Define the term ‘culture’.
2. Distinguish enculturation from acculturation.
3. State the features of culture.
4. What is the ideal form of communication for cross-cultural communication?
5. Explain the nexus between communication and culture.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp431-432 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
2. Haralambos4, M & Holborn, M. (2008). Sociology: Themes and perspectives. (7th
edition) London: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd. pp663-664 ISBN: 978-0-00724595-6 .
3. Samovar4, L. A. & Porter, R. E. (2003). Intercultural communication: A reader (10th
edition). Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth. pp7-11 ISBN: 0-534-56495-X
Week 7: Attitude as a Cultural Variable
Objectives
The lecture will explain how we perceive others, the way others perceive us, and how
processes of perception influence cross-cultural communication.
Description
First Hour
Explanation of the term ‘attitude’.
Second Hour
Attitudinal sets that affect perception.
5
Third Hour
Attitudinal sets that affect perception.
Study Questions
1. Define the term ‘attitude’.
2. How does attitude affect cross-cultural communication?
3. List any three attitudinal sets that affect cross-cultural communication.
4. How do participants adjust to overcome intercultural differences?
5. Is nonverbal behaviour universal? Give reason(s) for your answer.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp429-430 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
Week 8: The Cross-Cultural Use of Language
Objectives
The objective is to develop the skills for making language more effective when
communicating cross culturally.
Description
First Hour
Significance of language.
Second Hour
Kinds of words’ meanings (denotative and connotative).
Third Hour
How culture affects language.
Study Questions
1. Define language.
2. Differentiate denotative from connotative meaning.
3. Why do we say language and culture are intertwined?
4. What does it mean to say you should use language appropriately in cross-cultural
communication?
5. What are the difficulties associated with the use of nonverbal symbols in crosscultural cultural communication?
Reading List
1. Lucas4, S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill
Higher Education. pp256-258 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
2. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body language3 Accessed on 24th September, 2010
Week 9: Use and Organisation of Space and Time
Objectives
The objective is to explain how cultures organise, use and react to space and time.
Description
First Hour
Spatial distances and territorial encroachment.
6
Second Hour
Factors that influence space communication.
Third Hour
Effective use of time.
Study Questions
1. Think of a time when you did not experience a comfortable conversational distance
with someone. What were the major factors influencing this situation?
2. How did you deal with the discomfort in ‘1’ above?
3. State two ways one can react to encroachment of one’s territory.
4. With examples differentiate displaced time from diffused time.
5. What is the perception of people on people who hurry where diffused time is the order
of the day?
Reading list
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course.5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp168-169 ISBN: 0-06-041639-4
3. Knapp4, M. L. & Hall, J. A. (2002). Nonverbal communication in human interaction.
South Melbourne: Wadsworth Thomas Learning, Inc. pp114-116, 152-161
ISBN: 0-15-506372-3
4. Samovar4, L. A. & Porter, R. E. (2003). Intercultural communication: A reader (10th
edition). Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth. p16 ISBN: 0-534-56495-X
5. Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition. Belmont:
Thomson Wadsworth. pp84-88 ISBN:0-534-63937-2
6. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body language3 2Accessed on 4th September, 2010
Week 10: Roles and Role Prescription
Objectives
The objective is to explain gender differences and roles in contemporary societies.
Description
First Hour
The concept of role.
Second Hour
How roles are universally distributed among cultures.
Third Hour
Llimitations and merits of role prescription
Study Questions
1. Give the factor(s) responsible for role prescription.
2. Why do we have different role prescriptions for different sexes?
3. Women are often expected to be assertive, autonomous and domineering. True or false?
4. What possible ways do you think openness, smiling and higher gazing of women could
work to their disadvantage?
5. How can one cope when found in an environment where roles performed by the opposite
sex in his place are reversed?
7
Reading List
1. Haralambos4, M & Holborn, M. (2008). Sociology: Themes and perspectives. (7th
edition) London: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd. pp98, 690-693 ISBN: 9780-00-724595-6
2.
Knapp4, M. L. & Hall, J. A. (2002). Nonverbal communication in human interaction.
South Melbourne: Wadsworth Thomas Learning, Inc. pp442-443
ISBN: 015-506372-3
Week 11: Social Organisation
Objectives
The lecture will discuss how cultures organise themselves in relation to given institutions.
Description
First Hour
Manner in which a culture organises itself.
Second Hour
The family, form of government and history as they directly relate to social organisation.
Third Hour
Rationale for the study of social organisations the world over.
Study Questions
1. What do you understand by social organisation?
2. Give and explain two institutions that shape the organisation of a culture.
3. According to Flack societal composition can also be viewed in two ways. What are
the ways?
4. Society organized around physical symbols can be typified by …….…and ……...
5. Why do people strive to understand social organisations among nations?
Reading List
1. Samovar4, L. A. & Porter, R. E. (2003). Intercultural communication: A reader (10th
edition). Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth. pp13 & 14 ISBN: 0-534-56495-X.
Week 12: Patterns of Thought
Objectives
The lecture will discuss the difference between the Western and Eastern pattern of thoughts.
Description
First Hour
The Aristotelian concept.
Second Hour
The Taoist concept.
Third Hour
How the patterns of reasoning affect cross-cultural communication.
8
Study Questions
1. Define the term ‘Thought’.
2. Explain the Aristotelian form of reasoning.
3. In what way does Taoist belief contrast the Western assumption?
4. Give one example that supports the Taoist concept.
5. Which pattern of thought do you align with? Why?
Reading List
www.ask.com/bar?q=thought+pattern3
www.tevepavlina.com3
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism3
Week 13: Barriers to Effective Cross-Cultural Communication
Objectives
The lecture will explain the difficulties involved in effective cross-cultural encounters.
Description
First Hour
Noise in communication.
Second Hour
Barriers to cross-cultural communication.
Third Hour
How the characteristics of effective interpersonal communication apply to intercultural
communication.
Study Questions
1. What do you understand by communication breakdown?
2. Explain what you understand by polarization, bypassing and static evaluation.
3. How does indiscriminate serve as communication problem? Suggest how it can be
corrected.
4. State other factors that can impede effective communication cross culturally.
5. Explain why intercultural differences are especially noticeable in initial interactions
and gradually declines as the relationship becomes more intimate.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th Edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp440-442 ISBN: 0-06-041639-4
Week 14: Solutions to Cross-Cultural Communication Problems
Objectives
The lecture will explore the skills involved to improve the ability to communicate in cross
cultural situations.
Description
First Hour
Solutions to the barriers of effective cross-cultural communication.
Second Hour
Solutions to problems of effective cross-cultural communication.
9
Third Hour
Test.
Study Questions
1. Define empathy.
2. How can empathy be employed as a principle for effective intercultural interaction?
3. Explain how interaction management can enhance cross-cultural communication.
4. What is negative evaluation?
5. How can the problem of negative evaluation be solved?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp444 - 446 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
Week 15: Revision Exercise
Objectives
The lecture will make revision of what has been taught with a view to making clarification
where necessary.
Revision Questions
1. Granted you migrate to a foreign country where you encounter a completely
different culture from yours, how would you adapt to your new environment?
2. What factors promote intercultural communication?
3. With relevant examples, outline the various forms of intercultural communication
as advanced by Joseph DeVito.
4. Explain how people unconsciously structure and use space as a non-verbal means
of communication.
5. With relevant examples examine the factors that influence the way we treat space
communication.
6. What do you understand by ‘Culture shock’? Explain the different stages it occurs.
7. In what ways does the use of time vary among cultures and when does time
become a communication problem?
8. “Culture and language are intertwined”. Explain this assertion in relation to
intercultural communication.
9. Discuss group formations and demonstrate how norms regulate the conduct of
members in a given group.
10. Samovar and Porter (2003:8-10) advance some universal cultural characteristics.
What are they?
11. How do different categories of attitude affect cross cultural communication?
12. How do polarization, bypassing and static evaluation serve as communication
problem?
13. Suggest how the problem of polarization, bypassing and static evaluation can be
solved.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition. New
York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 0-06-041639-4
10
2. Haralambos4, M & Holborn, M. (2008). Sociology: Themes and perspectives. (7th
edition). London: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd. ISBN: 978-0-00-724595-6
3. Knapp4, M. L. & Hall, J. A. (2002). Nonverbal communication in human interaction.
South Melbourne: Wadsworth Thomas Learning, Inc. ISBN: 0-15-506372-3
4. Lucas4, S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Higher Education. ISBN: 0-07-231569-5
Samovar4, L. A. & Porter, R. E. (2003). Intercultural communication: A reader (10th
edition). Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth. ISBN: 0-534-56495-X
Verderbe4r, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th Edition. Belmont:
Thomson Wadsworth. ISBN: 0-534-63937-2
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body3 Retrieved on September 24, 2010
www.ask.com/bar?q=thought+pattern3 Retrieved on October 7, 2010
www.tevepavlina.com3 Retrieved on October 7, 2010
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism3 Retrieved on October 7, 2010
Key
1
Available in the University Library
2
Available in local bookshops
3
Internet sources
4
Personal collection
11