Miami-Dade College – Kendall Campus
Social Science Department, 6206
Fall Semester – 2004-1
ISS 2270 – Multicultural Communication
Prof. Maggie Rubio - (305) 237–2474
E-mail Addresses: Day – Magali.Rubio@mdc.edu; Evening – Mrubio8122@aol.com
This course uses interdisciplinary approach to examine the complex interactions among
ethnicity, race, gender, age, and class as well as other ways in which we differ as they
pertain to shaping personal identity and to affecting skills that will allow them to interact
more effectively in diverse populations, age groups, and lifestyles and to think through
and value human diversity. This course has an overriding principle based on the concept
of human rights. (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to communication between people from different
cultures. Course content focuses on the application of theory and research to intercultural
communication. Specifically, this course is designed to:
1.Increase understanding of the relationship between culture and
communications.
2.Provide an intellectual framework that allows description and
understanding of communication between culturally heterogeneous
individuals.
3.Explain the role of cultural patterns, verbal codes, and non-verbal codes in
the development of interpersonal relationships.
4.Describe the obstacles to competent intercultural communication.
5.Develop communication skills that improve competence in intercultural
communication.
Part One
Individual Attitudes and
Interpersonal Relations
Test One
Part Two
Cultural Foundations and
Oppression in the United States
Test Two
Part Three
Contemporary Dilemmas for
Intergroup Relations
Test Three
Part Four
The Challenge of Diversity to
American Institutions
Test Four
Final (Optional)
Chapters 1, 2, 3 September. 2004
and 4
Chapters 5,6, 7
and 8.
October 2004
Chapters 9, 10,
11 , 12 and 13
November. 2004
Chapters 14
and 15
December 2004
Course Activities
Class activities will include lectures, group discussions, activities and intercultural
simulations. Students’ participation in class discussions is essential to learning the course
materials.
While course material is theoretical, course assignments and discussions are designed for
application to your everyday encounters with individuals from other cultures.
You are expected to be a participant in the class. If you do not understand an idea, theory
or assignment, please ask me for clarification.
Policies, Procedures, and Courtesies
1.2.-
3.4.-
5.-
Examinations must be taken on the day assigned. Make-ups will be given only in
the case of excused absences, such as a verifiable illness.
Written assignments and papers are due in class at the beginning of the period on
the day assigned. Late papers will be penalized 20% of the points. No papers
will be accepted one week beyond the due date
Students are responsible for adapting to any announcement in class concerning
changes in due dates, examinations and schedules.
Original work is expected of every student, and any plagiarism will result in an
automatic F in the course. If you have any doubts what constitutes plagiarism,
ask.
Class participation is essential and is an important factor in the evaluations that
determine your course grade. This course requires your presence and active
participation in all classroom activities and discussions.
Required Textbooks
“Understanding Human Differences – Multicultural Education for a Diverse
America” – Kent L.Koppelman and R. Lee Goodhart
Assignments
Examinations
There will be four examinations and a final (this last one is optional) in this class
(multiple choice questions and/or essay questions).
Group Project due, December 1, 2004
There will be one major group assignment. A detailed handout describing this
assignment will be given in class.
Other assignments/quizzes & Small Class Presentations
There will be other graded assignments during this course. The assignments may
include in-class group assignments, short class presentations, reflective essays,
chapter quizzes, film reviews, completion of study guides, etc. The point value of
each assignment will be announced at the time of the assignments.
Grading
Examinations
Small Group Presentations
Group Project
Study Guides
Participation/Attendance
200 points
100 points
100 points
75 points
25 points
Total
500 points
A= 450 or more
B= 400 to 449
C= 350 to 399
D= 300 to 349
F= 299 or fewer
The level of success that you personally wish to achieve is possible in this class. It
requires, however, that you commit to being an active participant. You must
devote adequate time to do your reading, complete your required assignments
accurately and on time, and study. Take responsibility for your own learning and
for your own success. Ask questions; seek help; put forth maximum effort and
you will be successful.
There will be some opportunities to earn some x-tra credit points.
All cellular phones and pagers must be turned off
“before” entering the class.
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Updated August 2004
ISS 2270 Syllabus.doc