RTM 404
Cross Cultural Perspectives of Tourism
Spring, 2015 – Schedule Number 22746
MWF 12-12:50 PM
Professor Gene Lamke
Office Hours: MTWTH 11:00 am–11:50; by appt.
Room: PSFA 325
Email: glamke@mail.sdsu.edu
Off: PSFA 431 PH :619-206-7747
Course Catalog Description:
Concepts, definitions, and measures of essential cultural components of tourism. Integrated view
of interrelated socio-cultural tourism issues with an understanding and appreciation of diverse
cultures. Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in Foundations II.B.,
Social and Behavioral Sciences. As a GE cultural diversity course the content will focus on non
dominant perspectives, cultures, views and traditions.
Course Overview:
This is an Explorations course in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Completing this course will
help you learn to do the following with greater depth: 1) explore and recognize basic terms,
concepts, and domains of the social and behavioral sciences; 2) comprehend diverse theories and
methods of the social and behavioral sciences; 3) identify human behavioral patterns across
space and time and discuss their interrelatedness and distinctiveness; 4) enhance your
understanding of the social world through the application of conceptual frameworks from the
social and behavioral sciences to first-hand engagement with contemporary issues.
Structure:
This class is highly participative. The course sessions will include lecture, discussion, guest
presentations, videos, and interactive class activities. Class sessions will include a variety of the
teaching methods mentioned above in order to demonstrate the principles and key issues students
will apply during their travels and future lives.
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the semester, students should be able to:
 Understand and explain major theories and concepts related to tourism and cultural
behaviors.
 Explain and differentiate between various cultures and acceptable social behavior.
 Analyze how travel and tourism contribute to cultural understanding, tolerance, and
possibly better cultural relations.
 Generate interest in travel and experiencing various cultures as part of one’s own life.
 Describe and discuss the social, political and economic aspects of tourism across cultures.
Why RTM 404?
RTM 404 is relevant to our lives in a variety of ways:
**Personally
 Explore our world through travel
 Enriches our lives
 Allows us to dream
**Professionally
 Largest industry in world
 Significant job sector
**Collectively
 Understanding others/tolerance
 World peace
Assessment and Grading:
Weighting of Graded Items
Exam 1 =
Exam 2 =
Ten Point Fridays @ 10 pts. =
Cultural Analysis Paper =
Total Course Points =
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
400 pts.
Assigning Final Course Marks
Final course grades will be determined by a percentage of points possible based on the following
system:
A = 90% (360 pts.)
C- = 69%
(276 pts.)
A- = 89% (356 pts.)
D+ = 68%
(272 pts.)
B+ = 88% (352 pts.)
D = 60%
(240 pts.)
B = 80% (320 pts.)
D- = 59%
(236 pts.)
B- = 79% (316 pts.)
F = below 59% (235 pts. or less)
C+ = 78% (312 pts.)
C = 70% (280 pts.)
Exams and Assignments:
Exams – two tests consisting of 40 questions which are T-F, MC, Matching.
Ten Point Fridays – ten assignments selected by the student and an approximate one page
write-up on each of the chosen experiences/assignments! Choices (probably 15-20 of them) for
attendance and participation with the write-up to follow.
Cultural Analysis Paper – 4 - 5 pages in length discussing travel to another country focusing on
morés and customs of that culture and various cultural experiences/activities including sights,
food, dress, etc. More details to be provided later.
Resources:
Since I utilize a variety of materials from a variety of academic and professional sources, there is
not a required textbook for the course. I will distribute handouts physically in class or through
this course’s Blackboard site. Students are required to use Word, Excel, Blackboard and
PowerPoint for assignments as requested.
Blackboard:
SDSU’s course management system, Blackboard, will be employed to make all course-related
communications including announcements, the syllabus and course calendar, lectures, and
assignments available to students. In case of a lack of familiarity with the Blackboard system,
please obtain immediate training through Student Computing Services.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Students who need accommodation of their disabilities should contact me privately, within the
first two weeks of the semester, to discuss specific accommodations for which they have
received authorization. If you have a disability, but have not contacted Student Disability
Services at 619-594-6473 (Calpulli Center, Suite 3101), please do so before making an
appointment to see me.
Academic Integrity:
The faculty and staff demand the highest levels of academic and professional integrity in all
work at San Diego State University. Plagiarism, cheating, or any other type of academic
dishonesty will be referred directly to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for
disciplinary action and you will earn zero points on the assignment. Plagiarism is simply the use
of others’ words and/or ideas without clearly acknowledging their source. As students, you are
learning about other people’s ideas in your course texts, your instructors’ lectures, in-class
discussions, and when doing your own work. When you incorporate those words and ideas into
your own work, it is of the utmost importance that you give credit where it is due. Plagiarism,
intentional or unintentional, is considered academic dishonesty and all instances will be reported
to SDSU’s Office of Judicial Procedures. To avoid plagiarism, you must give the original author
credit whenever you use another person’s ideas, opinions, drawings, or theories as well as any
facts or any other pieces of information that are not common knowledge. Additionally
quotations of another person’s actual spoken or written words; or a close paraphrasing of another
person’s spoken or written words must also be referenced. Accurately citing all sources and
putting direct quotations – of even a few key words – in quotation marks are required. For further
information on plagiarism and the policies regarding academic dishonesty go to the Course
Catalog section on Standards for Student Conduct (41310). This and other information regarding
student conduct can also be accessed at http://coursecat.sdsu.edu/catalog/UP.pdf
Pathways to Excellence:
Success in life is the result of exhibiting certain attitudes and behaviors. Sometimes students
don’t know what these attitudes and behaviors are, and so we thought it would be a good idea to
list them clearly and concisely. In addition, we’ll ask you to make a deal with us. . .to give us
your word that you will strive to be the kind of person that is successful in our School and who
will be successful in future endeavors. Please access this complete document at this course’s
Blackboard site under Course Documents.