Intercultural Communication
College of the Desert
Monday – Wednesday 9:30AM – 10:50AM / Indio 307
INSTRUCTOR
Carl Christman MA
COURSE DESCRIPTION
www.carlism.com
3 units
This course focuses on the communication behaviors and values common to all
cultures and on the differences that insulate and divide people of one culture
from others. The study leads to a better understanding of domestic traditions, an
increased appreciation of the behaviors of others, and an awareness of more
effective methods of communication. Significant writing, research, and speaking
assignments are an integral part of the course.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. Define, analyze, and anticipate potential problems in intercultural
communication.
b. Demonstrate verbal and nonverbal skills in various contexts.
c. Assess and explain perceptions and behaviors.
d. Compare and contrast communication behaviors and cultural perspectives
with others.
e. Cooperate and collaborate with those whose cultures differ from their own.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Explain the basic elements of the communication process.
2. Identify, examine, and explain the various components of culture.
3. Compare and contrast the values of the dominant U.S. culture with those of
other cultures.
4. Adapt communication behaviors to become more effective intercultural
communicators.
TEXTBOOK
Samovar, Larry A., Richard E. Porter, and Edwin R. McDaniel (2007).
Communication Between Cultures. Belmont, CA Thomson Wadsworth.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
Be on time for class.
No food or drinks (except for water) allowed in class.
All cell phones must be turned off during class.
Be respectful of other class members and their presentations.
All assignments must be appropriate for the entire class.
All assignments should be the original work of the student.
Put your name (as it appears on the roster) on all assignments.
GRADING CRITERIA
Attendance
Participation
Final exam
Personal culture and artifact
Culture presentation
Chapter presentation
Total
10%
10%
20%
20%
20%
20%
100%
A = 93% - 100% A- 90% - 92% B+ = 87% - 89% B = 83% - 86%
B- = 80% - 82% C+ = 77%- 79% C = 73% - 76% C- = 70% - 72%
D+ = 67% - 69% D = 63% - 66% D- = 60% - 62% F = 0% - 59%
COURSE OUTLINE
February 1
February 3
Introduction to class
Introduction to communication studies
February 8
February 10
Introduction to intercultural communication
Cultural variables
February 15
February 17
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
February 22
February 24
Chapter 1 & 2 presentations
Chapter 3 & 4 presentations
February 29
March 2
Chapter 5 & 6 presentations
Chapter 7 & 8 presentations
March 7
March 9
Chapter 9 & 10 presentations
Outsourced
March 14
March 16
Outsourced
Culture in the media
March 21
March 23
Spring Break
Spring Break
March 28
March 30
Culture presentations
Culture presentation
April 4
April 6
Culture presentation
Culture presentation
April 11
April 13
Culture presentation
Subculture presentation
April 18
April 20
Subculture presentation
No class
April 25
April 27
Subculture presentation
Subculture presentation
May 2
May 4
Subculture presentation
Conflict and culture
May 9
May 11
Personality and culture
Language and nonverbal communication in culture
May 16
May 18
Personal culture and artifact presentation
Personal culture and artifact presentation
May 23
10:00AM
Final