Copies of the course materials such as the syllabus, major assignment handouts, etc. may be found on my faculty web page accessible through: www.sjsu.edu/faculty/fvarona. You are responsible for regularly checking with the messaging system through MySJSU (or other communication system as indicated by the instructor).
Analysis of communication among persons from different U.S. and world cultures. Experiences and research in intercultural communication. The influence of varying values, norms, belief structures and roles. Prejudice, ethnocentrism, nationalism and racism in communication. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. (4 Units)
At SJSU, students are expected to spend two hours outside of class for every one hour of class time. Because this is a four unit class, you can expect to spend a minimum of eight hours per week in addition to time spent in class and on scheduled tutorials or activities. Special projects or assignments may require additional work for the course. Careful time management will help you keep up with readings and assignments and enable you to be successful in all of your courses.
This course satisfies the FOUNDATIONS area of Communication Studies learning objectives. All FOUNDATIONS courses, including COMM 144F, share these learning objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, students shall be able to:
1. Increase their understanding of culture (meaning, your culture and cultures different from your own) and basic concepts, principles, and skills regarding communication between persons from different cultural backgrounds (e.g., religion, age, race, class, gender, sexuality, region, nationality, generation, disability), within the United States and in several world cultures. Identify key concepts and theories of intercultural communication.
2. Analyze how elements such as culture, ethnicity, and gender influence individuals' communication with others. Evaluate the relationship between cultural/ethnic identity and communication practices.
3. Examine critically the effects of stereotypes, prejudice, socio-structural forms of power, and ethnocentrism on cultural identity and communication behavior. Explore the invisible relationship between culture and power.
4. Recognize and critique the impact of religion, ethnicity, age, race, social class, gender, sexuality, region, nationality, generation, disability on the construction of cultural identity, communication behavior, and inequalities among groups.
5. Explore "theory" and research in intercultural communication as well as the current debates revolving around cultural issues in U.S. society and world cultures.
6. Compassionately challenge accepted assumptions within the theories, research studies, and debates examined in the semester. Thus, while this course may oftentimes involve heated issues and be "uncomfortable" as compared to other class contexts, we will re-direct this energy into evocative dialogue and critical thinking so as to deeply explore the communicative meanings/practices of "culture."
Course Learning Objective
LO1. Describe how identities (i.e. religious, gender, ethnic, racial, class, sexual orientation, disability, or age) are shaped by cultural influences.
LO2. Describe historical, social, political, and economic processes producing diversity, equality, and structured inequalities in the U.S. and in other countries and cultures around the world
LO3. Describe social actions which have led to greater equality and social justice in the U.S. and in other countries & cultures around the world. (i.e. religious, gender, ethnic, racial, class, sexual orientation, disability, and/or age).
LO4. Recognize and appreciate constructive interactions between people from different cultural, racial, and ethnic groups within the U.S. and in other countries & cultures around the world.
(2) Lustig, Myron W. and Koester, Jolene. (2006). AmongUs: Essays on Identity, Belonging, and Intercultural Competence. (2nd. Ed.) New York, NY: Allyn & Bacon, Inc
Assignments:
1. SHARING YOUR INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCES (0ral Presentation) (10 points)
The purpose of this oral presentation is to share with your classmates one of your most meaningful (positive, life giving) INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATI0N EXPERIENCES (at home, at work and/or social life) with people who are different from you. This assignment is designed to emphasize that intercultural communication competence is not simply a matter of what we read and study, but also a consequence of what we experience. Moreover, it stresses that our different and distinctive positive experiences interacting with other people, do account as legitimate and valued sources of knowledge, and that we can learn from each other. You are free to select the intercultural experience for this presentation. This assignment meets the Learning Objectives: #1,#2,#3,and #4.
(Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: Sharing your Intercultural Comm. Experiences)
2. CULTURE & COMMUNICATION SELF-ASSESSMENT RESEARCH PAPER (15 points)
The purpose of this assignment is to give you the opportunity to: first, research and analyze your cultural identity in terms of cultural patterns and communication style; and second analyze the mayor factors or forces (religion, history, ethnicity, race, class, gender, sexuality, region, nationality, generation, education, etc...) that have shaped your cultural identity and communication style. This assignment meets the Learning Objectives #1,#2,#3,and #4. (Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: Culture & Communication Self-Assessment Research Paper).
3. BIBLIOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPER (10 points)
The purpose of this assignment is to give you the opportunity of exploring what is being researched in the field of Intercultural Communication, methods, and results. This assignment will also allow you to research one Intercultural Communication topic or issue of your interest. This assignment meets the Learning Objectives #1 and #3.
(Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: Bibliographic Research Paper)
4. Readings and Class Discussion (5 Points)
The purpose of this assignment is to share your personal insights from the readings of the second textbook: Lustig, Myron W. and Koester, Jolene. (2006). AmongUs: Essays on Identity, Belonging, and Intercultural Competence. (2nd. Ed.) New York, NY: Allyn & Bacon, Inc. Chapters of this book are assigned on specific days (See Syllabus) and students have to read the chapter assigned before class and be prepared to share with team members. This assignment meets the Learning Objectives #1 and #3.
5. CULTURE/COMMUNICATION-SPECIFIC TEAM RESEARCH PROJECT (20 points)
The purpose of this assignment is to develop culture/communication-specific awareness and knowledge toward some of the most prevalent cultures in the Silicon Valley. The process entails the following tasks: gathering, analyzing, interpreting data, and developing an action plan to improve intercultural communication. This assignment meets the Learning Objectives #1,#2,#3,and #4.
(Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: Culture & Communication-Specific Team Research Project
6. Mid-Term Exam (20 points)
Format for the test will be presented in class; it will include true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. Tests will assess not only your basic understanding of communication concepts and theories, but also your ability to integrate and apply those concepts and theories. (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).
(STUDY GUIDE is available on this link: Mid-Term Exam (Download STUDY GUIDE)
7. Final Exam (20 points)
Format for the test will be presented in class; it will include true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. Tests will assess not only your basic understanding of communication concepts and theories, but also your ability to integrate and apply those concepts and theories. (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).
(STUDY GUIDE is available on this link: Final Exam (Download STUDY GUIDE)
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Assignments: |
Learning objectives met: |
100 points |
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(1, 2, 3, and 4) |
10 points |
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(1, 2, 3, and 4) |
15 points |
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10 points |
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4. Readings and Class Discussion (Groups) |
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5 points |
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20 points |
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20 points |
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(1, 2, 3, and 4) |
20 points |
Detailed information about each assigment is available on my website http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/fvarona (click on each assignment above to see instructions):
The assignments in this class are designed to achieve course goals. Textbook readings, class lectures, case study analyses, in-class activities, research papers, and oral presentations will not only provide you with information about major concepts but will also allow you the opportunity to experience the concepts. Therefore, your attendance and participation in class are of utmost importance. You are supposed to read in advance the Textbook Chapter that is indicated for the given dates. The reading of these assignments is very important to participate in class discussion. Be prepared to answer any question about them.
There will be one midterm examination and a final exam. Format for the tests will be discussed later, but both exams will include multiple choice, and short answer questions. Tests will assess not only your basic understanding of communication concepts and theories, but also your ability to integrate and apply those concepts and theories.
All assignments and exams must be completed on the date assigned. If you turn in a paper late you will penalized for that assignment, unless an alternate due date has PREVIOUSLY been approved.
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A= 90-100 |
A+=97-100 |
A=94-96 |
A-=90-93 |
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B= 80- 89 |
B+=87-89 |
B=84-86 |
B-=80-83 |
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C= 70- 79 |
C+=77-79 |
C=74-76 |
C-=70-73 |
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D= 60- 69 |
D+=67-69 |
D=64-66 |
D-=60-63 |
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F= 00- 59 |
Attendance per se shall not be used as a criterion for grading according to Academic Policy F-69-24. )
Clark Hall 240, Tel. 924-5363, socsci-access@sjsu.edu
All College of Social Sciences students and interested students from other colleges are invited to stop by for general education advising, help with changing majors, academic policy related questions, meeting with peer advisors, and/or attending various regularly scheduled presentations and workshops. Call or email for an appointment, or just stop by.
The Communication Center is located in Hugh Gillis Hall 229 and is open Monday - Thursday 10:30AM - 4:30PM. The Center provides support for all students interested in developing their personal and professional communication skills, and offers specialized support for those enrolled in Communication Studies courses. Services include in-person tutoring, workshops, and self-paced online modules via Canvas. Upper-division Communication Studies students staff the Center and are trained in coaching students on a variety of topics related to our department courses—including public speaking and writing! Need a quiet place in Hugh Gillis Hall to study, meet, or practice your speech? We have several rooms available. To make an appointment with one of our tutors or to reserve a break-out room go to our online appointment system (http://mywco.com/sjsucommcenter). More information can be found through our COMM Center website (http://commcenter.sjsu.edu/).
Culminating Experience: In lieu of a traditional final exam. You are asked to participate in presentation skills development and SpeakFest (Nov 22)- 2 units of credit. There are two options: (A) complete a Speech Development module (two 30 minute tutoring sessions) to prepare for SpeakFest OR (B) attend two workshops to prepare for SpeakFest. This is a great way to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a public setting AND, if you wish, get two units of elective credit towards graduation. To receive the additional, optional 2 units you must sign up for Comm 80 & COMM 191B before SEP 10. Just add the course through your MySJSU; you do not need a permission code. There are no quizzes or exams for the courses, just your participation. Contact our Interim Director of Forensics Scott.Laczko@sjsu.edu with questions or problems registering. If you cannot participate in SpeakFest, you will receive an alternate assignment, which you may complete during our scheduled final exam period.
You are strongly encouraged to use the COMM Center and enroll in COMM 80; several class assignments require the use of the Center and there will be opportunities to earn extra credit through various Center activities. Add COMM 80 by enrolling in any open section through MySJSU; no add code necessary! Find out more at the COMM 80 information page (http://commcenter.sjsu.edu/students/comm80/index.html).
Would you like to earn 1-unit of credit practicing your speeches for this class? Then add COMM 80! You are strongly encouraged to enroll in COMM 80; the course supports your public speaking skills by offering peer tutoring, workshops, and other self-paced activities. The course requires only 3 assignments (which can all be completed through practicing your speeches with a peer tutor) and is self-paced. Add COMM 80 by enrolling in any open section through MySJSU; no add code necessary! Find out more at the COMM 80 information page (http://commcenter.sjsu.edu/students/comm80/index.html).
If you are at your unit limit you may complete an Excess Units Petition for Undergraduate Students form (http://www.sjsu.edu/registrar/docs/Excess_Units_Fall19.pdf). The form asks you to include a short statement describing why you need the course. You can write: “COMM 80 is needed to provide supplemental instruction and support for my public speaking class (COMM 20).”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Reference Desk, 2nd Floor, Tel. 808-2100, libguides.sjsu.edu/communication
The Communication Studies Department encourages vigorous and ethical research as part of information literacy for all of its students. For major research consultations contact Maraci Hunsaker: Marci.Hunsaker@sjsu.edu
Clark Hall, 1st floor, Mon–thu 10:00 am–8:00 pm
Living Learning Center, Campus Village B, 1st floor, Mon-Wed 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Room ll67 (by the elevators on the Lower Level)
Student Services Center 600, Mon–Thu 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Fri10:00 am–4:00 pm
Tel. 924-2587, http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu/
The Peer Mentor Program is part of SJSU’s newly formed Peer Connections department, which provides campus-wide mentoring and tutoring services. The purpose of Peer Connections is to inspire students to develop their potential as independent learners while they learn to successfully navigate through their university experience. You are encouraged to take advantage of the Peer Connections’ services, which include enhanced study and time management skills, more effective critical thinking strategies, decision making and problem-solving abilities, and campus resource referrals. More information on services and the workshop calendar can be found online at http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu/
Clark Hall 126, Mon-Thu 9.30 am–5:30 pm, Fri 9:30 am–2:30 pm, tel. 924-2308, sjsu.edu/writingcenter
The SJSU Writing Center is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. The writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers.
Computer Labs: Academic Success Center, Clark Hall, 1st floor; Student Union, 2nd floor; MLK Library
Media Services: Instructional resource center 112, mon–thu 7:00 am–9:45 pm, Fri 7:00 am–4:45 pm,
tel. 924-2888, http://www.sjsu.edu/at/ms/
Media Services provides a wide variety of audio-visual equipment for student checkout, including digital camcorders, video and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, screens and monitors.
Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, etc. Information on add/drops are available at http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/soc-fall/rec-298.html. Information about late drop is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/sac/advising/latedrops/policy/ . Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes.
Students should know that the University’s Academic Integrity Policy is availabe at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/download/judicial_affairs/Academic_Integrity_Policy_S07-2.pdf. Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The website for Student Conduct and Ethical Development is available at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html.
Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to include in your assignment any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval of instructors.
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center) to establish a record of their disability.
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