Listen . Speak . Engage

San José State University
Communication Studies

COMM 173F-01: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION & GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING

Spring 2010

Section 01: TR 1:30-2:45 PM; HGH 219; LEC 27599; 4 Units

Faculty Web Page and MYSJSU Messaging

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).

Course Description

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)

Succeeding in a Four-Unit Course

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.

You should strive for five qualities in your writing:  (1) your writing should be COMPELLING (i.e., it should articulate a claim, make a point, be purposeful), (2) your writing should be COMPLETE (i.e., it should address all aspects of the assignment, it should be sufficiently developed), (3) your writing should be COHERENT (i.e., your argument should logically progress from one paragraph to the next), (4) your writing should be CONCISE (i.e., it should be richly developed, but not meandering or repetitive), and (5) your writing should be CORRECT (i.e., it should be free of grammatical, typographical and source citation errors, as well as fallacious reasoning).  I will look to these five criteria as I read and respond to your written work in this course.

FOUNDATIONS, Inquiry, Practice

Foundations Area Objectives

This course satisfies the FOUNDATIONS area of Communication Studies learning objectives. All FOUNDATIONS courses, including COMM 144F, share these learning objectives:

• Theories of Communication: Demonstrate understanding of the major theories that have shaped the communication field.
• Ethics: Demonstrate understanding of ethical responsibilities in communicating with others in interpersonal, organizational, small group, intercultural, mediated, and public settings.

Course Goals and Student 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. (Theories of 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. (Ethics)
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. (Communication Competence)
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. (Social Responsibility)
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. (Theories of Communication)
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." (Ethics)

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.

Required Texts/Readings

(3)The Pocket Wadsworth Handbook, 2009 MLA Update Edition, 4th Edition Laurie G. Kirszner   |  Stephen R. Mandell    ISBN-10: 1439081816 |  ISBN-13: 9781439081815  |  416 Pages  |  © 2009

Library Liaison

Susan Klingberg is the library liaison for Communication Studies. Contact her at Susan.Klingberg@sjsu.edu with questions you may have as you research the topics for your presentations.

Classroom Protocol

• Regular attendance is important because: a) students participation in the discussion of the issues provides the multicultural perspective that is expected from a course of this nature; b) participation in-class exercises helps students to develop the necessary skills for more effective communication in small Teams and teamwork projects in the organizational context; and c) some information is provided
  NO ABSENCES WILL BE EXCUSED ON TEST DAYS. Absences on these days will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
  To help foster a productive learning environment, let's all work to do the following: a) Interact respectfully with others; b) Embrace diverse perspectives and viewpoints; c) Arrive to class on time; d) Use laptop only to take notes; e) Set mobile phones to vibrate or silent; f)and wait until class has ended to get ready to leave.
  Please feel free to come into my office to discuss assignments and other class related issues. If my office hours are not convenient, we can arrange another time to meet. So many problems can be solved or avoided entirely by a little communication! Remember to call and leave a message at 924-5392 or email me at: fvarona@sjsu.edu if you need to contact me during the day or at night.

Dropping and Adding

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.

Assignments and Grading Policy

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)

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.

Grading Scale

Attendance per se shall not be used as a criterion for grading according to Academic Policy F-69-24. )

University Policies

Academic integrity

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.

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

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.

Student Technology Resources

Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center located on the first floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computer labs may be available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther King Library.
A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from Media Services located in IRC 112. These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta video players, 16 mm, slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, projection screens and monitors.

COMM Lab

The COMM Lab is located in Clark Hall 240. Tutors for the lab are recruited from well-qualified communication studies graduate and upper division students. The Lab provides resources for enrichment and assistance for those enrolled in all Communication Studies classes.  Lab hours vary by semester and are posted on the COMM Lab wiki. available at commlab.pbwiki.com. Support for the Lab is provided by enrollments in COMM 80.

Learning Assistance Resource Center

The Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) is located in Room 600 in the Student Services Center. It is designed to assist students in the development of their full academic potential and to motivate them to become self-directed learners. The center provides support services, such as skills assessment, individual or group tutorials, subject advising, learning assistance, summer academic preparation and basic skills development. The LARC website is located at http:/www.sjsu.edu/larc/.

SJSU Writing Center

The SJSU Writing Center is located in Room 126 in Clark Hall.  It is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. Our 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. The Writing Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/about/staff//.

Peer Mentor Center

The Peer Mentor Center is located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall in the Academic Success Center. The Peer Mentor Center is staffed with Peer Mentors who excel in helping students manage university life, tackling problems that range from academic challenges to interpersonal struggles. On the road to graduation, Peer Mentors are navigators, offering “roadside assistance” to peers who feel a bit lost or simply need help mapping out the locations of campus resources. Peer Mentor services are free and available on a drop –in basis, no reservation required. Website of Peer Mentor Center is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/muse/peermentor/ .

Course Number / Title, Semester, Course Schedule

List the agenda for the semester including when and where the final exam will be held. Indicate the schedule is subject to change with fair notice and how the notice will be made available.
Table 1 Course Schedule