COURSE DESCRIPTION

Emphasizes the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, message systems, nonverbal communication and communication rules. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

Enables students to be more aware of and competent in identifying cultural ethnocentrism. Gives students methods for communicating effectively with people from other cultures.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Fluency in Standard American English. Recommend proficiency in reading and writing at English 111 level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME

Students will understand the influence of communication on culture and the impact of culture on communication. Students will demonstrate the ability to adapt their communication behavior to different cultural styles and to communicate effectively and confidently in several diverse cultural settings.

MAJOR TOPICS TO BE COVERED

A. Why cultures differ and the impact of this on cross-cultural communication

B. Cultural values (self, family, societal subgroups, society at large)

C. Cultural stability and change

D. Adapting to and appreciating cultural differences

E. Essential communication concepts: message and communicator perceptions, verbal and nonverbal messg ages, trust and credibility, receiving and responding to messages