NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ANNANDALE CAMPUS
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

This course is designed to increase your awareness and appreciation for the complexity of intercultural communication skills in everyday situations. By studying communication principles and practicing intercultural competence, you will develop a greater tolerance and understanding of your own and others' attempts to interact in personal and professional relationships.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to report increased self-understanding and confidence in human interactions; communicate ideas with fluency and rhetorical sensitivity; apply nonverbal communication theory in communicating and evaluating messages; use critical thinking to understand and resolve issues; demonstrate principles of organization and synthesis of information; adapt messages and behaviors to different communication situations; employ internal and external dialog to respond to messages; demonstrate respect for cultural and social diversity; understand the responsibilities associated with freedom of speech; and demonstrate awareness of historical, cultural and social traditions which influence communication events.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS
· Myron Lustig and Jolene Koester, Intercultural Competence: Interpersonal Communication Across Cultures, Fifth Edition ( Boston : Allyn and Bacon, 2005.) Be prepared to discuss the readings during class sessions. Attend class regularly. Actively participate. The nature of this course will not allow for make-ups.
· Because this is a hybrid course, you will be expected to use Blackboard, to explore our community and our cultures, and to spend time online exploring intercultural communication concepts. You must be willing to devote extra time out of class for assignments.
· Be prepared to get to know yourself and your classmates better. This course will be as challenging, stimulating, and enjoyable as you make it.
· You will receive a grade of "F" if you miss more than 25% of class and do not withdraw from the course, regardless of academic standing in the class.
· Please abide by the academic guidelines found in your Student Handbook, Section X.

GRADING RATIONALE

CLASS PARTICIPATION (0-100 points) You are expected to actively listen and respond in a way which demonstrates that you have been doing the reading and thinking about communication principles. Respect for yourself and others is mandatory. Informed involvement is expected. Attending each class session is not enough to earn a passing grade; you must demonstrate a willingness to practice your communication competencies in group work, class discussions, and exercises. Failing to prepare for class sessions and failing to contribute to group presentations will be factored into your grade.

Class climate is an essential ingredient for the success of this course. At various points during the semester, we may be examining sensitive and personal issues as they relate to aspects of interpersonal communication. Differences of experience, attitude and values can be discussed meaningfully as long as we agree to respect norms of civil discussion. Please use Standard American English. [Note: Some film clips shown in class contain vulgar language and inappropriate ways of managing emotions. Your instructor does not condone this type of communication but is using it to point out the effects of this communication upon relationships.]

Certain forms of classroom behavior are expressly prohibited. These include verbal attacks on the person and character of another; disparaging responses to another's group of origin or affinity, (e.g. age, gender, health status, physical or mental abilities, race, culture, sexual orientation, political philosophy, social views or religion); and any form of behavior that manifests direct or implied sexual harassment.

Unfortunately, even serious illness or a major crisis doesn't make up for the fact that missing this class means missing important participation. If you miss ten class sessions, you will not pass the course. You are further expected to demonstrate courtesies of professional life, which includes contacting your instructor if you will miss a class session.

WEEKLY QUIZZES/PARTICIPATION (0-100 points) Each week you will receive a quiz or alternative assignment. Each of these is worth 0-10 points. At the end of the semester, your top ten grades will be calculated. There are no make-ups for these assignments.

GROUP PRESENTATION #1 (0-100 points) With 2-3 others, develop and present a 10-minute presentation that teaches us about communication in another culture. Make your presentation format much like that of a television newscast. Have anchors and reporters who discuss the following areas of cultural communication: value orientations, communication codes, and role expectations. Be sure to cite the expert sources of your information!

You are encouraged to choose from the following cultures:

• MS-13 gang in the US
• U.S. military
• Roman Catholic religious/clergy in the US
• Deaf community in the US
• Gay and lesbian community in the US
• U.S. Black/African American

MIDTERM EXAMINATION (0-50 points) This multiple-choice test examines your knowledge and understanding of the concepts we've covered in class and in the text. Check your weekly quizzes! You are permitted to develop and to bring a single 9 1/2 x 11 inch "cheat sheet" to this examination session. Plese bring a scantron form (50 questions) as well.

FINAL EXAMINATION (0-50 points) This multiple-choice test examines your knowledge and understanding of the concepts we've covered in class and in the text. Check your weekly quizzes and your midterm exam! You are permitted to develop and to bring a single 9 1/2 x 11 inch "cheat sheet" to this examination session. Please bring a scantron form (50 questions) as well.

GROUP PRESENTATION #2 (0-100 points) With 3-4 others, develop and present a 30-minute presentation to teach us about communication in other cultures. You may choose from among cultures in these countries:

Investigate the five questions below. Much of your information may come from interviews with members of these cultures. Be as specific as you can in answering each question.

1. What behaviors are appropriate for the initial face-to-face meetings with individuals from this culture? Consider greeting rituals and norms for introductions.
2. What are the cultural value orientations for this culture? (You should use the Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck taxonomy (Chapter 4) or the Hofstede taxonomy (Chapter 5) as a framework for this analysis.
3. What are the verbal communication norms for this culture? (Consider turn-taking, organizing and expressing ideas, amount of talking by different members, and conversational topics preferred and/or avoided.)
4. What are some of the nonverbal communication norms for this culture? (Consider kinesics, proxemics, haptics, chronemics, color, and vocalics.)
5. What are the relational communication norms? (E.g., self-disclosure, conversational expectations, norms for managing conflict, and persuasive styles.)
6. Why has the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a travel warning to this country? (See the State Department)

Consult your textbook for related readings and talk with your instructor about other resources for information. Teach us about this topic. Consider talking with an expert in the community (college or otherwise) to gather testimonials and case studies. Conduct scholarly research and provide to the class a list of resources to learn more about the topic. Consider using visual aids, video clips, music, drama, and handouts for added interest. See the handout on preparing and presenting a group presentation for more assistance.

Here's how your grade will be computed:
0-50 points for the content
0-50 points for the organization and interest value of the presentation (Have a clear introduction, discussion, and conclusion to your talk. Present it in a manner that demonstrates that you have rehearsed your talk and that you have prepared your work as a team.)

I reserve the right to lower the grade of any individual who does not participate fully and/or collaboratively to his/her group’s efforts.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
NVCC is a place for learning and growing. We should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this campus. In order to meet this objective, please let your instructor now if any unsafe, unwelcome or uncomfortable situations arise that interfere with the learning process. Inform your instructor within the first two weeks of classes if you have special needs or a disability that may affect your performance in this course.

The Annandale Campus community is committed to providing a learning environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas and information. To accomplish this goal, the members of the Annandale Campus Council have established the following expectations for the campus community:

1. That all backgrounds and cultures be respected.
2. That a free and civil exchange of ideas takes place, so everyone in a class feels welcome to participate.
3. That all members of the class arrive on time, leave the class only on breaks or in case of emergency, and leave classrooms and all college property in good condition.
4. That distractions be kept to a minimum. Cell phones and other electronic devices are turned off in class, labs, and the library. Students remain seated throughout the class and refrain from talking with classmates while another class member or the instructor has the floor.
5. That each student submits his or her own work.
6. That consideration is given to classes in adjoining areas.
   

Consider using the following academic support services:
· Writing Center (CG405) 703-323-3341
· Tutoring Center (CG407) 703-323-3339
· Library/Information Resources (3rd Floor, CG) 703-323-3128
· Your faculty advisor (Ask your favorite full-time instructor in your major to serve as your advisor.)

Students are expected for follow Information Technology Student/Patron Ethics Agreement as posted in computer areas and academic integrity standards as set down in the Student Handbook.
Please ensure that you are aware of the emergency evaluation procedures for this classroom. Consult the sign at the entrance of this room for more information.

In the event of a possible college closing, call NOVAnet at 703-323-3770 or tune into NOVA's educational channel (e.g., Cox Communications, Channel 19).