This course will introduce the basic theories to the field of Intercultural Communication. Intercultural Communication (IC) focuses on how culture affects the communication process.

The goals of the course will be the following:
a) to understand how the communication process differs among cultures
b) to gain a basic understanding of current IC theories through the readings/discussion
c) to further understanding of the merits and demerits of our own cultural norms
d) to recognize ethnocentrism and cultural relativity
e) to develop a greater sensitivity to cultural differences

intercultural communication

Readings:
Before each class, students will be expected to read (in English) handouts provided during the course. Based on these readings, students are expected come to class and share their reactions.

Topics and theories to be covered in the semester:

(1) What is culture? Why study it?
(2) Cultural models of understanding
(3) IC theory (e.g. high-low power distance, high-low context, time orientations)
(4) Japanese/English communication norms
(5) Cultural biases
(6) cross-cultural conversation analysis

Readings, in-class discussions, oral presentations, written papers

A lot of reading (in English) will be required outside the classroom.

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

Class participation: 20%
Presentations 40%
Essay Exams: 40%

* Students who fail to attend at least 2/3 of the class will receive 0 for a final score.

1) Students shall be assigned 1-2 oral presentation assignments. The oral presentation will be graded on your ability to:
Develop, research, and organize your ideas.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic IC theory
2) Several essay exams relating to some aspect(s) of intercultural communication will be required.Papers will be graded both from a grammatical point of view (spelling, grammar, proper formatting, page numbering, referencing style), and for content (quality of research, presentation, writing style, clarity of expression, perceived effort).

None. The course readings will be taken from the following sources:

Ting-Toomey, S. and Chung, L.C. (2012) Understanding Intercultural Communication. 2nd ed. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury Publishing Co.

Fons Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, C. (1999). Riding The Waves of Culture: Understanding Cultural Diversity in Global Business. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw Hill

Yamada, H. (1997). Different Games, Different Rules: Why Americans and Japanese Misunderstand Each Other. New York: OUP.

This course is taught entirely in English at a higher level than undergraduate courses. Students are expected to have a good command of English in speaking and writing (e.g. TOEIC 525+).

Tues. 1:00 - 2:40