Spring Online

Cross Cultural Communication

COMS 410--Four Quarter Hours

Dr. Roger C. Aden
Lasher 205
Ohio University--Athens Campus
(740) 593-4822
aden@ohio.edu

Please refer to the complete final course syllabus available on the course Website once the course begins.

Course
Description

This course combines theory and practice in communication across cultures. While learning about theoretical issues that underscore such communication, you’ll participate in online discussions and work through writing projects in which you put these theoretical issues into practice. In the process, I hope that you will achieve the following course objectives . . .

Prerequisites

Junior or Senior.

Methods of Course Instruction

All course content is presented on the World Wide Web; e-mail is used for submission of assignments, as well as for the instructor's evaluation and comments.

Course Objectives

  • an ability to mindfully interact with people from cultures different than your own

  • an appreciation for differences in cultural beliefs and communication practices

  • an awareness of your own “cultural baggage”

General Course Requirements

Two synthesis papers (students read a case study and then apply course concepts to analyze the case study) and a final paper (students analyze a problem—from their own experience, the experience of a friend or family member, or from a fictional film—of cross-cultural communication, then illustrate how it could have been avoided). Discussion board participation graded on quantity and quality; syllabus outlines expectations.

Materials

 

Required

Text(s)

  1. Judith N. Martin, Thomas K. Nakayama, & Lisa A. Flores (Eds.) (1998). Readings in cultural contexts. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. *1st edition, please. Try amazon.com, bookfinder.com, or half.com to find this book at a good price.

     

  1. A collection of readings available online through the class Blackboard site. You must have an OAK account and password to connect to this site.


Note: The books for the course are in stock at College Bookstore, (740) 594-3505. Click here for online ordering.

Exams
Requirements

None

Call the Ohio University Online Staff at 1-888-551-6446 if you have questions about this course or the enrollment process.


Call the education counselors in Lifelong and Distance Learning at (740) 593-2910 for information about online degree opportunities from Ohio University.