Spring Online

Cross Cultural Communication

COMS 410--Four Quarter Hours

Sheida Shirvani, Ph.D
Elson Hall Room 170 D
Ohio University--Zanesville Campus
614-657-1173 (Cell)
614-492-1306 (Home)
shirvani@ohiou.edu

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

Course
Description

This course studies communication between cultures, the fundamentals of intercultural communication, cultural differences, and their effects on communication.  The principal theme of the course is the pluralistic nature of the United States.  With its ethnic mix, diversity of cultures, and influx of people from abroad, knowledge of intercultural communication is vital for people to interact satisfactorily with others.  The heterogeneity of the nation’s population is a primary reason for studying intercultural communication.  People from all parts of the globe are crossing the country’s borders as tourists and students, for business purposes, and as immigrants intending to take up permanent residence.  If citizens are to create and maintain positive relationships with minimal hostility and friction, an understanding of how to communicate across cultures will prove a considerable.

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

  • Review pertinent literature in intercultural and cross-cultural communication;

  • Investigate basic problems and barriers in intercultural and cross-cultural communication;

  • Discuss possible solutions to intercultural and cross-cultural communication problems;

  • Provide practical suggestions for dealing with prejudice and intercultural/cross-cultural barriers;

  • Examine pedagogical techniques, strategies, and approaches suitable for adjusting our behavior in intercultural/cross-cultural communication contacts.

General Course Requirements

Discussion board  
2 Exams
Crosswords

Materials

Required

Text(s)
Neuliep, J. (2006).  Intercultural communication: A contextual approach.  London: Sage Publications.  ISBN 1-4129-1741-7 (Articles are available on library site).


Additional or Optional Materials
Book Report
Johnson, A. (2001).  Privilege, power and difference.  Boston:  McGraw Hill.  ISBN:  0-7674-2254-6 


Note: Books for the course are in stock at the Zane State/OUZ Campus Bookstore or College Book Store in Athens, (740) 594-3505. Click here for online ordering.

Exams
Requirements

2 exams - No proctoring required

How are exams to be taken:

Dates of Exams

Midterm - July 7 and 8, 2008

Final Exam - July 25 and 26, 2008

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.