MCCCD Program Description

Elements of Intercultural Communication

Course: COM263

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Diverse cultural contexts are explored through basic concepts, principles, and theories of intercultural communication. Discovering effective interaction and appropriate communication in a global community is emphasized.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify national and global environments which necessitate the study of intercultural communication. (I) 2. Assess self-awareness through cultural identity. (I) 3. Identify the nature, elements, and impact of culture on communication. (I, II) 4. Describe the influence of culture on the perception process. (III) 5. Explain similarities and differences of the basic elements of verbal and nonverbal communication, beliefs and value systems across cultures. (III, V, VII) 6. Explain the concepts of stereotyping, discrimination, prejudice, racism and identify strategies to overcome these systemic influences. (IV) 7. Demonstrate strategies for resolving perceptual differences. (IV) 8. Identify potential barriers to intercultural communication. (VI) 9. Apply strategies to overcome language barriers from a regional, national and global perspective. (VI) 10. Describe the elements of cultural conflict and culture shock. (VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Nature of culture and communication A. Definition and elements B. Examples of cultural differences and similarities C. Aspects of learned behaviors D. Impact of culture on personality and self awareness II. Nature of the intercultural communication process A. Definition, elements, and types of intercultural communication and barriers B. Responsibilities and skills of senders and receivers C. Models of intercultural communication III. Nature of perception A. Perceptual problems across cultures 1. Interpret how identity, behaviors, material culture and systems might be perceived from an outsiders perspective. B. Nature and impact of stereotypes, prejudices, discrimination/racism and ethnocentrism C. Dealing with similarities and differences 1. Skills 2. Strategies D. Nature and impact of stereotypes , prejudices, discrimination and ethnocentrism. E. Skills of culture management/diversity management interracial, and international IV. Verbal and nonverbal codes of behavior A. Universal codes of behavior B. Cultural differences of behavior C. How to project effective behaviors across cultures D. Active listening, perception checking, feedback and responsiveness E. Coping with stresses of multicultural environments F. Expressing positive regard for another V. Culture conflict and culture shock A. Definition and elements B. Steps and process C. Preparation for cultural immersion D. Reverse culture shock and reentry to home culture VI. Communication issues and social challenges A. Challenges and issues B. Ethical issues and considerations critically analyze manifestations of cultural difference, including instances of intercultural conflict and cooperation C. Impact / Need for intercultural study 1. Tourism 2. Educational and cultural exchange 3. International business relations 4. International relations and conflict resolution 5. Communication in a changing world of media and technology 6. Impacts of globalization on culture, communication and social constructs 7. Cultural borrowing vs cultural appropriation. VII. Skills of an effective cross-cultural communicator A. Appreciation and respect for other cultures and their differences B. Active listening C. Perception checks and clarification of communication D. Find common ground and impartial views with someone whose values and preferences are different

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 26, 2018

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.