Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Winter 2005

Comm. 110: Intercultural Communication Spring ’05

Chiung Hwang Chen, Ph.D.

Office: MFB 208

Phone: 293-3304

Office Hours: MWF 10-11 a.m.

Course description and objectives

This course is a broad introduction to issues in intercultural communication. Human communication has become more and more exciting and, at the same time, challenging than ever before as the advanced communication technologies and transportation bring people from different cultures together in greater frequency and duration.

Our primary emphasis in this course will be on the process of communication when people of two or more cultures interact. BYU-Hawaii, the most diverse campus in the United States, provides an excellent real-life lab for us to examine the interaction between cultures. In other words, we will consider intercultural communication as relevant to our individual and social lives here on campus.

As we engage our topics and readings, we will assume we are world citizens in the global village. Our understanding of human interaction will hopefully help us become better citizens and neighbors to our fellow villagers.

The objectives of this course are three-fold:

1. We will become aware of the way in which each of us are walking and talking cultural artifacts—we are socially constructed and historically situated.

2. We will become aware of “others” as cultural artifacts of a different sort than ourselves, and

3. We will learn useful concepts and communication skills to assist us in navigating the complexities of intercultural relations, so that we can situate ourselves positively to cultural differences.

Class readings

Blackboard articles (see reading schedule)

Grading

Papers 35%

Daily quiz 25%

Reading summary 20%

Class attendance and participation 20%

You are expected to read assigned readings before class because

a) a daily quiz will take place at the beginning of each class period (No make-up quizzes will be given.);

b) you need to hand in a two- to three- short paragraph summary/comments on each reading at the beginning of each class period; and

c) you need to be ready to participate in class discussion.

You are also expected to write three 4- to 5-page papers:

Paper #1: Your personal experience at BYU-Hawaii. You can elaborate on cultural differences and challenges on adjusting to a new environment, food, people, etc. It is due on May 11 by 5 p.m. in my office. No email assignment will be accepted.

Paper # 2: Your observation and/or experience of cultural conflicts (or harmony) on campus or in Hawaii. Pay attention to various types of stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination and how people deal with or solve these situations/problems. Due: June 1 by 5 p.m.

Paper #3: A group project on the topic of your choice. Details will be discussed in class. Due: June 14 by 5 p.m.

Papers turned in late are penalized 10% and an additional 5% each day thereafter. Your writing needs to be acceptable for college English proficiency. Get help from the Writing/Reading Center if necessary. I will not accept papers that are poorly written.

Reading schedule

Date	Class material	Location
4/27	Course introduction; concepts of culture and communication
4/29	Understanding of intercultural communication; Paradox of culture	Basic folder
5/2	Communication in a global village; Principles of empathic communication	Basic folder
5/4	I am a door Voicing identities somewhere in the mist of two worlds	Identity folder
5/6	Video: The allegory of the cave Sojourner Adaptation	Identity folder
5/9	Fastening and unfastening identities: negotiating identity in Hawaii	Identity folder
5/11	The nexus of language communication Discriminating attitudes toward speech	Language folder
5/13	Speech evaluation of intergroup dialect differences Help! My professor (or doctor or boss) doesn’t talk English!	Language folder
5/16	The power of hidden culture; Monochronic and polychronic time	Non-verbal folder
5/18	Rhythm and body movement Context and meaning Contexts, high and low	Non-verbal folder
5/20	Who’s got the room at the top? “Why Can’t I speak?”	Gender folder
5/23	Gendered speech communities Gender and nonverbal communication	Gender folder
5/25	Lecture: stereotype, prejudice, racism Unpacking group-based intolerance	Race folder
5/27	Video: Bar-B-Q Area; Ola	Race folder
5/30	Memorial Day
6/1	Reflections on harmony amidst diversity at BYUH Managing intercultural conflicts effectively	Conflict
6/3	The story of a Chinese man and an American woman The challenges of intercultural marriage	Dating and marriage
6/6	Pom’s engagement The universality of the gospel	Dating and marriage Religion
6/8	The church’s cross-cultural encounters Almost Like us	Religion
6/10	Cultivate righteous traditions Doctrine of inclusion	Religion
6/13	Group project presentations

Special Needs

Brigham Young University-Hawai'i is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere, which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the students with Special Need Coordinator, Leilani A'una at 293-3518. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Human Resource Services at 780-8875.

Preventing Sexual Harassment

Title IX of the education amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds, including Federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please contact the Human Resource Services at 780-8875 (24 hours).