CMNS 200 Intercultural Communications explores the inherent relationship between culture, language, and communication, as well as examines basic concepts such as identity, assumptions, stereotypes, beliefs, value systems, and globalization. Barriers to effective intercultural communication are identified and strategies for overcoming them explored. The focus of this course is to help students develop meaningful strategies to communicate in today's culturally diverse communities.
Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the importance of developing effective intercultural communication competence
- Explain foundational intercultural communication theories, concepts, frameworks, and models
- Describe the major factors influencing the communication process in an intercultural context
- Examine their own cultural background and analyze the influence it might have on their communication
- Apply strategies and techniques for communicating more effectively with people from other cultures
- Demonstrate intercultural sensitivity through developed skills
- Outline problem-solving strategies for intercultural conflict resolution
- Assess social and ethical issues in intercultural communication
Teaching and Learning Approach
This course is delivered in-person supplemented by online resources.
Interactive teaching methods require student engagement both within and beyond the classroom.
Teachers will use academic and theoretical knowledge to coach and facilitate active student learning.
Interactive teaching methods may include the following: Lecture, academic readings, videos/film, literature,
guest speakers, cultural informants, class exchanges, simulations and briefings, artistic representations,
media reports/stories, student interviews, class discussions, and role-plays.
Working individually and in groups, students are expected to discuss, analyze, and interpret intercultural
communication.
Active participation of students may include the following in-class activities: Role-plays, negotiations, interviews,
group discussions, group projects, problem-solving, case studies, debates, discussions, presentations, film/video
analyses, cultural manifestos, quick writes, brainstorming, conflict-resolution exercises, dramatizations, lecture
summaries, impromptu presentations, diagnostic self-assessments, and self-evaluations.
Course topics and content may include: Imperatives for intercultural communication, culture and cultural identity,
interpersonal communication, values orientations, seminal works of scholars such as Hall, Hofstede, and
Bennett, cultural patterns, obstacles to intercultural communication, uncertainty reduction theory, ethnocentrism,
discrimination, racism, prejudice, verbal and non-verbal communication, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, kinesics,
proxemics, chronemics, cultural relativity, culture shock, communication styles, relational styles, globalization and
media, and intercultural competence.Learning Resources
Textbooks:
A current edition of a text such as the following may be selected:
Lustig, M.W. & Koester, J. Intercultural competence: Interpersonal communication across cultures. Harper Collins
College Books.
Suderman, J. Understanding intercultural communication. Nelson College Indigenous.
Neuliep, J.W. Intercultural communication: A contextual approach. Sage Publications
Liu, S, Volcic, A. & Gaollis, C. Introducing intercultural communication: Global cultures and contexts. Sage.
Additional Resources:
Instructor developed material: lecture notes, online academic articles, websites, and videos.
Weekly readings may be available on moodle.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to Intercultural Communication as a field; Interrelated Terms; Imperatives for and Advantages of Intercultural Competence
2. Defining Interpersonal Communication; the Communication Process; Interpretation
3. Defining Culture; Cultural Identity; Developmental models of Intercultural Communication
4. Taxonomies for understanding intercultural communication: Kluckhohn and Strodbeck’s values orientations, Hall’s High and Low Context
5. Taxonomies for understanding intercultural communication: Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
6. The influence of cultural values, norms, beliefs, practices, & rules on the intercultural communication process
7. Obstacles to Intercultural Communication: Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Ethnocentrism, Discrimination, Racism, & Prejudice
8. Globalization, Media, Technology, and Popular Culture, Cultural Change, Power Relations, Indigenous Relations.
9. Verbal Codes: Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, Linguistic Relativity, Communication Styles, Persuasive Styles, Relational Styles, Maintaining "Face"
10. Non-verbal Codes: Kinesics/Body Language, Paralanguage, use of Silence, Proxemics/Personal Space, Chronemics, Monochronic & Polychronic Time, Olfatics, Touch, Eye Contact
11. Contexts for Intercultural Communication: Education, Business, Health Care, Tourism
12. Migration, Immigration, Acculturation, Cosmopolitanism
13. Models and theories of intercultural adaptation and cultural learning: Knowledge, Mindfulness, Skills, D.I.E. model, Attitude, Sensitivity
14. Ethical Issues in Intercultural Communication: Ethnocentrism, Cultural Relativity, Universal Ethics Review & Individual Project Final Presentations
15. Review & Individual Project Final Presentations Submission of projectsAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Participation, Professionalism, and In-class Activities | 4,6 | 20% |
| Reflective Journals | 2, 3,4, 8 | 20% |
| Assignments | 1, 2, 5,7 | 25% |
| Quizzes | 2, 3, 7 | 10% |
| Final Project & Presentation | 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.