course description
Description taken from Semester at Sea literature:
SEMS 108: Intercultural Communication, Semester at Sea (3 credits)
This course surveys the nature, processes and consequences of communication between individuals and groups from different cultures and subcultures. In addition to discussing case studies of cross-cultural misunderstandings and problems that have occurred in business situations, we'll engage in role-playing activities and games that introduce students to new ways of viewing their own cultural biases and assumptions. The topics and activities are designed to develop communication skills that improve competence in intercultural situations, particularly focusing on communication customs, gestures and communication styles of the countries visited on the voyage. Some of the varied topics we'll address include how culture affects such things as approaches to medical diagnoses, webpage design, classroom interaction between students and teachers, childrearing, authority and notions of the self. Methods of evalution include a midterm and final exam (20% each), a field journal (20%), in-class exercises and short writing assignments (20%), reading quizzes (10%) and class participation (10%).
SEMS 108: Intercultural Communication, Semester at Sea (3 credits)
This course surveys the nature, processes and consequences of communication between individuals and groups from different cultures and subcultures. In addition to discussing case studies of cross-cultural misunderstandings and problems that have occurred in business situations, we'll engage in role-playing activities and games that introduce students to new ways of viewing their own cultural biases and assumptions. The topics and activities are designed to develop communication skills that improve competence in intercultural situations, particularly focusing on communication customs, gestures and communication styles of the countries visited on the voyage. Some of the varied topics we'll address include how culture affects such things as approaches to medical diagnoses, webpage design, classroom interaction between students and teachers, childrearing, authority and notions of the self. Methods of evalution include a midterm and final exam (20% each), a field journal (20%), in-class exercises and short writing assignments (20%), reading quizzes (10%) and class participation (10%).
