HUM 285I - Intercultural Communication, 3 credit hours

This course, taught in English by faculty of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, will complement the basic familiarity with intercultural communication. The goal is to analyze difficulties in communicating across cultural boundaries, misunderstandings arising from cultural differences and techniques for living and working successfully in an intercultural setting with a stress on international differences. The course utilizes film analyses, critical incidents, and other experiential learning techniques. Special focus will be on intercultural theories including monochronic vs. polychronic time orientation, an expansion of the basic value orientations, the interconnection of language and culture in both verbal and non-verbal communication and on studies of intercultural matters in specific contexts. It is required of foreign languages majors, but is appropriate for any student interested in cultural studies, those wishing to engage in international travel, study abroad or in working and living in an increasingly global society.