Busan University of Foreign Studies
Graduate School of TESOL
TES 517 Cross Cultural Communication
Spring 2014: March 8 ~ June 21, 2014
Instructor: Rob Whyte B.A. M.Sc.
Website: eslwriting.org – go to CONTENT
Materials: Online materials for in-class use, plus links and, occasionally, hard copy content as well.
COURSE OVERVIEW
In his 2005 book, The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman argues the modern world has undergone significant transformation and integration, a process that has created social, political and economic challenges, as well as opportunities. What is so unique about the state of today’s global integration, called Globalization 3.0, is the degree to which individuals have the chance to collaborate and compete globally.
If greater international collaboration and competition are the key features of this brave new world, then it follows that effective communication across cultural boundaries is an essential part of globalization 3.0.
Cross cultural communication might sound easy. But in actuality, it can be fraught with misunderstanding which can lead to shock, tension and occasionally conflict. Why is communication so difficult?
One reason, among a panoply of factors, is cultural perception. Humans interpret “reality” through the lens of their own culture and assume that others see the same truth. Or, perhaps more dramatically, believe their own (culturally defined) perceptions represent the an objective reality while others have a distorted, subjective view because of a cultural bias.
Untangling the knotty problem of culture, perception and communication in a cross cultural setting will be the focus of our class. We will explore humans as cultural beings by investigating some of the great existential questions: who are we, how do we think, what do we say, how do we say it and how do we teach it?
During this course we will explore these questions through multiple perspectives which include culture & Identity, patterns of communication, the relationship between language & culture, the outsider, gender, technology and multiculturalism.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
While the direction of this course might appear quite lofty, in practice, we are constrained by time. So, we will be taking take a sojourn into the world of cross cultural communication. One part investigative and one part reflective, the broad goal is to improve your knowledge and skills by untwining the cross cultural communication puzzle.
- Understand basic concepts in the field of cross cultural communication.
- Develop an understanding of the dynamic relationship between culture, perception, identity and communication.
- Provide a framework for understanding and examining cultural similarities and differences.
- Explain the role and importance of nonverbal communication.
- Identify barriers to effective cross cultural communication.
- Develop skills to improve cross cultural communication.
- Explore the cross cultural communication role in English education.
APPROACH
This is an interdisciplinary class that provides an introduction to the key questions that define cross cultural communication in increasingly connected and mobile world, in general, and Korean population in particular.
I aim to make this course as interesting and applicable to students’ real lives as possible. As such, we will use academic readings along with authentic sources like published articles, blog posts, online presentations, and videos. In other words, a cornucopia of content and ideas to stimulate your thinking, expand your horizons and enliven your experience.
Each week, generally, we will focus on a specific issue and one set of core questions related to cross cultural communication (heretofore known as CCC). Required assignments and supplemental material will be posted on the course website; there is a separate web page for each week. Students are encouraged to seek out other materials that address the core questions as well.
It is my hope that by engaging with the material beforehand (i.e. doing the required amount of reading and thinking), our class discussions will be more interesting and will include a broad range of perspectives.
CLASSROOM DYNAMICS
If all goes according to my grand master plan, this will be an interactive learning experience. Questions and discussions about culture, identity, stereotypes, personal experiences and critical notions are bound to stimulate thought, prompt the occasional “ah-ah” moment and, at times, cross your personal boundaries. If you ever feel uncomfortable about a cross cultural question please feel free to say, “That’s a bit personal.”
If we can learn anything about cross cultural communication, it surely must be this: all wisdom begins with tolerance, acceptance and empathy.
METHOD
Methods of instruction will include (short) lecture style presentations, online interactions, and group discussions. Students will be required to post at least 10 reflective writings during the course of the semester.
EVALUATION
10% attendance
10% participation
10% reflective writings
25% mid-term exam
25% final exam
20% in class projects (two projects, 10% each, schedule TBA)
NOTES
- Please make every effort to arrive on time. If you are absent, be sure to check the course website for information about any assignments.
- Turn cell phones off (or silence them) unless they are being used as part of a class activity.
- Feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns regarding any aspect of this course.
- This syllabus is subject to change according to the needs of class participants and occasional schedule interruptions.
CLASS SCHEDULE
1. March 7 (introduction)
2. March 14
3. March 21
4. March 28
5. April 4
6. April 11
7. April 18 (review)
8. April 25 (mid term exam)
9. May 2
10. May 9
11. May 16
12. May 23
13. May 30 (review)
14. June 6 (holiday)
15. Reading week
16. June 13 (final exam)
CONTACT
D570, Office hours Mon 5-6pm, Thurs 12-1, Fri 12-1pm and 4-5pm