Course Description
This highly interactive, face-to-face course provides an understanding of the interpersonal communication skills required to develop constructive relationships in the multicultural workplace. In the first part of the course, selected foundational theory, sources of interpersonal difference and barriers to understanding are examined. The latter part of the course emphasizes workplace application of cross-cultural interpersonal communication skills and strategies. Leadership, small group communication, and professional and ethical
issues in the multicultural workplace are investigated.
Learning Activities
This course will emphasize experiential learning, will utilize interactive teaching methods and will require active student participation both in and beyond the classroom. Working individually or in small groups, students will be involved in the discussion, analysis and interpretation of face-to-face interpersonal communication as it applies to the multicultural workplace. They will practice intercultural communication skills in simulated workplace settings and in role play situations. Role plays may be audio- or video-taped for the purposes of informed self- and peer-evaluation. Students are likely to conduct research with human participants as part of course requirements and evaluation. Instructors are responsible for making sure that such research is conducted in a manner consistent with College research ethics policies and federal policies.
Means of Assessment
Evaluation in this course includes a combination of self-, peer and instructor assessment. The following is one example of assessment components and weighting:
| Case Studies and Double Entry Journal |
20% |
| Interview with Professional who Experiences Cultural Difference in the Workplace |
30% |
| Description, Analysis and Discussion of an Intercultural Group |
20% |
| Skills Demonstration and Analysis |
15% |
| Attendance, Participation and Class Activities |
15% |
| |
100% |
Learning Outcomes
Overarching goal:
By the end of the course, students will be able to use basic theories and interpersonal skills to constructively frame and creatively address multicultural concerns, issues and problems in the workplace.
Knowledge:
Within the context of the multicultural workplace, students will be able to
- describe domestic circumstances that create the need for effective cross-cultural interpersonal communication skills
- exhibit basic foundational knowledge of terminology and selected models, theories and concepts useful in examining interpersonal communication across cultures
- account for some sources of misunderstanding across cultures and identify culturally different approaches to communicating about misunderstanding
- explain the elements of an interpersonal communication skill set for communicating across cultures
- discuss multicultural dynamics in small work groups
- elaborate on different leadership styles and their effects
- discuss ethical issues, standards and professional codes of ethics
Skills:
Within the context of the multicultural workplace, students will be able to
- use theory to analyze workplace-related cross-cultural encounters
- demonstrate skills and strategies for communicating interpersonally in a variety of workplace settings, including one-to-one encounters, small and large groups, telephone exchanges, meetings, and research, selection and appraisal interviews
- reflect on factors influencing the outcomes of interpersonal encounters across cultures and describe appropriate alternate approaches.
Awareness:
Within the context of the multicultural workplace, students will be able to
- show awareness of the influences of one’s own culture on interpersonal communication
- demonstrate increased awareness of workplace issues arising from cultural differences.
Attitude:
Within the context of the multicultural workplace, students will be able to
- cultivate a greater appreciation and enjoyment of interpersonal communication across cultures
- articulate, from their own perspective, the relevance of intercultural communication skills in professional undertakings.
Textbook Materials
Sample of Textbooks and Materials Appropriate for Communications 1217 to be Purchased in Current Edition by Students:
Brislin, R. Working with Cultural Differences: Dealing Effectively with Diversity in the Workplace. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger Publications.
Neuliep, J. W. Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Varnier, I., and Beamer, L. Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace. New York: McGraw- Hill Education.
An instructor-designed course pack to be used in place of a textbook.