CMST& 240 - Intercultural Communication

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Theory and practice of intercultural communication; understanding culture and cultural differences, both internationally and domestically, while working to develop the skills necessary to improve effective communication and relationships across cultures. Formerly: CMST 201 and SPCH 201.
Course Outcomes:

Compare the communication behaviors and views of different cultures.
Explain how intercultural communication is influenced by perceptions, language usage, nonverbal communication, ethics, values, cultural patterns and thinking modes.
Describe effective intercultural communication skills.
Defend the value of effective intercultural skills.
Analyze identity in relation to culture, worldviews, behaviors, blind spots, and potentialities.
Apply the concepts and vocabulary of the intercultural communication in written work or discussions.
Apply techniques to use during professional/personal intercultural relationships, including active listening.
Contrast verbal and nonverbal communication with an emphasis on cultural differences in nonverbal behavior.
Identify the characteristics and types of popular culture.
Explain the importance of popular culture in intercultural communication.

Course Topics:

Perceptions
Language usage
Nonverbal communication
Cultural patterns and thinking modes
Values and ethics
Intercultural communication and self-awareness
Critical thinking and intercultural interactions (managing emotions)
Understanding external influences on communication
Self-disclosure
Listening skills and responding skills
Emotions
Verbal expression
Communication skill building for professional settings (example: health care)
Navigating communication barriers
Building trust
Relationships (friends, colleagues, romantic relationships, familial relationships)
Conflict management

Course Attribute(s): Communication, Diversity, PT Human Relations, PT Oral Communication