Intercultural Communication (SCM499/599)

Dr. Charles H. Tardy Phone: 601-266-4278 The University of Southern Mississippi Fax: 601-266-4275 118 College Drive #5131 E-mail: charles.tardy@usm.edu Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 http: //ocean.st.usm.edu/~w306945 The Course

This course explores the impact of culture on human communication by examining the patterns of verbal and nonverbal communication that are exhibited by social, cultural, and ethnic groups of Great Britain. Course objectives include: 1) increasing students’ awareness of communication practices, norms, and rituals evident in London and Great Britain; and, 2)enhancing students’ understanding of key concepts and theories pertinent to intercultural communication. I select, coordinate, and integrate all topics, speakers, assignments, and activities. British faculty lecture, assign some readings, and direct out-of-class activities. Students will spend more time on field trips and other out-of-class activities than sitting in classrooms. Plans include two walking tours, attending a session of the House of Commons, observing social interaction in markets and parks, viewing a criminal trial at the Old Bailey, watching an improvisational performance at the Comedy Store, and a trip or two outside of London. Details, including photos, reading lists, and descriptions of daily schedules, from previous classes can be found at the course web site: http: ocean.st.usm.edu/~w3006945.

Assignments Journal (30%). Students must write an account (250 words) of the speaker/activity/reading for each major unit of the course. These will be turned in weekly. Exam (20%). A final essay exam will assess student understanding of assigned readings, lectures, and topics covered in class. Paper (50%). A 10-20 page paper based on research conducted in London will be due September 6. Attendance. Students are required to attend all class meetings Graduate Credit Graduate students have additional readings and are required to engage in additional meetings with the instructor each week to plan and conduct a cross-cultural research project. All assignments are adapted for the student’s educational background.

Tentative Course Schedule This is for illustrative purposes only. Specific topics, activities, and dates are subject to change. Accompanying reading assignments used in past years may be found at the course website: http: ocean.st.usm.edu/~w3006945.

July

6 Depart USA 7 Arrive London; first class meeting 8 Program orientation 9 Social Psychology of Language: pm London Alive 10 Language, field work; pm London Alive 11 Language, conclusion; pm London Alive 12 Field trip to House of Commons 13 Free 14 Free (Optional trip to Cantebury/Dover) 15 Free (Optional trip to Sailsbury/Stonehenge) 16 Social Interaction in Public Spaces: 17 Detecting Deception: 18 Humor; lecture; Comedy Store; 19 humor field observations 20 Free 21 Free 22 Depart London for Edinburgh

23 Field trip to English-Speaking Union 24 Field trip 25 Field trip 26 Free 27 Free 28 Free 29 Free 30 Free 31 Communication in the Courtroom (Old Bailey) August 1 Intergenerational Communication: 2 Communication in Ancient Civilizations (British Museum) 3 Classroom session; Student conferences, pm. 4 Examination day; pm free 5 Depart London for USA

If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires accommodations, he/she should contact the Office for Disability Accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies. Address:

The University of Southern Mississippi Office for Disability Accommodations

118 College Drive # 8586 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001

Voice Telephone: (601) 266-5024 or (228) 214-3232 Fax: (601) 266-6035 Individuals with hearing impairments can contact ODA using the Mississippi Relay

Service at 1-800-582-2233 (TTY) or email Suzy Hebert at Suzanne.Hebert@usm.edu.