Communication Arts - COMA 240

Course Description

This course is designed to enhance foundational knowledge in the discipline of communication studies. Students will learn the value of studying intercultural communication in an increasingly diverse and interrelated world. Topics of study will also include how culture influences identity, worldview, the global marketplace and the media, as well as conflict and barriers to effective communication across cultures. Students will practice skills necessary for cultural sensitivity and communication competence.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Articulate the value of studying intercultural communication in an increasingly diverse world.
• Describe the interrelatedness of communication, identity, power and culture.
• Illustrate how history, sociology and politics influence and are influenced by intercultural communication.
• Define fundamental qualities of intercultural contexts and orientations.
• Explain your cultural identity and worldview.
• Analyze your cultural environment.
• Summarize key components of communication competence in a cultural context.
• Differentiate the features of diversity, prejudice and ethnocentrism as they relate to intercultural communication.
• Compare key concepts of language and nonverbal codes among different cultures.
• Describe intercultural communication in the global marketplace.
• Classify communication rituals and artifacts among cultures and subcultures.
• Evaluate intercultural communication conflict and the connection to the media.
• Explain barriers to effective intercultural communication.
• Exercise intercultural sensitivity and cultural competence in relationships and social situations.

Course Schedule